Dónal Óg Cusack has confirmed the widespread social media speculation that he is the prominent Irish sportsman who supplied disgraced sports journalist Tom Humphries with a character reference ahead of his sentencing for a variety of grooming and underage sex offences.
"My intention was to help a human in a dark space," he said in a prepared statement issued last night. "I absolutely condemn the crimes he has committed. I cannot begin to imagine the terrible suffering of the victim. I apologise for any hurt or offence caused by my action.
"I showed lack of judgement in this situation for which I am genuinely sorry. I will not be making any further comment and wish to let Justice take its course."

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— Dónal Óg Cusack (@DonalOgC) October 14, 2017