Operation Transformation walks are big success in Fingal 

THE Operation Transformation walks were a huge success again in Fingal with enthusiastic walkers and runners taking part in events at five locations in the county recently.

Organised by Fingal Sports Office, in co-operation with Sport Ireland, these were part of the Nationwide Walks campaign that saw approximately17,000 people take part in 143 locations.  

There was a location to suit everyone with walks taking place in Balbriggan, Rivervalley Swords, Porterstown Park, Tyrrelstown Park and St Catherine’s Park.  

With distances of 3km or 5km, the walks were a positive way to promote a healthy and active start to the new year in an inclusive and fun way that caters for all ages and abilities.

This was the first year for the walk in Tyrrelstown Park and Fingal County Council chief executive AnnMarie Farrelly and acting mayor, Cllr Freddie Cooper, joined the enthusiastic locals there. 

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien lead the way on the coastal walk in Balbriggan along the beach to Bremore Castle. 

Mayor O’Brien said: “I was delighted to support and take part in the Operation Transportation walk in Balbriggan. 

“These walks promote a healthy active lifestyle and are also great inclusive community events providing an opportunity for people to get together in a enjoyable outdoor setting.” 

Marion Brown, Principal Sports Officer at Fingal County Council, said it was wonderful to see so many people taking part in the walks.  

“Walking is not only good for your physical health, it is also good for your emotional health,” said Ms Brown.

“I’d like to thank the team for organising the different walks and to the scouts in Balbriggan for their help in stewarding the Balbriggan walk.” 

Ms Brown added: “A big thank you goes also to parkrun in Swords and Porterstown Park for their assistance in staging those walks as well as running their usual parkrun.”

Meanwhile, parkruns continue to take place every Saturday. Visit www.parkrun.ie