Indo Sport podcast: The football weekend with Pat Spillane & Philly McMahon
Today at 12:53
Will Slattery is joined by Philly McMahon in studio and Pat Spillane calling from the Kingdom for this review of the Gaelic football weekend.
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Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Armagh All-Ireland winner Mark Shields says coming out as gay was a 'daunting task'
Mark Shields hopes speaking about being a gay inter-county footballer will be of benefit to young Gaelic games players struggling to express their sexuality. At the GPA's annual Pride Brunch, the 2024 All-Ireland winner with Armagh spoke openly in front of an audience for the first time about being gay. He is the first active male inter-county player to speak about being gay since Cork hurler Donal Óg Cusack. "I feel it's just important to tell my own story of 12 - 15 years playing inter-county, my experience of coming through the ranks, being a senior inter-county player in the male GAA environment," Shields said in a video published on the GPA's social media accounts. "It was a daunting task coming out, whenever it was, about 10 - 12 years. The culture has changed within society, within the group in Armagh. I feel that I can express myself more. The group are more accepting. "The language used around the group is changing. There's people standing up for people, for myself in the group, whereas maybe that didn't happen that much before. I think the culture is changing within the GAA itself." Shields said that some of the language used in changing rooms in the past would have been "hurtful". He added that having the type of support he feels is now available would have made his situation much easier a decade ago. "It's been excellent to have allyships and people advocating for it in social media, and around GAA set-ups, and the GPA," he said. "I hope speaking out and telling my story will help that younger player, be it male or female, non-binary to express themselves in the GAA environment." Shields advised anyone struggling with their sexuality to find someone they can trust. "For me, it was process," he said "I had to find someone I trusted in, that was my sister; I spoke to my sister a lot, and would have a close relationship with her, my partner as well. It's finding that someone you trust and you want to express yourself to them. "I found that very helpful whenever I was trying to tell my story and trying to come out. They were the ones that stood by me throughout and supported me whenever I felt down or low in the dumps or in a dark place. "It doesn't have to be in front of a group; it can be a one-to-one conversation with someone. That's how I found it easier, to have that walk on the beach, in a forest or just chatting to someone over a coffee. That was the easiest way for myself."
Extra.ie
3 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Six months on, former Derry Captain Chrissy McKaigue is content with his decision to retire
Hanging up his boots last year former Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue is still getting used to the idea of watching from the side-line but says he is still happy that he decided to call it a day. Making his debut for his county team in 2008 against Monaghan, Chrissy has a list as long as his arm when it comes to achievements with Derry, including a national league medal and two Ulster championships medals and an All-Star in 2022. However, when it comes the star has no time for regrets and concentrates more on the achievements he accomplished along the way. Chrissy McKaigue in action for Derry. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Sitting down with Extra as part of the launch of this year's Electric Ireland's Minor Championship Chrissy is still immersed in the sport. 'I'm so, heavily involved with GAA still in the day job. I work in a secondary school, coordinating Gaelic games. Not only just boys, Gaelic games, the girls, camogie and ladies football is a heavy part of my remit also. 'I'm back playing football for Slaughtneil, my club and doing bits and pieces of media too regarding GAA.' When it comes to throwing on the county jersey though he said 'I'm content to walk away from Inter-county and I'm actually enjoying the freedom of not having it and put my energy into other facets of it.' Chrissy McKaigue at the 2025 Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Championship launch. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan 'And like, I didn't want to be that way, but it's just the way I was and It is, it's, it's, it wears heavy after a while and it certainly wears weighs heavy after 16 or 17 years, let me tell you.' The former defender who has come up against some of the best of the best over the years such as Dublin's Diarmuid Connolly and Kerry's David Clifford says it is relief to step away from the intensity of the game. 'I don't have be thinking about football or the pressures of inter-county football, because I don't take any pride in saying this, like I find it really difficult to switch off from the game. When the season started in inter-county until it finished, it probably captured too much of my thinking,' he said. Chrissy McKaigue tussling with Kerry's David Clifford. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Admitting that doing this for several years can take its toll on your mind. Looking forward to this year's season, the Derry man has full confidence in his former team believing that Sam is up for grabs from several contenders. 'It's been so long since we've had so many teams jockeying for possession in the race for Sam,' and this year all bets are off to who will be bringing the trophy home.
The 42
19 hours ago
- The 42
Páirc history maker Noonan: 'To come back wearing a different shirt, it's the same feeling'
CORK'S OWN SAOIRSE Noonan became the first sportsperson to play a competitive inter-county Gaelic football match and soccer international at Páirc Uí Chaoimh this evening. Not only did the hometown hero play, she also scored. Her second international goal, on her first competitive start for Ireland. The stuff of dreams. 'It was a bit surreal,' said Celtic striker Noonan. 'I was just trying to find my feet, ease my way into the game and not get caught up in the moment. It's unbelievable, I'm absolutely delighted. 'When it went in and hit off my head, I could just see it dipping. I don't even know how I celebrated or anything. I just had a little moment, took a deep breath and was back into focus, we wanted to get that next goal quick.' Unfortunately for Ireland, it never came. Noonan's 19th-minute header into the City End proved the winner against Slovenia on the night, but Carla Ward's side fell short of the four-goal victory needed to top Group B2 and secure automatic Nations League promotion. They now contest play-offs in October. It was a case of mixed emotions on Leeside, but pride was the overriding feeling for the multi-talented girl from Grange, with her family watching on. 'Since the new stadium's been built, I played here with the Cork ladies footballers at senior level [against Westmeath in the 2020 National League]. To come back wearing a different shirt, it's the same feeling, you're representing something you're really proud of. 'Carla called the team (out) last night. When I got the nod, I just told my parents and kept it a bit quiet and just tried to treat it like another game. 'It was really special. My grandad would've been a proud man tonight. He's at every game. And my granny, this is the first time she has seen me play senior [or Ireland], so it was emotional, it meant a lot to me. Advertisement 'Being in Cork is enough motivation in itself. Wearing the Irish jersey is enough motivation. You don't need anything else really, but it does add that little bit of grit.' Noonan in action for Cork in 2019. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO Noonan reflected on a positive team performance in front of 9,433 fans as Ireland rounded off their Nations League group with a fifth win from six. Not achieving the required goal tally was disappointing, of course, but the 25-year-old was optimistic post-match. 'The first thing was to go out and win the game but the bigger picture, we obviously wanted to get the (four) goals. We started off well, that's something we've spoken about the last few days. We had a lot of chances, possession, we played really well. They're a good team. 'When we got the goal, I think we thought a 1-0 lead, can we get another one before half time? That was the focus. We were pushing, we were unlucky, one or two decisions we could have made better. 'We have to be proud of ourselves, it's still a win and at international level, wins don't come easy. It's about building. This team is good, we're working hard every day, we're growing — you can see the growth. From the first time Carla came in to now, even for myself, I feel like each camp and each day, you feel like you're getting better.' It has been a whirlwind few months for Noonan, who ended a lengthy international absence with back-to-back substitute appearances, a start, and a goal. The dual star enjoyed a goal-laden season with Celtic in Scotland, and returned to the international fold having been overlooked in recent times. 'I have to thank Carla for bringing me back in and giving me minutes,' said Noonan. 'When I got the nod today, I felt I owed it to the staff. They've had so much belief in me. 'Look, Im delighted. We got the win, but we wanted the four goals and we wanted to top the group.'
