Kiltimagh – a town transformed

LEADING THE WAY Kiltimagh Operation Transformation leaders Sonia Gilmartin (left) and Denise Groarke pictured in the town on Sunday when the RTÉ cameras came to record the local group’s story.

Edwin McGreal

In a feature on its local economy in 2015 by The Irish Times, Kiltimagh was described as ‘half dead’.
But the locals in the town are showing that they are alive and well and fighting fit when it comes to their own health.
So much so that the Kiltimagh Operation Transformation group have lost more weight than any other group in the country.
Since RTÉ’s Operation Transformation began last month, participants in the Kiltimagh group have lost an incredible 112 stone and eight pounds – and counting.
They’ve set the bar nationwide and the RTÉ cameras were in Kiltimagh on Sunday last to record a piece about their success for one of this week’s shows on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Eight leaders have led by example and over 200 have followed in their wake as healthy eating and exercise become the buzzwords around the town.
One of them, the well-known former Mayo footballer ‘Big’ Tom Byrne, has managed to achieve a notable improvement in his own health with a dramatic drop in his blood sugar levels since he became a leader. ‘Big’ Tom was borderline diabetic at the start.
The other leaders are Marty Malee, Thomas Cryan, Derek Ryan, Sonia Gilmartin, Gerry Moore, Denise Groarke and Nuala Timlin.

Example
Nuala, in particular, has set an example. A resident of Áras Attracta in Swinford, Nuala has not allowed the fact that she is wheelchair bound to be an excuse and has lost an excellent 10 pounds.
There is a weekly weigh-in every Wednesday night in the Park Hotel in Kiltimagh while 5km walks take place on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings.
“There is a great buzz around the town and the big thing that is coming out of it is the great community spirit in the town. Everyone is supporting each other and everyone is healthier and happier as a result,” Karen Burke, one of the organisers, told The Mayo News.
She added that many people who would not normally be exercising are now actively taking part in Operation Transformation.
Kiltimagh Operation Transformation is jointly organised by the town’s St Patrick’s Day Parade committee and Race to Glory adventure race committee. Already, Race to Glory have seen a four fold increase in registration for their event with locals in Kiltimagh planning to keep up a healthy lifestyle.
Kiltimagh OT is being sponsored by four local businesses – Super Valu Kiltimagh, Carrolls Londis, The Park Hotel and CM Fitness.
The group have featured twice on the Ray D’arcy show on Radio 1 and they are planning to have a ‘Big Reveal’ night on March 5 in the Park Hotel where the leaders and all participants will don their glad rags and show everyone how well they’ve done.