Richie Sadlier opens up about childhood sexual abuse

Former Ireland international Richie Sadlier has opened up on The Late Late Show about sexual abuse he suffered as a young boy.

The RTÉ soccer pundit was speaking to Ryan Tubridy on the flagship programme ahead of his new memoir Recovering, which has already been nominated for the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of The Year award.

The former Millwall player spoke of the abuse he suffered as a 14-year-old boy as he recovered from a sports injury.

In a brave and poignant interview, Sadlier spoke of the guilt he felt in the aftermath of the abuse.

"I never had a conversation about it. So, I was left alone with my own interpretation of what happened. And my interpretation of what happened was, that this was my failing."

Sadlier spoke about how he tormented himself with questions about keeping the abuse to himself and his fear of people finding out.

Referencing the positive impact of counselling, Sadlier spoke about giving up drink at 32 and his marriage to his wife Fiona.

Richie Sadlier will be signing copies of his new book in Easons at 12:00 on Saturday in Dundrum Town Centre.