GAA commentator Paudie Palmer - who died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident in west Cork - had the gift of joy and put as much effort and enthusiasm into his coverage of a match "in some unknown village" as he did to the "senior hurling final," his requiem mass has heard.
The 65-year-old commentator with Cork's 96FM and C103 died on 8 January at Cork University Hospital.
He was critically injured in a collision at Dunkereen Crossroads near Innishannon on 29 December.
Mourners at St Mary's Church in Innishannon heard that Mr Palmer, who was also a retired teacher and a columnist with The Echo newspaper, had loved every minute of what was to be his last Christmas with his first grandchild, Lucas Pádraig who was born last September.
His daughter Claire told the hundreds who had gathered for the funeral that her father had adored the newborn.
"Dad was looking forward to this year for so many reasons but being able to see his grandson Lucas grow and learn made his day," she said.
"And that has now been robbed from us and him.
"There has been a piece of all three of us lost forever more. Dad although you cannot be with us anymore you can rest easy knowing that your three girls will be well minded having such as close knit family rallying around us.
"Know that we loved you so very much and were proud to call Paudie Palmer our dad. Sleep tight, all our love, your three girls."
Prior to the mass, Mr Palmer's flag-covered coffin was carried from the centre of Innishannon to the church in relay by honour guards from various GAA clubs and St Brogan's College, where Mr Palmer taught for over 40 years.
Chief celebrant Fr Finbarr Crowley said that the biggest talent of the late Mr Palmer was that he instinctively grasped the importance of celebrating "the smallest and biggest (sporting) victories."
He said that the local community and beyond had been in shock since his death just days after Christmas.
"People who didn't even know Paudie, but who knew his voice," Fr Crowley said.
"People are just in a state of shock because he was part of all of our lives."
Fr Crowley emphasised that Mr Palmer always had time for people.
"He made the world a better place to live in by his unassuming character and presence," he said.
"His greatest gift was that he didn't realise the impact he was having on peoples lives. It was a natural instinct for Paudie to be there for people."
He described Mr Palmer as having a multitude of gifts including the palpable sense of joy he brought to his commentating.
"Whether it was for C103FM from some unknown village in Co Cork or senior hurling final it made no difference to Paudie or his listeners because we all lived the excitement," Fr Crowley said.
"But above all what Paudie got was that sense of community. The joy that a small village could celebrate a victory the same as the biggest club in Ireland could celebrate a victory.
"I don't think he realised what it did for every single community."
Love of his life
Meanwhile, Fr Crowley said that Mr Palmer had taught at St Brogan's in Bandon, Co Cork, where he was extremely well thought of by students and staff.
He thanked Mr Palmer's widow, "the love of his life" Colette, and the couple's two adult children for allowing him the freedom to indulge his passion for GAA.
Mr Palmer's brothers Johnny and Denis also spoke movingly of their eldest sibling.
Johnny thanked Colette and his two nieces for being a tower of strength to his brother when he was diagnosed with a serious illness in 2019.
He said that over the last 12 to 15 months Paudie was back doing things he loved.
Denis Palmer thanked the thousands of people who had queued in the rain to attend his brother's removal last night.
"We received an overwhelming amount of support to Paudie and how he was loved by all," Denis said.
"It has been a huge comfort to us during these difficult days.
"Unfortunately he died tragically. However today let's focus on the extraordinary life of Paudie.
"There are so many words to describe Paudie - witty, patient, selfless, generous with his time, positive, optimistic, a true rogue, non judgemental and a good listener. But the words that sum him up the most are family orientated. Family was everything to him."
Mr Palmer is survived by his wife Colette, his daughters Claire and Emily, his brothers Denis, Richie and John, his grandson Lucas Pádraig, his extended family, former colleagues at St Brogan's and a wide circle of friends in the sporting world.
A native of Kenmare, Co Kerry, Mr Palmer was the uncle of Claudine Keane, wife of former Ireland soccer international Robbie Keane, who both attended the mass. Ms Keane said a prayer of the faithful.
Other attendees included Bishop Fintan Gavin of the Diocese of Cork and Ross, GAA stars Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and Alan Quirke, Munster GAA Council PRO Bob Ryan, author Alice Taylor and C103/96FM Managing Director, Kieran McGeary.
Following the mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
A 33-year-old man has appeared in court charged in connection with the hit and run incident in which Mr Palmer sustained his injuries in Innishannon on 29 December.
He will appear before Bandon District Court again on 19 January.
