Much like he did on the rugby pitch, Tommy Bowe is getting plenty of praise as a TV host.
The Ulster and Ireland star has managed to make a real name for himself as a presenter, having started off on rugby coverage before moving into his regular role as host of Ireland AM.
Bowe and Ireland AM co-host Muireann O'Connell spoke to the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar on Wednesday, with Tommy in particular being praised for tackling the Fine Gael leader on the record homelessness stats that have been released recently.
Tommy has spoken in the past about the difficulty he found immediately after his retirement, noting that his family were huge for him in the weeks and months after he hung up his boots.
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He keeps fairly quiet about his personal life away from the screen, but we have been given a few tidbits over the years.
For example, did you know he's a die-hard supporter of one Premier League side?
Here's the inside track on the family life of the former Ireland winger.
Happy home life with ex-model wife
The Monaghan native is happily married to former Miss Wales Lucy Whitehouse after meeting her while playing for Ospreys in Wales.
Earlier this year, Tommy told our sister site RSVP : "My wife Lucy, I describe her as my sounding board. I can get a bit carried away with things sometimes, but she always keeps me grounded.
"In terms of influencing me, she is always the first person I tell something to – whether it’s to moan about something or to tell her great news.
"She brings me back to earth pretty quickly and she has always been very influential in my life."
Lucy gave up her modelling job to become a nurse in Belfast, where the couple live.
TV job gives him more time with kids
Tommy shares two children with Lucy - five-year-old Emma and Jamie, who turned two earlier this year.
Though he can be seen on our couches nearly every morning, the nature of hosting Ireland AM gives Tommy a big advantage when it comes to his offsprings.
He explained: "That’s the beauty of the show. Yes, I’m up extremely early but I'm home in the afternoon to pick up my kids.
"I can bring my daughter or my son to their swimming lessons.
"It’s funny old hours with this show, but it means I am home in the afternoon and the evening.
"That means I can spend quality time with my wife and my kids as well."
Love of Leeds United
Life as a Leeds United fan can be very tough on someone - just ask any Leeds United fan.
And included among the Elland Road faithful is Tommy, who has been supporting the Yorkshire club for a long while.
Back in 2020, when Marcelo Bielsa led 'the Whites' back to the Premier League, Tommy took to social media to celebrate.
He wrote: "16 years waiting to get back to the Premiership...and to get a new jersey! Now off for a pint (and a substantial meal) Well done Leeds"
Accompanied in the post was a pic of Tommy wearing a kit from Leeds's 2012 season under Neil Warnock, smiling happily with then-newborn Jamie.
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