In this episode, Wales and Lions rugby legend Gareth Thomas talks to Gavin Cummiskey, reflecting on ten years since he told the world he was gay, the events that led to his decision to make it public and the impact on his life since then.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland outhalf and Leinster captain Johnny Sexton joins journalist Gavin Cummiskey on The Sports Chronicle to talk about perception versus reality when representing Ireland. Johnny is an ambassador for Laya Healthcare, the Official Health and Wellbeing Partner to Leinster Rugby. Laya healthcare recently released ‘The Sexton Series’ - a three-part digital series that you can watch now on Laya Healthcare Facebook, Twitter and You Tube channels - @LayaHealthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Ian McKinley.  Forced to retire from professional rugby with Leinster aged just 21 after losing the sight in his left eye, McKinley made his return to top flight rugby in Italy in 2014 using custom manufactured goggles.  Now an Italy International, the Dubliner will line out against his native Ireland in their showdown in Chicago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the return of the Heineken Champions Cup, Leinster backs coach Felipe Contepomi reflects on helping Leinster to its first title in 2009 and what it’s like to be back in the fold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma O'Reilly talks about her career as a soigneur in the world of cycling, life as part of Lance Armstrong's infamous US Postal team, and the effect of blowing the whistle on the “most sophisticated, professional and successful doping programme sport has ever seen.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick 'Rala' O'Reilly was the bagman for the Irish rugby team for over twenty years. Rala kindly brings The Irish Times journalist Gavin Cummiskey on a leisurely stroll through history, recalling his memories of Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Jamie Heaslip and many more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snooker legend Ken Doherty joins us to talk about the biscuit tin that aided his early development, missing multiple days of school, beating Stephen Hendry and much, much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland and Arsenal soccer player Louise Quinn joins Jenny Murphy of Irish rugby fame to discuss their sporting beginnings as adversaries, their developing friendship as team-mates, and their separate paths.Louise discusses the widely-publicised stand which she and her fellow Irish players took against the FAI, Arsene Wenger and much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian Browne saw his rugby career cut short by injury and has gone on to achieve incredible feats. Climbing Kilimanjaro, completing the Marathon Des Sables, and rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean to name but a few. But he's not stopping there.

In episode 3 of The Sports Chronicle podcast, Mayo GAA star Conor Mortimer reflects on his time with the county team. Regrets, rivalries, Diarmuid Connolly and much more.