Huge Turnout at Operation Transformation 2012

Huge Turnout at the Operation Transformation Walk in Marlay Park

Operation Transformation fever seems to have gripped the nation if the numbers who attended the walk in Marlay Park and across the Country on Saturday 14^th January is any indication. On the day over 900 people of all ages and fitness levels took out their walking shoes and came along to Marlay Park. It led to a fantastic spectacle with a trail of people nearly 1km long stretched out along the pathway. The weather was very kind on the day and helped to make the event a real "feel good" occasion for all involved.

This atmosphere was really helped by the appearance of Killian Byrne, one of the Leaders from the Operation Transformation programme, who let his feet do the talking. Groups gathered at both the College Road and Grange Road entrances and came together at Marlay House where everyone set out on a lap of the park. At just over 4-kilometres the walk was suitable for all fitness levels and took in many of the lovely sights in this historic park.

With a hot cup of tea or coffee at the finish, the event had a real community and social feel to it with loads of new years resolutions to keep the walking going.

Speaking after the event Shane McArdle, Co-ordinator of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership, which together with the South Dublin County Sports Partnership organised the event, expressed his delight at the turnout. "It was without doubt beyond our expectations but all the better so. Walking is easy, affordable and one of the best health tonics known to man and the success of this event shows that there is a huge demand in the community to get out and be active in a manner and place that suits them and their lifestyle". 

A huge thank you has to go out to all the volunteers who helped on the day and of course the Parks Department in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. This event was held in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council and the HSE's Get Ireland Active national campaign.

For information on future walking initiatives in the County, including a weekly walking programme in Marlay Park and indoor fitness walking, please contact Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership at 01-2719502 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .