Brian Cowen has revealed how “amazingly lucky” he was that his brain bleed happened in the Beacon, so he could be treated right away.
The 62-year-old former Taoiseach has spoken out at length for the first time since the terrible brain injuries he suffered in July 2019 left him crippled.
He spent 12 months in hospital after a brain bleed and was unconscious for the first two weeks.
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But Mr Cowen believes he was fortunate.
He attended a Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann event on Thursday evening where he was presented with an award to honour his support of the organisation.
Mr Cowen said it was “amazing good fortune” that his brain haemorrhage happened while he was at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin for a small operation.
The ex-Taoiseach was speaking to the Irish Independent at the Comhaltas event when he revealed that life is “good” again in his view.
He said he now regularly meets up with friends and people he “played football with years ago.”
Mr Cowen said: “I’m enjoying life. Everything is good – there’s no reason to think otherwise.
“The family are good and the kids are all finished college and are working away so they’re happy. Everything is well on that side.”
Brian Cowen lost his mother during Covid and he talked about this too.
He said: “We came through it - and everyone does. And life goes on and, thankfully, we’re able to enjoy life and for me I’ve learned a lot.
“When you have a period of sickness or whatever, hospitalisation, you’re grateful for small mercies. I’m glad I’m in good shape.”
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