Ghost-writing a Gaelic footballer’s autobiography can be a daunting task and the horrific experience suffered by one journalist a few years ago provides a lasting reminder of how it can all go horribly wrong.

There were many heavy hearts in Seamus Heaney’s spiritual home last night, but none heavier than Barney Devlin’s.

There were many heavy hearts in Seamus Heaney’s spiritual home today but none heavier than Barney Devlin’s.