Coming out as gay Gaelic footballer ‘daunting

Mark Shields of Armagh admits it was “daunting” but says it was important to tell his own story because he first openly discussed his sexuality.

At last weekend’s Gaelic Players Association annual Pride Brunch, Shields, an All-Ireland champion with the Orchard County in 2024, discussed coming out in the GAA world.

Shields is the first male inter-county player to speak out about being gay since Donal Og Cusack, and Kevin Penrose, a member of the Tyrone club Aghyaran, also spoke about his experience on The GAA Social earlier this year.

Shields says he hopes his tale will aid young Gaelic gamers who are finding it difficult to express sexuality.

In a video posted on the GPA’s Instagram account, Shields stated, “I feel it’s just important to tell my own story of 12 to 15 years playing inter-county, my experience of rising through the ranks, and my experience playing senior inter-county in the male GAA environment.”

“When it was, around 10 or 12 years ago, it was a challenging task to come out.” Within the Armagh community, both the culture and the society have changed. I think I have more room to express myself. The group is more tolerant.

Whitecross clubman Shields claims some of the language in changing rooms was “hurtful” but that he now feels more supported by the GAA.

He said, “It’s been wonderful to have allyships and people supporting it on social media, in relation to GAA setups, and in relation to the GPA.”

I hope that younger players, whether male or female, who are not gendered in the GAA environment, can express themselves through speaking out and telling my story.

Shields continued that speaking with his sister prevented him from leaving.

He said, “I had to find someone I could trust, and that was my sister.”

I had a close relationship with my partner and my sister if we spoke frequently. Finding someone you trust and who you want to talk to has it.

When I was attempting to tell my story or come out, I found that to be very helpful. They were the ones who supported me wherever I was when I was feeling depressed or uneasy, in a dark place or in the dumps.