A former Republic of Ireland soccer star has admitted being drunk and abusive outside a hotel earlier this summer.

At Tullamore District Court Judge Alan Mitchell gave soccer hero Paul McGrath the benefit of the probation act on condition he gives a day's training to the Tullamore Juvenile Soccer club in the next 6 months.

Gardai were called to the Tullamore Court Hotel in Tullamore in Offaly on June 29th this year at around 3am after staff reported his behaviour. Officers found him in the car park at the rear of the hotel where he was extremely intoxicated and had tried to get into two cars.

He was shouting in a disturbed manner, Inspector John Lawless said.

Solicitor Donal Farrelly said McGrath has an acute social phobia and usually avoids all public events unless with his agent who was unavailable to attend the family wedding in Tullamore.

Mr. Farrelly said McGrath was offered alcohol by friends and had been drinking on Friday and on Saturday when he was arrested.

'Extremely ashamed & embarrassed'

He said the separated father of 6 was extremely ashamed and embarrassed by the incident and the public humiliation of the court appearance was very painful for such a quiet and shy man.

Judge Alan Mitchell described McGrath's written apology as very forthright and acknowledged him as a national hero and one of the greatest footballers the country has ever produced.

He noted McGrath's 5 previous convictions for road traffic and public order offences but said it would a benefit to McGrath and to local young people if he did something for the community.

He said young people look up to McGrath and he wants to see something positive come from the incident.