Ó hAilpín: Cusack revelations a ‘watershed in Irish history’

CORK GAA star Seán Óg Ó hAilpín has described his team-mate Donal Óg Cusack’s revelations about his sexuality as a “watershed in Irish history” — and revealed that he has been racially abused himself on the field of play.

Cusack’s autobiography describes homophobic chanting about the Cork ‘keeper by Tipperary supporters and racial chants directed at Ó hAilpín by Kilkenny supporters.

Yesterday Ó hAilpín compared the anti-racism regime in Australia with that in Ireland.

“The reason Donal Óg and I have a tight bond is because we’ve gone through the same thing on the field,” he said.

“Because of my background and his situation we’ve gone through the same pain on the field.

“It’s happened in the past and it’ll happen again.

“If you use racial abuse against an aboriginal player in Australian Rules you’ll be suspended, for instance.

“That’s viewed more seriously than kicking a guy in the head, but it isn’t policed as tightly in the GAA.

“I’m not going on a big campaign here about it — I’ve been involved in some anti-racism campaigns in the past, like Give Racism the Red Card, and no matter what you try to do, you will have ignorant people in society.

“Myself and Donal Óg are lucky in that we’re strong enough to deal with it, all you can hope is that decent people near the ones doing this chanting will tell them to stop.”

Ó hAilpín said the feedback he’d had from people about Cusack’s revelations of his homosexuality were “very positive”.

He said: “I’m delighted for him, particularly if he’s more at ease with himself because of it, if he’s more comfortable.

“You also have to pay a big tribute to his parents, who have been very strong and supportive of him. He’s the first fella to come out in sport.

“Sport is different, obviously – it’s a macho environment and it takes a very courageous person to come out in that environment. Going on the feedback I’ve had from people, it’s been very positive. I’ve met people who would have been against Donal Óg generally but even those people would have said to me, ‘that’s a brave call from him’.

“It’s a watershed in history, let’s be honest. We’ll look back on this as a historical event.”

He also stressed that Cusack’s team-mates “couldn’t give a hoot” about the player’s sexuality.

“I’m not surprised by the support he’s received from his team-mates,” said Ó hAilpín.

“If he was an unpleasant person it’d be one thing, but he’s a decent guy and, to be honest, the team couldn’t give a hoot if he was gay or lesbian or anything. He’s a decent individual and the bottom line is this: does he do the job for Cork in goal week in, week out? He does. The lads have been very supportive, but we knew for a long time anyway.

“He felt by coming out to his team-mates that it’d be a big thing to get off his chest and you have to go along with what he wanted. He shouldn’t be judged any differently now.’’

Regarding his own future, the 2005 All-Ireland-winning captain is hoping to play in the 2010 championship.

“I’m happy enough with how I feel and the early exit this year means the appetite is strong for next season.

“I’m hoping to be involved, but that’s (Cork manager) Denis Walsh’s decision. If it happens that he comes to me and says ‘we’re going with younger lads and you’re not part of our plans’, then I’ll shake his hand and say ‘thanks’ and move on.”