Gay footballer and influencer Kevin Penrose helps raise funds for Irish LGBTQ+ charity

Gay footballer and travel influencer Kevin Penrose has spoken candidly about the nerves he felt returning to the pitch after launching his podcast, The GAA Social.

The Tyrone Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) player, 31, described the experience as feeling like he was “coming out all over again” when the podcast aired earlier this year.

“I remember my first match back,” he said. “I thought, most of these lads have probably listened to the podcast recently, and I knew they knew. I felt nervous walking across the pitch and into the changing rooms - you get that bit of paranoia.”

But his fears were quickly eased. “Everything was grand. Lads met me at the changing room doors, shook my hand, and said well done.”

Since launching The GAA Social, Kevin has received messages from people who say the podcast helped them feel more comfortable with their own sexuality.

“As someone who’s come out within the GAA community, I’m passionate about allyship and inclusion, both on and off the pitch."

“Even now, months later, people still come up to me,” he said. “I came out three years ago, but the podcast felt like a second coming out - this time to a much wider audience, especially within the GAA community, which spans from teenagers to people in their 60s.”

He added, “It’s hard to know what to say in those moments. Every journey is different. But I’m glad people are finding comfort in it and seeing that there’s so much joy and goodness on the other side.”

However, not all the feedback has been positive. Kevin admitted that reading negative comments online, particularly on Facebook, was difficult.

“Facebook is a different demographic - older, mostly,” he said. “Some people were asking, ‘Why is he making a song and dance about coming out?’ or ‘Why do we need Pride Month?’ But those questions answer themselves. That kind of ignorance is exactly why we still need Pride.”

Despite the negativity, Kevin said he’s been fortunate not to experience direct hostility. “Most of those people probably didn’t even listen to the podcast - they just saw the headline.”

Kevin was speaking at the launch of SuperValu’s limited-edition Pride-themed Bag for Life. The vibrant rainbow tote, available in stores this month for €3, supports Belong To - LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland, with all profits going to the national youth organisation.

“I’m proud to partner with SuperValu for this campaign,” he said. “As someone who’s come out within the GAA community, I’m passionate about allyship and inclusion, both on and off the pitch.

“By buying one of these bags and ‘Carrying it with Pride,’ you’re sending a powerful message: no matter who you are, you belong.

“I hope this campaign gives people the courage to be themselves and reminds everyone to stand up as proud allies of the LGBTQ+ community.”