Martin O’Neill apologises for controversial remark at public event in Cork

Martin O'Neill has apologised for his use of the word 'queers' at a public event in the Cork Opera House last week.

The Republic of Ireland manager was speaking at the event with Today FM's Matt Cooper when he was asked about his trip to the Super Bowl with Roy Keane. The Derry man responded by saying both Irish coaches Steve Guppy and Steve Walford accompanied the pair and added that he didn't want people to think him and Keane were "queers". It caused a bit of controversy but O'Neill used Monday's press conference to apologise and to clarify that he will try not to make inappropriate comments for the rest of his reign in charge of the national team.

"Yes, I was going to address this," he said. "If I have made inappropriate comments in the Opera House in Cork on Wednesday evening, I obviously apologise for it and I will attempt for the rest of my time here not to make such inappropriate comments."