Former Cork hurler Conor Cusack has joined his brother Donal Og in revealing that he is gay.

The Cloyne player, who last year bravely spoke out about his battle with depression, moved to break down taboos about sexuality by revealing that he is attracted to men.

In a post on his blog under the heading 'To Thine Own Self Be True,' Conor (34) wrote: "I've known for a good while now that I have been sexually attracted to men.

"In that time, I've had relationships with women, and enjoyed them immensely but I've always had more fulfilment from being with a man. I'm not sure what label society would categorise me under.

"Life for me is never black or white but more about different shades of grey."

His brother, All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Donal Og, came out several years ago and has spoken with honesty about battling bigots on and off the pitch.

Yesterday younger brother Conor said: "I have been comfortable with this area of my life and I never felt the need to discuss it with anyone. That is until recently.

"I have never denied anything about this part of my life because no one has ever asked me the question. I often use Shakespeare's quote in my talks 'To thine own self be true so to no man can thoust ever be false again'.

"By me talking about this part of my life, I am being true to myself but more importantly right now, I am being true to all of those people that I am interacting with on a daily basis."

He added: "I believe nobody should have to talk publicly about matters to do with their mental health or with issues to do with their sexuality if they don't want to. I have chosen to do both."

He said that he had discussed his decision to go public with his parents Bonnie and Donal Snr and had their support.

He added: "My original blog was written in the hope that it would provide comfort to others that are struggling with issues to do with their mental health and help to break down the stigma and taboo associated with it. It's my firm belief that everyone has the right to be who they want to be in this world."

Conor now devotes a significant portion of his time to helping others battle depression, which he struggled with when he was younger.

He won nationwide praise for a previous blog post last October when he told how he made depression "my friend, not my enemy" and learned to manage his mental health issues.

Gareth Morgan

Irish Independent