RTÉ
18 HOPEFULS INCH CLOSER TO BECOMING AN RTÉ OPERATION TRANSFORMATION LEADER
Eighteen hopefuls today, Thursday 17 November, moved one step closer to becoming an Operation Transformation leader. Candidates from all over Ireland gathered together for the first time in Sportslink Sports & Social Club in Santry to be physically and emotionally assessed for a possible place in the tenth series which is due to air on RTÉ One in early January 2017.
Please find brief biography details and the participants’ home counties listed below (including counties Wexford, Meath, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Donegal, Longford, Leitrim and Louth.)
As part of a live RTÉ Radio 1 broadcast, Ray D’Arcy and his team put the 18 finalists through their paces asking them to share their personal stories; outline why they think they have what it takes to become a leader for Operation Transformation; and how their weight has affected their lives.
Operation Transformation presenter Kathryn Thomas was on hand along with the four OT experts to encourage and motivate the assembled group. The four OT experts are Karl Henry, fitness expert, Dr. Eddie Murphy, a Principle Clinical Psychologist with the HSE, Aoife Hearne – a registered dietitian and Healthy Ireland Council member and Dr. Ciara Kelly, GP and expert in family health.
Today’s assessment day included an aerobic test in the swimming pool and a group session with Dr. Eddie to uncover what had brought the 18 finalists to this point in their lives. The 18 hopefuls were also assessed individually by all experts throughout the day. The five, who will be chosen to be leaders, need to be willing to radically change their eating patterns, exercise habits, and be prepared to inspire RTÉ viewers and listeners to follow them on their journey over eight weeks in January and February 2017.
Next week from Monday 21 November to Friday 25 November, Kathryn Thomas will travel to the homes of the five selected leaders to unveil their participation in the series live on Ray’s radio show on Radio 1 from 3pm. An expert will be in studio each day with Ray D’Arcy to discuss why each leader has been chosen.
Last year the leaders – Lucy Dillon, Noeleen Lynam, John Conmy and Clare Scanlan – collectively lost over seven stone during the series and continued to shed the pounds after the cameras stopped rolling.
Last year’s series was broadcast twice a week on RTÉ One television with a consolidated average of 465,000 viewers.* The OT website had over 4.8 million page views during the ninth series. There were over 362,600 streams of Operation Transformation and Operation Transformation Extras on RTÉ Player earlier this year.**
In series nine, Operation Transformation teamed up with parkrun to promote the voluntary organisation’s weekly 5Ks. The result was a trebling of the numbers attending the parkruns on Saturday mornings and more than 15,000 new registrations since the start of the year. Thousands around the country took part in last year’s annual Operation Transformation 5K, in association with Sport Ireland, and the Nationwide Walks earlier in the series were the biggest ever with 19,000 people taking part.
Speaking in Santry today Operation Transformation presenter Kathryn Thomas said, “I really admire all of the 18 people who travelled to Santry from all over the country to take part in the Operation Transformation assessment day today. It takes a lot of courage to fill in the OT application form and to be prepared to sign up for show. They’ve bravely said that they want a change of lifestyle and that is the first important step. All of them have decided that 2017 is going to be their year. They are a fantastic bunch of people and I’m certain we will pick five leaders that will inspire and lead the nation to make healthier choices this January. This is the tenth series of Operation Transformation and I hope that, whether they make it into the final five or not that, all of the people here today will join us on the OT plan in the New Year and help get the country moving.”
Ray D’Arcy, RTÉ Radio 1 presenter said: “We’re delighted to be the radio home of Operation Transformation again this year and the whole team is looking forward to getting to know the new leaders who will go on to inspire thousands of people around the country to get fit and healthy in the new year. All of the participants here today have taken a step towards a healthier lifestyle and, regardless of which five go on to become leaders of 2017’s Operation Transformation, it takes real guts to be here and they should all be really proud of themselves and keep the momentum going.”
As Operation Transformation gets underway, The Ray D’Arcy Show will follow the leaders’ journeys all the way to the grand finale in February. Viewers will be able to follow the OT food and exercise plan at www.rte.ie/ot
The tenth series of Operation Transformation will be sponsored by safefood.
Fiona Gilligan, Director of Marketing & Communications with safefood said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring Operation Transformation again and be part of its continued success. The show gives all our New Year intentions a positive, healthy kick-start and gets the nation talking about their weight and making practical changes to do something about it, something we believe in at safefood. More than 250,000 people reported losing weight as a result of following the show last year. Encouraging people to reconsider their portion sizes, swap sugary drinks for water, cut down on treats and be more active, have all been part of our adult and childhood-focused obesity campaigns and we welcome the show’s positive approach in helping people and entire communities to transform their own diet and fitness habits.”
Date: Thursday 17 November 2016
For further information please contact:
Sarah Neville, RTÉ Television Press Office, Tel: 01 208 2872/ 087 9800 561 sarah.neville@rte.ie
Sheena Madden, RTÉ Radio Press Office, Tel: 01 208 2452/ 087 245 8046 sheena.madden@rte.ie
Editor’s Note:
Biogs for the 18 candidates below
No fee photos of the 18 hopefuls will be sent to national photodesks by Andres Poveda Photography, info@apphoto.ie 086 834 3242
Regional photography requests can be directed to sarah.neville@rte.ie
*Consolidated data incorporates VCR, DVDR and PVR playback viewing that took place within 7 days of the original broadcast. This time-shifted viewing is added to the live data to produce consolidated viewing data. Consolidated data is available 8 days after the original transmission date. This data is the ‘TAM Gold Standard’ used by the industry to report and trade on.
**Source for stats is comScore Digital Analytix. RTÉ Player streams quoted here are across all platforms and both domestic and international streams.
BIOGRAPHY DETAILS FOR THE 18 HOPEFULS
Adam Doyle
Age: 28
Location: Wexford Town
Height: 5ft 11″
Weight: 22st 6.5lbs
Financial Services worker Adam lives in Wexford Town with his wife Kim (28) and their three sons Aaron (10), Jayden (3) and Rhys (5 months). Married four years, Adam and Kim met as teenagers, and they had their first child Aaron while they were both studying for their Leaving Certificate.
In his youth, Adam was a keen sportsman, and he played every sport he could including Gaelic football and hurling. However, soccer was his big love and he played to quite a high standard with his local club Wexford Bohemians and at county level with the Wexford Youths. He then went on to play full time in the Eircom League for SV Carlow for almost two seasons in his early twenties.
Adam decided to apply for Operation Transformation to try and get his life back on track. His weight affects his confidence. He feels embarrassed when he meets people who knew him as a fit footballer, who don’t recognise Adam as he is today. He also worries that people wonder how his beautiful wife is married to him.
Ann Nolan
Age: 20
Location: Campile, Co Wexford
Height: 5ft 5″
Weight: 18st 13lbs
Student Ann Nolan lives in Campile, Co. Wexford with her mother Siobhán and her brother James and half-sister Jo.
Growing up, Ann always dreamed of being a Primary School teacher. She was delighted when she got a place in St. Patricks College and was awarded a scholarship to attend. However, Ann’s studies were interrupted last year, when her father Michael lost his battle with stomach cancer. He died as Ann was completing her first year exams in August 2016. Ann is currently repeating two modules from her first year, studying part-time (two days a week), as she attempts to complete her B.Ed.
Ann works part-time in a local pub prepping food and making desserts. Despite not having a sweet tooth, Ann loves baking and she sells desserts locally in Wexford. She says that her biggest food vices are bread and cheese.
While the last year has been very difficult for Ann, she is very grateful that she met her new boyfriend Adam (20). Their relationship has given Ann the confidence to apply for Operation Transformation.
Chris McElligott
Age: 46
Location: Dunshaughlin, Co Meath
Height: 5ft 7″
Weight: 17st 11lbs
Chris lives in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath with his partner Elizabeth and their 3 children Ryan (8), Dylan (5) and Mya (10 months). Chris also has two older sons from a previous relationship, Wesley (24) and Curtis (19) who live in Dublin.
Sixteen years ago, Chris’ right leg was severed below the knee in a road traffic accident. He was on his way back home to play a football match when the van he was driving was jackknifed by a truck. Six months later he was fitted for his prosthetic leg. Chris’ weight makes his everyday mobility more of a struggle, putting undue pressure on his prosthetic limb.
Chris has always had a passion for football and he was capped 26 times for the Republic of Ireland Junior International team. He also played for St Patrick’s Athletic F.C. with Brian Kerr from which he has a league winner’s medal from 1995. He is now a Community Coach with the FAI programme Football for All working with children with disabilities throughout Leinster. He is also the current Head Coach of the Irish Amputee football team.
Chris spends much of his time motivating others, but doesn’t seem to be able to motivate himself.
Conor Carey
Age: 22
Location: Swords, Co Dublin
Height: 5ft 10″
Weight: 22st 0.5lbs
Retail Worker Conor lives in Swords, Co. Dublin with his parents Úna and Brian and his younger sister Naoise (16). His brother Glenn (19) is currently studying in Germany.
Conor recently came home to Ireland after spending eight months in Florida, where he worked in an exclusive Country Club. Conor gained two stone during his time in the US, which he contributes to lack of self control in relation to the free food and big portions, as well as his social life.
At ten years of age, Conor was diagnosed with dyspraxia, which affects his organisational skills. He becomes overwhelmed and confused in stressful situations, often just giving up.
Conor has been in the Scouts since he was 16 and is a leader with his local troop, 164th Brackenstown. However, he now feels that his weight is holding him back from partaking in activities such as hiking or camping trips.
Conor applied for Operation Transformation because he feels he needs to be inspired by others to get motivated to get his weight back under control.
Darren Darcy
Age: 38
Location: Dundrum, Dublin 16
Height: 6ft 1″
Weight: 17st 7.5lbs
Darren lives in Dundrum with his wife Daire and their two sons Cillian (3) and Fionn (5 months). He works in distribution with Tipperary Water and Daire works as a full-time carer for their eldest son Cillian.
Cillian was born premature at 28 weeks. He was born blind and has Cerebral Palsy. Darren and wife were told Cillian would need 24 hour care for the rest of his life.
Darren used to play midfield for his GAA Club Robert Emmets but he no longer trains with them due to his deteriorating fitness levels. Darren played underage for Dublin and during his teenage years he could have trained up to nine times a week. He misses being active in sport and would love to get back to playing Gaelic Football.
Darren is embarrassed by his weight. He dreads going on sun holidays or any situation where he has to wear t-shirts. He prefers the comfort of winter when he can cover up in jumpers. Darren’s biggest fear is that if he doesn’t get his weight under control he may not be around to help care for Cillian. If Darren regained his former levels of fitness, his dream would be to run the Dublin City Marathon.
Gerard Cahill
Age: 41
Location: Mallow, Co Cork
Height: 6ft
Weight: 26st 9lbs
Publican Gerard lives in Mallow, Co. Cork with his wife Kay (45), and their three children Nicole (20), Vicky (17) and Leon (14).
Gerard is the youngest of a family of twelve. His mother Noreen (76) and most of his siblings live locally except one sister that lives in Wales. Sadly, one of his sisters, Noreen (48) lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. Gerard’s father John, a heavy smoker also died 14 years ago at the age of 64, with suspected lung cancer.
Gerard is a Type 2 Diabetic and has struggled with his weight for the past 20 years. He’s now at the point, where his weight completely dictates how he does the everyday things in life. When he goes shopping he’ll only park where there are two spaces to ensure there’s enough room for him to get out of the car and getting through the turnstiles in football stadiums has proven problematic in the past also.
Gerard has applied to Operation Transformation because he wants to lose weight so he can live a normal life with his family and do normal things together.
John O’Brien
Age: 56
Location: Cappoquin, Co. Waterford
Height: 5ft 8″
Weight: 18st
Haulier and dairy farmer John lives with his wife of 34 years Ann in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. They have three grown up children. His sons Christopher (32) and Shane (27) both live in Australia. His daughter Linda (30) lives in Dungarvan with her partner and their six month old daughter Pippa.
John is the eldest of six. His father Michael passed away this July after a long struggle with Dementia.
In 1985 John started his own haulage company, which eventually employed 22 people including his two sons. In 2009 one of his biggest clients went into liquidation, forcing him to let much of his staff go, many of whom were family or friends that had been with the company for over seven years. He is still in debt from that time and his sons had to make the difficult decision to emigrate to Australia.
John is now the heaviest he’s ever been and he puts it all down to a poor diet and lack of exercise. He joined a local running club last year but injured his knee and had to have an operation in October, from which he is still recovering.
Lisa Walsh
Age: 30
Location: Carrigadrohid, Co Cork
Height: 5ft 3″
Weight: 14st 5lbs
Single mother Lisa lives with her daughter Mia (1) in Carrigadrohid, Co. Cork. Lisa says she’s lost herself in the last few years and her confidence and self-esteem are at an all-time low.
Lisa recently became vegetarian, after she no longer felt comfortable eating meat. She now fosters for an animal welfare group in Cork. She has two dogs of her own, Timmy and Betty.
Her food vices include bread and cheese, and at least ten cups of sugary tea a day. She smokes up to ten cigarettes a day, but she describes herself as a part-time smoker.
Lisa applied for Operation Transformation because she’s stuck in a rut, and she can’t see a way out. As a mother, Lisa wants to be a good role model for her daughter and teach her how to live healthy and love herself no matter what.
Maireád Redmond
Age: 22
Location: New Ross, Co Wexford
Height: 5ft 5″
Weight: 16st 5lbs
Chocolatier and Pastry Chef Maireád lives at home in New Ross, Co. Wexford with her parents Noel and Mary. Her younger brother Adrian (20) is in college in Waterford I.T. and she has two older brothers; Sean (27) living in Waterford and James (25) who lives locally.
Maireád studied culinary arts in college and is very passionate about working with food. This led her to what might be considered a dream job; making handmade truffles, artisan chocolates and pastries. She has recently gone back to college to get a degree in Business, as she wants to open her own business someday.
As a child, Maireád’s weight was an issue. She remembers her mother sitting her down and telling her she’d have to lose weight as they were struggling to find a communion dress that fit her.
Maireád applied for Operation Transformation so she can finally put her physical and mental health first and not to consistently leave them at the bottom of her to-do list. Maireád wants to lose weight so she can be in control of her body and not let the image she sees in the mirror change her mood, her feelings or her confidence.
Marie Lannen
Age: 50
Location: Dungarvan, Co Waterford
Height: 5ft
Weight: 12st 5lbs
Pharmacy sales assistant Marie lives in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford with her husband Liam, along with their three teenage sons Paul (17) and twins Dermot and Kieran (16).
Originally from Limerick, Marie moved to Waterford when she married her husband 23 years ago. In 2012 Marie was made redundant after 17 years working for pharmaceutical manufacturers GSK. She didn’t only lose her job; she lost her social circle, her independence and her focus.
Around the same time, Marie’s sister Frances was diagnosed with breast cancer and shortly afterwards, passed away.
Marie now works part-time in Lloyds Pharmacy, often splitting her time between two different branches. This means that Marie is always eating on the go in the car. Marie is at the heaviest she has ever been. The boys can often be quite blunt about Marie’s weight and this has knocked her confidence as of late. She used to love shopping for clothes but trying on clothes is not fun anymore, so she just doesn’t bother.
Marie wants to lose weight so she can have the energy that her husband and three sons deserve. She wants to feel sexy again and to fit back into her favourite dress that’s she’s been hiding in the wardrobe.
Marie Grace
Age: 32
Location: Pallasgreen, Co Limerick
Height: 5ft 5 lbs
Weight: 14st 2lbs
Part-time hairdresser Marie is originally from Tipperary but lives in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick with her husband Fergal (40). They have two daughters Lily Mai (3) & Daisy (8 months).
After having daughter Lily Mai, Marie’s waters broke early with their second child and she was rushed to hospital. Marie gave birth to a little girl they called Michaela, who sadly passed away a few days later on the 18 November 2014. In 2015, Marie became pregnant again and they welcomed youngest daughter Daisy to the world.
Daisy was diagnosed with severe acid reflux and is currently on medication for this condition. Despite medication, the reflux is still a cause of discomfort for Daisy and she regularly screams in pain throughout the night. This has meant that Marie hasn’t had a full night’s sleep since Daisy was born and both she and Fergal are exhausted all the time.
Marie’s biggest concern at this point is that she will continue to get bigger and won’t be able to run around with the girls. Marie applied for Operation Transformation because she’s lost all her confidence in herself and has no motivation.
Michelle Bennett Adair
Age: 35
Location: Bruckless, Co Donegal
Height: 5ft 2″
Weight: 15st 0.5lbs
Care assistant Michelle lives in Bruckless, Co. Donegal with her husband Reggie and their daughter Chelcie (17) and son Shane (10).
Michelle’s weight is really holding her back and affecting her lifestyle. Recently she avoided attending her nephew’s christening. She had gone to the effort of getting her hair and makeup done, but didn’t feel comfortable in any of her clothes so she made the decision not to go. She phoned her sister to tell her she couldn’t attend due to being unwell. After making the phone call she got into bed and cried for hours. The christening was just one of a number of social events she has avoided.
There are no mirrors in Michelle’s house except a small one in the bathroom, so she never sees herself fully. She worries if she keeps going this way, her kids will be ashamed of her.
Michelle loves Gaelic Football. As a teenager she played and represented Donegal at an inter-county level. Two years ago she made a comeback with her local team, Ardara Gaelic Club. Her ambition is to get back into the starting team for Ardara instead of just playing ten minutes at the end of the game.
Miranda Moran
Age: 42
Location: Longford
Height: 5ft 5″
Weight: 12st 9.5lbs
Chartered physiotherapist Miranda lives alone with her dog Teddy and her two cats in Longford Town.
Throughout her childhood Miranda suffered badly from asthma. She was hospitalised every twelve weeks to spend time in an oxygen tent. Fortunately, she hasn’t had a serious attack since she was 17.
She has been working in Sports Physio for the last 15 years. Miranda was honoured to be a member of the backroom team in her own county, when she was the physio for the Leitrim Senior Football Team for two years. She’s currently working with Longford’s Senior footballers. Spending a lot of time on the road travelling with the team means she often ends up eating on the run.
Miranda is an insomniac, only sleeping for 1-2 hours a night but she says that this doesn’t affect her. She took part in a sleep study three years ago where they discovered she only got 3% of the daily recommended sleep.
She applied to Operation Transformation to learn how to lose weight and exercise the right way without resorting to unsustainable low carb and low calorie diets.
Orla Ennis
Age: 48
Location: Athboy, Co Meath
Height: 5ft 1″
Weight: 16st 1.5lbs
Orla lives in Athboy Co. Meath with her husband David (51) and their two daughters Makayla (9) and Zoe (8). Orla also has a son from a previous marriage named Roy (20). Roy is studying in the UK and comes back to visit every now and again.
Orla enjoys cooking for the family but knows she isn’t cooking the right foods. Most days, David’s dinners only consist of three types of potatoes; hash browns, chips and mash. Following dad’s example, Makayla has now become a fussy eater and won’t eat any vegetables.
The two girls are very active but Orla feels she isn’t able to keep up with them. When they take the girls out on their bikes Orla and David usually sit on a bench and watch. Orla was never one for exercise. She never played any sports growing up as she said she just had no interest.
Applying for Operation Transformation for her is about improving her health. She worries that if she doesn’t address her weight issues she is at risk of getting type 2 diabetes. She isn’t the type of person who lets her weight get her down. She was never a size 12 so she doesn’t miss a time when she was that slim.
Seán Daly
Age: 25
Location: Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Height: 6ft 1″
Weight: 23st 12lbs
Retail Manager Seán lives in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin with his parents Lorraine and Alan and his younger brother Darren (19) with whom he shares a room.
Seán’s family have been a great support to him since he came out five years ago. His mother Lorraine is very proud of him and tells everyone he’s gay. Seán has only been to one gay bar and has never been on a real date. He doesn’t know how someone else could love him if he doesn’t love himself.
Seán is currently so unhappy with his weight that he has been considering going to Poland to get a gastric band fitted. Seán has always been heavy. For his Communion, he remembers getting his suit specially made.
Seán never has breakfast and admits to having a chicken wrap and chips at 12noon as it’s technically lunch-time.
Seán’s wish is to lose the weight and to one day look in the mirror and to actually like, possibly even love, what’s looking back at him.
Susan Carey
Age: 44
Location: Swords, Co Dublin
Height: 5ft 5″
Weight: 16st 10.5lbs
Childminder Susan lives in Swords with her husband Brian and their four children: twins Aidan and Martin (21), Niamh (18) and Jason (8).
Susan is very insecure about her body and when on holidays this year she was embarrassed to be at the pool with her children. When she looks in the mirror she doesn’t recognise the person looking back at her. When it comes to nights out and family occasions, Susan will generally try and avoid them. She would love to stand proud when a photo is being taken rather than be embarrassed.
Twenty-two years ago Susan’s sister Ann was diagnosed with a rare disease called Raynaud’s phenomenon. Ann died and left behind a young baby and her husband. Susan is very close to her niece Michelle (22) and spends a lot of time with her.
Susan’s parents have both passed away. Her father died from C.O.P.D/emphysema eleven years ago. Her mother died from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma eight years ago. Susan cared for her until the end.
When she was younger Susan was part of a Musical Drama Society in Artane and loved performing on stage. She promised her dad that she would go back to doing drama but she feels too self conscious to get up on stage fearing everyone will judge her for her size.
If Susan lost the weight, she would love to go back to her drama and musical society and be part of something and not be self-conscious of her body.
Ursula Doran O’Reilly
Age: 59
Location: Ballinamore, Co Leitrim
Height: 5ft 2″
Weight: 13st 10lbs
Retired dental nurse Ursula (59) lives in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim with her husband Declan (66).
Ursula was born and raised in Churchtown, Co. Dublin and this is where she raised her children Ciarán and Shónagh. After retiring a year ago, Ursula and Declan moved permanently to their holiday home in Leitrim. Ursula absolutely loves living in the country and already has made a lot of friends within the community.
Ursula was just 39 when her father Andrew died suddenly of cancer. Four months later she also lost her mother Georgina, to what she believes was a broken heart. In between losing her parents, Ursula was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, stage three cancer. This was a huge shock to her and she began treatment straight away. Over the next 20 years the Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma returned six times. Ursula was then diagnosed with Laryngeal cancer ten years ago. This was another devastating blow, but it was caught very early and she underwent another course of chemotherapy.
Ursula has beaten cancer many times, but now is the time to address her weight. She wants to have a better quality of life with new friends and with a new community.
Yvonne Keenan Ross
Age: 48
Location: Carlingford, Co. Louth
Height: 5ft 6″
Weight: 16st 8.5lbs
Café owner Yvonne runs the business with her husband Stephen in Carlingford. They have two children: Luke (14) and Karla (11).
Yvonne struggled with her fertility for years. They did six unsuccessful rounds of IVF before having their son Luke. After Luke she knew she wanted another baby. They began IVF again, only to be told that her eggs were no longer viable. As they pursued other options, their daughter Karla was conceived naturally.
Five years ago, husband Stephen was diagnosed with stomach cancer and had to have major surgery, and in turn give up work. Yvonne cared for him throughout his treatment. Last year, a secondary cancer was found in Stephen’s lungs. This meant more surgery and more treatment. Thankfully, Stephen has had a second clear scan and is delighted to be in remission.
After seeing herself in a full length mirror on holidays, Yvonne realised that she needed to make a change. Yvonne wants to be a shining example to her children so they will choose a healthy, active lifestyle for themselves as they grow older. Yvonne would love to get fit so that she could be more confident with her body.