GAA legend opens up about gambling addiction

A GAA legend who famously struggled with a gambling addiction came to Tyrone to share his experiences with young members of Carrickmore’s Éire Óg hurling club.

The talk by Armagh great Oisín McConville was a joint venture between the club, Sport NI and Sporting Chance, a charity founded by the retired English footballer, Tony Adams, for people in sports clubs to speak openly about addiction.

Oisín McConville has spoken out many time about his battle with gambling addiction, even writing a book called ‘The Gambler: Oisín McConville’s Story’ about the darkest days of his addiction and the six months he spent in rehabilitation.

Rory McCallan, who is the chair of Carrickmore Éire Óg, said the talk was both ‘brilliant’ and ‘informative’.

He said, “Oisín came to talk with us about his own experiences with addiction.

“The stories were about both his addiction and his stay in rehab.

“It was not just about gambling but addiction overall. He talked about how to see the signs of addiction and what to look out for in case you see the signs in a friend or family member.”

Mr McCallan added, “The event was organised by the club’s Health and Wellbeing officer, Sharon McElroy, and jointly-funded by both Sport NI and Sporting Chance, which is a great charity aimed at getting people to open up about their problems through sport.”