Whitcross Club-Man Shields says that some languages used in the pre-changed room were “hurt”, but now it feels more supported within GAA.
He said, “It has been excellent for people and people advocating for it around the GAA set-up and GPA,” he said.
“I hope that telling and telling my story will help that young player, it is a male or woman, GAA to express himself in the environment.”
Shields said that talking to his sister before coming out helped him.
“I had to find someone I had faith in, she was my sister,” he said.
“I talked a lot to my sister, and with him, my partner will also have a close relationship. It is being known that you trust someone and you want to express yourself for them.
“I found that very helpful whenever I was trying to tell my story and come out. They were the ones who were standing by me and whenever I felt down or in a dump or in a dark place.
“It does not need to be in front of a group; it can be one-to-one conversation with someone. That’s why I found it easy, on the beach, in the forest or just to interact with someone above coffee. This was the easiest way for itself.”