Dick Brazil is a name many will recognise from his byline in The Examiner, where he worked as a journalist for 45 years. Born in Limerick, he moved to Cork at 16, and 25 years ago made what he calls the best decision of his life – moving to Crosshaven. His love for the village deepened after a near-death experience eight years ago, when he was told he had six to twelve months to live without a liver transplant, and only a 20% chance of survival with it. He credits his recovery to his wife Mary and the Crosshaven community, whose positivity and support carried him through. Here, he shares how one simple move transformed his life, both in good times and bad and why he loves the village that keeps on giving.
Dick and his wife Mary initially lived in Glountaune. “I’ve lived in Crosshaven for over 25 years, in what was the old Grand Hotel, having moved to Cork from Limerick at 16. We spent many years in Glountaune, in a big house, but we didn’t have children so decided to downsize. When the chance came to buy an apartment in this historic building in Crosshaven, we jumped at it, it was the best decision of our lives.”
“ We were the first residents to move in. I knew the developer and got to choose, so we got spectacular views. I can see Currabinny Woods and the yachts at the RCYC, which dates back to 1720. There’s a bus stop right outside, and the greenway walk to Carrigaline is nearby.”
Crosshaven was a big holiday resort in the past and had regularly welcomed many familiar faces as Dick explained. “ Back in the 1950’s, Bob Geldof’s father was manager at the hotel and Rory Gallagher used to visit with his family. I still have some memorabilia like old room keys and the wine menu. As a journalist, I covered this hotel when they built the swimming pool in the late seventies. I reported on its opening, stayed overnight, and was thrown in fully clothed to christen the pool! Little did I know that I would live here one day.
Dick is steeped in journalism, as he explained. “Born in Limerick, my family ran the Examiner there for years, so newspapers were in my blood. Our home was the office, with van drivers dropping me to school. I won National Young Journalist of the Year and broke the story of the IRA arms surrender after a tip-off from John Hume. I spent about 45 years on day-to-day news, mostly with the Examiner, and I’m still working today, freelance, for myself.”
He sits on the fence when asked who he would support if Cork and Limerick were playing, he laughs. “When I’m in Crosshaven, a great GAA and soccer stronghold, I say I’m the ‘embassy of Limerick’ and even have the Treaty Stone in my hallway. But when I’m in Limerick, I say I’m from Cork. I’ll never forget my Limerick roots. I was very happy growing up there, but I adore Cork and its people.”
Within walking distance of where he lives are five beaches, including Blue Flag Fountainstown, Myrtleville, and Church Bay. “ I first came here as a five-year-old on holidays, Piper’s Amusements was already popular then and still is. Many decades later, the village has seen a lot of change, but I love it just as much.”
The sense of community here is outstanding,” he said. “Extraordinary ‘silent volunteers’ work all year keeping the village tidy, while schools, sporting clubs, and the council all contribute, you can walk around any time of day or night and feel safe.”
It’s lovely to see schoolchildren doing projects outdoors, like maths on the little chessboard in the square, which helps them connect with the village and all generations,” he said.
Eight years ago, Dick experienced a strong sense of community support when he needed a liver transplant. “People, young and old, would ask if they could help me or my wife Mary ,” he said.
“In September 2016, I met the consultant in Dublin and was told I needed a liver transplant. Without it, I had six to twelve months. I waited a year and a half, and they said even with it my chances were 20%, but I was out of hospital in two and a half weeks. Eight and a half years later, I love to share the positives and what’s possible today.”
“The transplant gave me a new life,” he said. “My wife, her brothers, and the people of Crosshaven were all so positive, support like that carries you. Staying away from negativity is crucial. I appreciate life more than ever after my recovery.”
Dick’s career, spanning five almost decades as an award-winning journalist with the Irish Examiner, involved a lot of socialising, and he admits he used to drink a lot.
“One of the rules for a transplant is to give up alcohol, which I did immediately. It’s now almost ten years since my last drop,” he said. “Because there was so much socialising with my job, there was a lot of drink. Back then a big worry used to mean going for a drink, but with the liver problem, I knew I had to give it up.”
”“The doctors told me I could have a glass of wine afterward, but I don’t feel like it,” he said, laughing. “It’s amazing how the price of drink has changed, so I’m saving a fortune. I don’t think about it at all now.”
“The whole experience, including the diagnosis and treatment, had tough moments, and there were times when I felt a bit depressed, but with the great support of my wife, as well as the community in Crosshaven and living close to nature helped my recovery. I’m big into photography and there’s endless inspiration around here, that kept me going too.”
Not long after the transplant, I was sitting outside Cronin’s pub having tea and a scone when two young lads came over. They asked if I was Dick Brazil, said they’d heard about my operation, and offered their help, without wanting payment. Their parents knew me and had told them about my transplant. I thought that was remarkable. That’s Crosshaven, support and kindness come from everyone, of all ages.
When asked if his brush with death made him religious he admitted to having a strong Christian faith all of his life “I have strong Christian beliefs and pray every day,” he said. “I’m not at mass every Sunday, I might catch it on TV, especially now because of a slight back injury, but I’ve been a believer since the day I was born. My faith has been a source of strength, especially during my illness and transplant journey.”
“I once met Pope John Paul II by accident in the Vatican Gardens,” he said. “I was walking with Seamus Martin from the Irish Times and a monsignor when a man in a tracksuit passed by, it was the Pope. We went inside for a drink and he came in and blessed us in his track suit. He was a lovely man. I also covered his papal visit to Galway.”
“While covering a story in the North, I went to Reverend Paisley’s service after mass,” he said. “Coming out, the press were waiting, but he told them he doesn’t speak to the media on the Sabbath. I confirmed this to the journalists, because I’d been there before. Then he turned to me and asked if I had been in mass before his service, when I said I had been, he responded: ‘Good man, because we play the same sport but we are in different clubs.’”
When asked if he’d like to see any improvements in Crosshaven, Dick responded. “I like the idea of water taxis to the city, calling at Cobh or Monkstown. More car parking would help, but ideally hidden or a free park-and-ride outside the village, allowing people to walk in. One-way traffic into and out of the village, along with traffic calming, would also help.I nearly got knocked down the other day trying to avoid a speeding car.”
“The town badly needs a hotel,” he continued. “I know people who are seriously interested if the right site comes up, it would need great views. If the building where I live was the Grand Hotel again, it would be perfect, what views!”
“More buses would help too, though that’s a national issue. Our bus drivers here are fantastic, almost like tourism officers, so helpful to visitors.”
The greenway was first set up by a local man, but the council did a fabulous job, and it’s now hugely popular. You can walk to Carriglaine, sit by Drakes Pool, and explore the rich history, including the Coast Guard cottages from the 1840s. It would be great to see them converted for downsizing, just like we did when we moved to the apartment, it’s ideal for maintenance and cost. I couldn’t recommend life in Crosshaven enough!
Dick Recommends:
| Breakfast / Cafes | Rivers End Café, scones, brown bread, breakfast, takeout. Priory Coffee Co, snacks/lunches. |
| Restaurants | Cronin’s, traditional food/drink. The Anchor incredible seafood and fish. The Oar, outstanding location and harbour view, top quality food. Chish’n Fips chipper – among the best in the world. Honk Hong Chef great Chinese restaurant. |
| Guest Houses | Crosshaven House historic B&B, dating back to 1700 – great history and location in the square.Whispering Pines, great atmosphere and views. |
