Paul O'Connell: Sport allows children and parents to connect, to make friends

Rugby legend Paul O’Connell tells Helen O’Callaghan why he is supporting Barnardos Big Active, a school-based initiative raising funds for vulnerable children and families

Paul O’Connell joins Amy Lydon, RJ Ragpala, Keagan Heatherington, and Ayana O’Callaghan as they invite schools to choose from a range of activities based on the body, mind, and heart, as part of the Barnardos Big Active campaign. Picture: Patrick Bolger

Paul O’Connell just has to think about how he feels when he hasn’t eaten for a while to get a sense of the great work Barnardos does for children and families nationwide.

The Ireland and Munster rugby legend is championing Barnardos Big Active, a school-based initiative that helps students of all ages and abilities focus on their health and wellbeing while helping others.