Brennan: Sexuality shouldn't be an issue in the GAA
Dublin footballer Ger Brennan has reiterated his support of homosexual GAA players and insisted that he was surprised by how much attention the issue has gotten since his All-Ireland club final speech.
In that speech, St Vincent’s captain Brennan thanked the families and partners of the players – including girlfriends and boyfriends.
“You know, all the games down the country, Westmeath, Portlaoise, Parnell Park, up to Derry and indeed in Pairc An Chrocaigh and, without your support, we wouldn't have done the job today, so thanks very much,” he said.
“I think just, before I get on to our management, to the family; girlfriends, boyfriends of the players, everyone involved - there is a lot of work that goes into playing for your club team and, indeed, the county,” he added.
Speaking on radio this morning, Brennan said that he was surprised how much media attention his comment had garnered and said that he spoke from the heart rather than using pre-prepared remarks.
“Going into a final…I think it’s bad luck to be planning speeches. When I was speaking, I was speaking quite openly and generally and that’s the type of person I am,” he told Kathryn Thomas on Radio 1’s 'The John Murray Show' this morning.
“As a member of the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association, it’s all about diversity and inclusiveness. If a person, man or woman, is playing for their club or county I don’t see what their sexuality has to do with anything. It’s all about a person being happy and true to themselves,” he added.
He also modestly shied away from the praise he has received in the wake of his comments.
“I’ve been given plaudits but I don’t really like taking plaudits for something I would say quite naturally. I don’t see what all the fuss is about.
“I am someone who is very open to different people’s sexuality and it doesn’t bother me at all so it’s on that premise that I was quite surprised to hear how much media attention it did gather,” the St Vincents captain remarked.
