KILDARE'S Noel O'Connell begins his RTE Operation Transformation journey

Operation Transformation (OT) made its return to our screens last night - Wednesday, January 3 with one of the leader's hailing from County Kildare.

56-year-old Noel O'Connell is from Kilcullen, where he lives with his wife Katrina along with their four sons Daniel (24), Jack (21) Niall (17) and Ollie (10).

Noel is the owner of Bathaus, a bathroom showroom and fitting service in Kildare. Outside of work, he is an avid kayaker - he's even competed for Ireland.

Noel’s health has been a concern to him in the last 18 months following a diagnosis of tachycardia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type II diabetes and sleep apnea.

All of these health conditions are a catalyst for Noel to make a change to his lifestyle, improve his fitness and become healthier for himself and his family.

Speaking on the journey, Noel said: "I’m really looking forward to working with the experts, it’s a fantastic opportunity. Where or when will one ever receive this level of expertise investing in you!

"Ultimately at the end of Operation Transformation, I hope to achieve my goals of reversing my health issues, achieving my goal weight, understanding food, changing my eating habits, and gaining the mental strength of putting everything I learn into practice for many years to come. And along the way hopefully help to inspire others to do the same."

Presenter Kathryn Thomas will be on hand to encourage and cheer the show’s five new leaders every step of the way as they embark on a health and wellness plan under the supervision of four qualified experts.

Devising the health and wellness plan and guiding the class of 2024 leaders in a new chapter of self-improvement are the team of OT experts; principal clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy, dietitian Sophie Pratt, general practitioner Dr Sumi Dunne and fitness expert Karl Henry. 

This season will see the launch of a brand-new Meal Plan devised by OT expert, CORU registered dietitian, and member of the Irish Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sophie Pratt, aiming to aid a more sustainable approach to healthy eating that also reflects the cost-of-living crisis.   

In another OT first on Thursday 18th January, OT will host Operation Transformation National Blood Pressure Day in association with the Irish Pharmacy Union. With a membership of just over 1800 pharmacies across the country, each participating pharmacy will offer free blood pressure readings to their community. The programme will highlight the importance of blood pressure awareness as it is a key health indicator – knowing your blood pressure numbers is the first step to a long and healthy life.  

Kathryn Thomas said: “Our 2024 leaders are just phenomenal and without a doubt are going to inspire the entire nation as they embark on their health transformations – at the same time encouraging us all to focus on our own health and wellness goals come January too.

"This year we are delighted to launch our very first Operation Transformation National Blood Pressure Day and we are thoroughly delighted Ireland Lights Up is back and we’ll encourage the nation to train with us for the 5km run in the Phoenix Park, the ultimate nod to the power of the Operation Transformation community.” 

The GAA and Get Ireland Walking are delighted to invite communities back into the safe outdoor spaces where everyone can get moving at their own pace. Sport Ireland, Athletics Ireland, Local Sports Partnerships and Operation Transformation will work together to bring communities safely together, culminating in the 5K in the Phoenix Park on February 17th, 2024.