'A great character': Tributes paid following death of GAA commentator Paudie Palmer
Paudie Palmer at his home near Innishannon village, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has paid tribute to legendary GAA broadcaster Paudie Palmer, who has died aged 65 after a hit-and-run incident in Innishannon, Co Cork.
Mr Martin described the news as devastating.
Mr Palmer was severely injured in the incident which happened close to his home in West Cork on December 30. He died in the early hours of this morning. at Cork University Hospital.
Mr Martin offered his sympathies to Mr Palmer’s family for their enormous loss which he said would also be felt in the wider sporting community across Cork and across the country.
“This is a huge loss,” he said.
“Paudie has been part of all our lives for many many years now - particularly those of us involved in sport and Gaelic games. We relished every word he said.”
Deeply saddened at the passing of Paudie Palmer, the voice of Gaelic games in Cork for many years.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 8, 2023
His sporting knowledge and insights were deep and broad, and people loved to hear his voice and read his columns.
He will be sorely missed by all.
Mr Martin said Mr Palmer had a deep Gaelic sport background and added: “He understood it instinctively, and he had the respect of all those involved in Gaelic games in particular and in the world of sport more generally.
“He had wonderful insights into the game.
“We will miss him greatly because he was such a distinctive voice, particularly through radio and through newsprint, in The Echo, through his various columns and articles.
“We all looked forward to reading them, and also to get his insights on the inter-county scene, and indeed on the club scene here in Cork as well.
“He always had the capacity to create debate around the sport and I think people in sport in general will mourn his passing.”
Today We lost our lovely, talented, Kind, charismatic and witty uncle the legend @PaudieP We are so heartbroken by his tragic passing but the outpouring of condolences just epitomises a man that was loved & respected by so https://t.co/vgPqZBPZ7o love you 🙏🏼🕊💔#paudiepalmer pic.twitter.com/2TIUzNrHxH
— Claudine Keane (@ClaudineKeane1) January 8, 2023
He is survived by his wife Colette, daughters Claire and Emily, grandson Lucas, brothers Denis, John and Richie, extended family and multitudes of friends.
Mr Palmer is the uncle and godfather of Claudine Keane, model and wife of former Ireland international football player, Robbie Keane.
Ms Keane paid tribute to Mr Palmer by saying "no one had a way with words" like her uncle. She described him as "lovely, talented, kind, charismatic and witty".
"We are so heartbroken by his tragic passing but the outpouring of condolences just epitomises a man that was loved and respected by so many," she said.
Kieran McGeary, CEO of and , expressed his sincere condolences to Mr Palmer's family and said everyone is "just trying to get our heads around this".
"Obviously, you know, it's not the news that any of us wanted to wake up to this morning," Mr McGeary told the .
"Paudie was definitely a great character, and a gentleman, and I enjoyed working with him, and always enjoyed his company and he'll be sadly missed as a member of our team."
He added: "It's hard to imagine even our own commentaries without Paudie, so it's a tough day for everybody.
"On behalf of all the management and staff I want to extend our condolences to his wife Colette and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.“
Cork GAA said he has been "a brilliant servant to our games" during his many years as a commentator.
"The press box in Cork and around the country will be a lonely place without his presence," the organisation said.
A native of Templenoe in Kerry, but originally from Blackwater, Mr Palmer was a well-known GAA commentator who worked with C103 and worked as a teacher, spending most of his professional life at St Brogan’s College in Bandon.
Man remanded in custody
Bohdan Bezverkhyi appeared in court in relation to the incident on January 5.
The charges against Mr Bezverkhi include failing to offer assistance at the scene of a crash to the injured party, Mr Palmer, failing to report the occurrence, failing to keep his vehicle at the place of occurrence for a reasonable period and failing to stop his vehicle.
The court heard that when the Ukrainian national was subsequently charged under caution he expressed remorse for what had occurred.
Det Garda Manus O’Donnell O’Donnell said that various admissions were made by Mr Bezverkhyi at Bandon Garda Station.
“To the first charge, he said ‘I am guilty I want to apologise.’ (He subsequently said) ‘I am sorry, very sorry for what happened. I have no excuse. I am very sorry for my actions.’”
At Bandon District Court last Thursday, Sgt Paul Kelly told Judge James McNulty that the investigation is ongoing and is quite extensive, with gardaí awaiting reports prior to any directions from the DPP.
Solicitor for Mr Bezverkhyi, Myra Dinneen, said she consented to the Garda request for a further remand in custody until January 19 next, at which point she indicated she would make a bail application for her client.
She added that her client expresses regret for what happened.
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