Tyrone GAA star speaks about his "out of control" lifestyle

A Tyrone GAA star who turned to gay porn to fund his gambling addiction says he targeted people he knew, to try and get money. 

Cathal McCarron has launched a book describing his journey from a hardcore addict, to a man in recovery. 

Thanks for inviting me down to talk about my book @CrescentArts @OurLogie.... Enjoyed it 👍🏻

— Cathal McCarron (@mc_carron1) November 9, 2016

He's described the pain for his family and how he made up charity events to try and fund his habit in the bookies. 

The 29 year old was also threatened by paramilitaries and says it was a wake up call to change. 

"I want to get across how destructive addiction actually is. It nearly killed me." said the All Ireland winning player said.

"But, there is hope, there is light at end of the tunnel'

"Only a person suffering addiction will understand it. I think it's a hard hitting book. An honest book, and probably a difficult read. 

"I would have gambled all the money I earned, I still worked every day.

"When my money ran out I took it from family or came up with some new ploy to get more money. Addiction took over me." said McCarron. 

Cathal mccarron @mc_carron1 was honest, open and humble tonight @CrescentArts . Read the Book and then give an opinion.

— Adrian Logan (@OurLogie) November 9, 2016

The Tyrone footballer was dropped from the line-up of RTE's The Late Late Show, and dropped out of a BBC show last week to talk about the book. 

It is after the father of a 15-year-old girl he met through dating app, TINDER, hit out at the publicity. 

Cathal was questioned by gardaí over the meeting the teenager last year, but wasn't prosecuted.

McCarron said he did not realise the girl was underage.