TG4 viewers were full of praise for Johnny McGurk after his appearance on the latest instalment of Laochra Gael.
The renowned TG4 series comes to a close this season as it focuses in on the 1993 All-Ireland winner.
And McGurk made it one of the most memorable episodes yet as he opened up on his gambling addiction.
McGurk spoke to media ahead of the release of the show and said of his addiction: “The thing about it is it was £60,000 but, do you know something, it could have been £600,000 for me because I had no realisation what I was doing to myself in terms of gambling.
“I would still face that with my gambling.
“If I was stood outside a bookmaker’s now, I could very easily walk in and if somebody gave me £300,000 I could very easily get rid of that £300,000 in a matter of minutes.
“I just have no capability of dealing with it. At the time, every loss that came was just real despair.
“I was just living in a world where you are just trying to hide from yourself.
“You were basically saying you weren’t there and you weren’t doing it. That is the only way I could deal with it.
“I was an absolute shambles at that stage. My mind was everywhere. I wasn’t sleeping. Just complete despair.”
McGurk was sentenced to 10 months in prison in 2016 after pleading guilty to theft of over £500,000 and said of the time: "I went to court, it was adjourned a number of times, and then on the twelfth of May 2016 I was sentenced to 30 months, 10 in prison and 20 on licence.
"I left Antrim Court on the back of a prison bus. I cried tears, they were more tears of relief.
"I felt in my mind that it was the first day of a new life, more than anything else."
And TG4 viewers were full of praise for McGurk after his appearance.
One viewer said: "Fair play to @JohnJoxer5 for such a heartfelt & inspirational story. That was a great Derry team with the likes of @JoeBrolly1993, Tohill etc managed by the late great Eamon Coleman. Plus any man who kicks a winning point against The Dubs gets my seal of approval"
While another added: "Powerful @Laochra_Gael from @SportTG4 again. Johnny will always be a Doire legend, but to step out and open up like that on his story is first class from the man. Hopefully one person can be helped by watching that. Maith thú Johnny"
And another said: "What a watch that was #LaochraGael. That had to be so tough for Johnny McGurk to talk about that. Full credit to him. Another outstanding series. Well done @SportTG4 and all involved"./
McGurk won three National League titles with Derry as well as a All-Ireland title.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
