The gambler - Oisn McConville

For those that marveled at his sporting glories, Oisn McConville was a winner. In a career that marked him as one of the greatest and most gifted footballers of a generation, his life appeared a constant triumph. In all, he won 11 Ulster titles and four All-Irelands for club and county, picking up two All-Stars and becoming the top scorer in Ulster football along the way. But it was only on the pitch that winning was easy. Struggling to match the excitement and noise of Gaelic football, his personal life collapsed around him as he failed to fill the void of daily life. Rumors began circulating in his home village about how drinking problems had led to the closure of his pub and how his attitude was ill-suited to a star inter-county footballer. But all missed his true failing?gambling. What started out as a habit, soon became an overwhelming addiction and, as his debts mounted, football became his only sanctuary. It was a place to escape from those he owed and from those trying to tempt him into further darkness. McConville has managed to turn his life around with the help of his family and has kicked the gambling habit for good. Now, as he goes in search of one more All-Ireland win with Armagh, his triumph over himself is his greatest victory of all.