Roscommon woman overwhelmed by reaction to interview with snooker star Mark Allen
Roscommon Town native, Rachel Casey, was widely praised for her interview with snooker star, Mark Allen, last week.
A County Roscommon woman has admitted that her reaction to an interview that went viral with snooker star Mark Allen has been “overwhelming”.
Roscommon Town native Rachel Casey received widespread praise for her handling of her interview with Allen at the Northern Ireland Open where the snooker player admitted that he was suffering from mental health issues since his dramatic exit from the World Snooker Championships in April.
Casey was lauded for her professionalism and empathy as she comforted Allen during the heartbreaking interview.
Breaking her silence since the interview earlier this week, Casey admitted that the chat with Allen brought a “level of attention” she “neither sought nor expected.”
“Last Tuesday (week) I went to present snooker and interview the players for TNT Sports. I never imagined that one conversation would resonate with so many people in such a meaningful way.
“I’m so glad Mark is getting the support he needs and is doing well.
“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send me such kind messages.
“What has touched me most, is hearing from so many people who are facing their own struggles and who have told me that the interview meant something to them.
“If it has helped even a few people feel less alone, then that means more to me than I can say.
“To anyone out there who is struggling, please know that there is hope, and there can be a road back for you. Behind every athlete is a human being,” she concluded.
Since the interview, Allen released a statement confirming that he had been in a mental health clinic for the ten weeks leading up to the competition, adding that he was doing his best “to turn things around.”
Rachel Casey is a highly regarded presenter in horseracing and snooker circles in the UK, and regularly chats with some of the biggest names in both sports.
