'It’s made me re-evaluate how I interact with others': From fighting fires to fighting cancer

A health screening initiative at work led fireman Robbie Connell to a consultant and a prostate cancer diagnosis. The support he received from the Movember community made all the difference to his recovery,

Robbie Connell, who was treated for prostate cancer photographed at Trim Castle, County Meath. Photo:Barry Cronin

Robbie Connell describes the day he received news of his prostate cancer as a “blur”.

“It’s a surreal moment,” says the 58-year-old. “You see it in films and you think you’ll deal with it, but I felt like I almost didn’t know my name. My wife, Aisling, was with me, and she took in all the information.