Communities get into zone for transformation

COMMUNITIES in Wexford came out in force to take part in the first nationwide walk as part of RTÉ’s Operation Transformation, which saw people of all ages gather in Courtown and Cahore to make the most of the fresh sea air and take some exercise.

It was the local tidy towns group that organised the walk in Cahore, and it was so successful that they plan to make it a weekly event taking place on Saturdays at Cahore pier from 10 a.m.

‘We had about 230 people, with a mix of all ages from the local community as well as Kilmuckridge and Courtown which made it a nice community event.

‘It was a lovely day, and a great opportunity to get people out on the new coastal path,’ said Bernie Byrne of Ballygarrett Tidy Towns.

Sports Active Wexford organised the walk from Courtown Woods to Gorey, which saw over 400 walkers take part.

‘Walkers of all ages took part in the six different five kilometre walks around the county despite sub-zero temperatures. There was a great atmosphere in Courtown with 75 people participating.

‘We would like to thank Courtown LTI who all did a fantastic job on the day,’ said Mary Kehoe of the group.

John Treacy of Sport Ireland congratulated all who took part saying: ‘Participation in physical activity is on the increase and recreational walking is hugely popular. Every year, thousands of people join our nationwide walks and the support they give each other, and the Operation Transformation leaders is fantastic’.

Free hi-vis jackets are available from Gorey Garda Station.

Philip and Mary-Louise O’ Toole with their children, Mia and Odin with their dog, ‘Freddie’ in Courtown. Mary T Kehoe, Sports Active Wexford; Alison Farrell, Courtown LTI; Aisling Kellett, Courtown LTI with ‘Oscar’ the dog and Mary Flynn, Sports Active Wexford in Courtown. Sisters Claire and Roisin O’ Rourke in Courtown.

Ruth Walker (second left) with Roisin, Aisling and Ruth Kavanagh in Cahore. Ballygarrett Tidy Towns Operation Transformation national walk in Cahore.