Dr Eddie Murphy It’s Op-Trans time!
Doesn’t the year roll around so quickly? Now it’s time to look at New Year’s wishes. But this year, I want to go beyond wishes and get to planning. The beauty of Operation Transformation is that it’s a population-based health initiative in which the experts work from their professional specialities and all the activities recommended are free and as accessible as possible. There are no costly gym memberships here: it’s about putting on a day-glo jacket and joining the masses walking. Let’s meet the leaders:
Siobhán O’Brien (30) Clonsilla, Dublin 15; Weight: 17st 4.5lbs
Siobhán is a secondary school teacher in Luttrelstown Community College in north Dublin. She grew up in Clonshaugh and is the youngest of three girls. During the seven years since finishing college, Siobhán’s weight has fluctuated. Being a teacher and telling kids about healthy living and the importance of physical activity has made Siobhán feel hypocritical and she worries that her pupils don’t take her seriously. Although she is an amazing school and community leader, I think Siobhán is a bit lost. Her mood and confidence are low. Siobhán’s transformation will shift her low energy and mood to a life of fun, taking risks and seizing opportunities.
Paul Murphy (41) Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo; Weight: 20st
Paul is the owner-manager of Murphy’s Hotel in Tubbercurry. He lives in the town with his wife Sonya (39) and their two children Ava (8) and Ethan (1). The hotel has been in the Murphy family for 40 years. Paul and Sonya have been together for 12 years and married for a year. Since getting married and having another child, Paul wants to change his lifestyle and start to look after his health.
There is a little boy locked away inside Paul. He’s a boy who had to take on responsibilities and work. That’s what Paul knows: his life script is work, work and work. He knows it’s unsustainable and as a parent to two young children he doesn’t want history to repeat itself – his own Dad died when Paul was a child. Paul’s transformation will be about changing an old script and learning that life happens beyond work.
Jean Tierney (33) Bruff, Co. Limerick; Weight: 15st 1lb
Limerick woman Jean (33) lives in Holycross with her fiancé Paddy. She is the sales and marketing manager for a nightclub in Limerick. The pair got engaged on April Fool’s Day because they are both practical jokers and knew no one would believe them.
Jean really stood out for me during the assessment day for OT. She has a most wonderful, engaging smile. Jean has faced many losses, including the death of her baby daughter Sloane. She puts work into that smile, into creating the daily front. However, I don’t believe that smile matches Jean’s inner emotional life. To be balanced, to be transformed, our inner and outer lives need to be in harmony. I hope my work with Jean will support that goal.
Pamela Swayne (36) Youghal, Co Cork; Weight: 13st 12.5lbs
Mother of four Pamela lives in Youghal with husband Sean and their children Ally (18), Leigh (10), Lilly (7) and Mickie (4). She works parttime in a petrol station in Youghal.
Pamela has tried all kinds of diets but she has never managed to keep the weight off. Pamela is an emotional eater, so when she’s in good form she goes all out with proper family dinners, but if she’s had a bad day she reaches for the easy option. She loves food and the more convenient the better: chipper, Chinese takeaways, jambons, hotdogs, crisps, chocolate – anything hassle free. Pamela doesn’t want her children to follow in her footsteps. She is a busy woman but she wants to do something new, to redefine herself. This is an exciting time for her and using the tools of life coaching, I hope to help Pamela clarify and prioritise her goals and achieve a life of pleasure, meaning and engagement.
Cathal Gallagher (48) Ballyshannon, Co Donegal; Weight: 26st 12.5lbs
Cathal is a paramedic with the ambulance service based in Ballyshannon, where he lives with his wife Agi and their daughter Maja (2). Cathal has worked with the ambulance service for 20 years and loves his job. He has a huge passion for helping people and putting the needs of others before his own. Cathal has type-2 diabetes and high cholesterol and from his work, he knows all too well the damage his weight is doing to his health. He fears he will die in his sleep but wants to be around to see his daughter grow up. For Cathal, Operation Transformation is life and death stuff. He is the heaviest leader we have ever had on the show. Cathal lost 12 stone before but put it all back on. Cathal is a giving person but ignores his own needs. I think his giving is a distraction. He loves the idea of being a rescuer and always being there for others. Cathal needs to learn that you cannot pour from an empty cup. This really is his lastchance salon.
As in other years, the leaders for 2019 represent a whole range of reasons and circumstances which result in people becoming overweight and obese, but more than that, all four are great people who I am looking forward to working with.