Irish rugby sevens star and 2019 Love Island winner Greg O'Shea was one of Ryan Tubridy's guests on The Late Late Show on Friday night, and his emotional appearance garnered a huge reaction online.
As well as speaking about his experiences with the Irish team, and on the popular reality TV series, O'Shea also delved into the struggles he had experienced with his mental health in recent years.
Greg O'Shea makes emotional Late Late Show appearance
Greg O'Shea won the 2019 edition of Love Island alongside Amber Gill but, after the two split in acrimonious circumstances only weeks later, O'Shea was targeted with consistent abuse online.
O'Shea received numerous threats from fans of the show on his social media pages, and said that his Irish teammates were even being sent instructions to hurt him.
When the sevens' team's Tokyo 2020 journey came to a close, O'Shea found himself struggling even more. He candidly spoke on The Late Late Show about the point where it all became too much after being told by a friend not to speak to him about his feelings. O'Shea revealed that he had suffered with suicidal thoughts.
A huge fair play to Greg O'Shea for sharing his story with us tonight 💚 #latelate | @GOSOfficialpage pic.twitter.com/Z7EzMJSAvP
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) January 6, 2023
O'Shea bravely said:
Not only am I spiralling mentally, I'm also embarrassed. I'm at home thinking 'I'm never speaking to anyone ever again, I'm never gonna try and talk about my feelings now.'
I'm driving the car - I remember it so vividly, and it's quite upsetting to recollect it.
I remember I was driving around Rathfarnam and it just became so overwhelming. I'm driving the car and I'm in convulsions of tears and shaking, and - I don't want to upset my mom, she's sitting right there - but I just wanted it all to end. I couldn't do it any more. I was so done, and thinking 'what's the point, like? I've worked so hard for so long and I'm just getting hate, no focus, what's the point in being here anymore?'
But then I thought, 'you know what, I'm gonna go talk to a medical professional.'
Greg O'Shea's revelation about his struggles with his mental health are so important, and O'Shea said he hoped to connect with and inspire others who may be suffering in similar ways but are struggling to speak to somebody about their tribulations.
The social media reaction to O'Shea's appearance on the Late Late was hugely positive, with viewers praising the rugby star for his honesty and bravery. Many also commented on his kind and pleasant personality on the show.
I’ve so much respect Greg O’Shea, what an incredibly honest interview #LateLateShow @GOSofficialpage
— Sian Cullen (@siancullen5678) January 6, 2023
Ireland should be very proud of Greg O’Shea. Continued success Greg! #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/zY6SIZeS51
— Ronan Gargan (@ronangnews) January 6, 2023
Fair play to Greg O’Shea for his honesty. I’m sure his interview will help so many others. #latelate
— Maureen Catterson (@MoCatterson) January 6, 2023
Wow. What an interview from Greg O’Shea. Raw emotion #LateLateShow #mentalhealth #LoveIsland
— Niall Loftus (@nialloftus) January 6, 2023
Inspirational interview with @GOSofficialpage Greg O’Shea. Grounded 👏🏻👏🏻 #latelate
— Mary Carroll (@Merser01) January 6, 2023
Greg O'Shea is a legend. Pass it on.#latelate #LateLateShow
— Adrian Heneghan (@Adrianheneghan) January 6, 2023
We should be spreading positivity online and in person. You really never know who is having mental health issues or feeling low etc..Greg O’Shea, fair play man for highlighting your last few years of your life! #LateLateShow
— Ronan Gargan (@ronangnews) January 6, 2023
I always think Greg O'Shea seems like a really nice guy #LateLateShow
— Michael Cronin (@coffeecronin) January 6, 2023
Greg O’Shea is a lovely, sincere and wonderful man. It took huge bravery to be honest about his loneliness & suicidal thoughts tonight.
Irish men - it’s OK not to be OK - ask for help and healing begins❤️🩹 https://t.co/lF7p4hj9hS— David Garrahy (@EuroCelt) January 6, 2023
Good interview with Greg O’Shea and good luck to him #LateLateShow
— RICHARD HOLDEN (@kirstyboy) January 6, 2023
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