Galway hurler Davy Glennon admitted that he has a 'burden off his back' after battling with a gambling addiction for several years.
Earlier this month Glennon was given 240 hours’ community service, in lieu of seven concurrent two-year sentences, after he pleaded guilty to the theft of an estimated €70,000 from his employers to fund his gambling.
"It’s nice to have a free mind and a free spirit," Glennon told Today with Sean O'Rourke.
"You can go out and put yourself forward in the best possible position and shape who you can be. It’s nice to have that burden off your back too after going through years of hardship and misery.
"It was an ongoing problem for years, it was probably going to come a day when something was going to be found out. The stick was going to have to break or I was going to have to say I need to do something badly.
"There were so many stories from gambling cars and money, to stealing money at home, money that was lying around. It was beg, borrow and steal. My family knew I was gambling, my parents were going to counselling because of my addiction."
After the extent of Glennon's gambling was revealed, his mother had to remortgage her house to pay back his debts. She was the anonymous donor that helped her son start afresh and he repays money each week from part-time work in a gym - an opportunity he is very thankful for.
"I was working with J&C Kenny. I had a massive debt because of my addiction. I left my position and I had to get three months of treatment.
"When I came out of treatment there was a massive bill there and it had to be sorted. My parents always said they never owed anyone any money and I was going to be the same.
"It was very embarrassing and I was ashamed of what I'd done and I had affected a lot of people.
"It was my dream job, it makes me sick what I did. I had a car and was going around in a suit, talking to people. It was a lot easier to pop into a public house or a hotel and talk about the match, it was an ice breaker and it opened up doors but I threw that away because of my addiction.
"I was a compulsive liar and a thief and I was basically doing everything I could to con people and get the cash to gamble. I had no conscience I had no respect for myself or anyone."
He added that he feels he is slowly regaining the trust of his parents, but believes it will never fully return.
Nearly three years on, he has agreed to become part of a GAA programme that warns of the dangers of gambling, especially given the rapid growth of it online among young people.
"It's not just the bookies. It's online where you can bet with the click of a button. My last time was 11 July 2015 and it will be the last time. I know that if I work hard.
"I know there are an awful lot of people out there suffering. If my story or experience [can help, I would welcome that].
"I'm no hero. I'm not a winner. At the end of the day I've done what I've done but I hold my hands up and try to make amends in the best possible way.
"My amends might not be enough for some people that I have hurt. But I'm trying to do my best to do it the best way possible. I'm going to drive on as much as I can.
"I've become involved with the GAA as they have set up a new gambling awareness campaign because of all the gambling that is out there. I know there is serious problems out there and if my story can help someone it'll be good work done."
During his dark days Glennon found solace in sport. He came on as substitute during the 2012 All-Ireland final and was also a member of the squad for last year's All-Ireland final win.
"Hurling for me was brilliant. It took away from the dark days. It made me a little bit positive when I had a good game or training session. Mentally I felt good when I crossed the white lines."
Galway defeated Kilkenny in the Leinster hurling championship on Sunday and although the 27 year old was part of the squad he didn't get a run.
As for 2018 and back-to-back All-Ireland titles for Galway?
"It's like anything. That's sport. You have to take one day at a time."
For more on problem gambling, visit http://www.gambleaware.ie/
