If out of curiosity you come to see me play and can’t pick me out because we all wear helmets I’ll be the one just in front of the loudmouth on the terrace with the megaphone. He’ll be singing he’s gay/he’s bent/his ass is up for rent/ Dónal Óg/Dónal Óg. People around him will be looking embarrassed and I’ll be staring up the field. Not giving a fuck.”
— From openly gay Irish hurler Dónal Óg Cusack‘s speech at the opening of the Foyle Pride Festival, . In 2009, Cusack became the first high-profile Irish sportsman to come out of the closet.Watch the entire — and kind of amazing — speech below:
Kieran
What a terrific role model for the gay community. It makes you wonder why we don’t have brave Out athletes like Donal Og Cusack here in the United States. Maybe it’s because here in the United States being “gay” is still automatically and regularly equated with being an effeminate queen and very few athletes want to be identified with that.
madjack
If you want to read the text of Donal Og’s speech, you can find it here:
http://www.gaycork.com/2012/08/donal-og-cusacks-speech-from-foyle-pride-festival/
It’s well worth it. He’s got quite a way with words.
Fitz
It’s a very dignified and confident way to deal with the situation.
Avenger
I’m glad he’s in Ireland and not in the U.S., don’t bring that crap over here.
streeteditions
Couldn’t resist! He can hurl me anytime!
hassia
@avenger, I think it is you that needs to be avenged.