'It helps having family close if you're in hospital,' says Paudie

Sports commentator Paudie Palmer issues a rallying call for the return to Cork of a Stem Cell Transplant Unit for patients to be close to their family. He talks to Rita de Brún

Paudie Palmer at his home near Innishannon village, Cork. Following a life-saving operation in Galway, he was lucky enough to get to recover in CUH with family nearby. Pictures: Dan Linehan

Paudie Palmer is a name you may know. The popular columnist and broadcaster has a strong following for his work at The Echo, The Opinion and at C103 radio station. It’s one that’s positively reflected in the social media following he has amassed down the years.

When he’s not penning opinions, raconteuring, or delivering GAA commentaries or reports, Palmer can be found at St Brogan’s College in Brandon, working in home school community liaison.