INMATES at the Dóchas Centre on North Circular Road have been presented with certificates by Dublin Lord Mayor, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, for completing a gruelling fitness course.
The course was brought into the centre by the Bohemian Foundation and run by Northside fitness experts and Bohs fans, Dean Merton and Sarah Farrell.
Personal trainer and strength coach Dean was introduced to prison staff by Bohemian Foundation President, Tommy Hynes, who has organised soccer training for Mountjoy prisoners.
Dean then roped in Sarah, who was working with him as an intern at Bodynamics gym in Santry, to help run the course at Dóchas
“Dean invited me to take part in a Walking Football event in Ballymun organised by the Foundation and he asked me would I be interested,” she said.
Sarah, who has an interest in criminology, says she didn’t hesitate to work with the female inmates at Dóchas.
“I wasn’t apprehensive at all. I think everybody deserves a chance to better themselves and if I can help with all in that, I’m more than happy.
“The inmates have been so welcoming. They’ve been just fantastic. They’re really motivated to get in there and really enjoy themselves working out.”
Dean says the women in Dóchas were easy to work with because they’re so friendly and are already big into training at the prison gym, which has some cutting-edge fitness equipment.
“They’re starting off at a very high standard and they already love to train,” he says.
“I think what we’re doing is teaching them to use the facilities to their fullest potential.”
Last month Dublin Lord Mayor, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, presented the inmates with certificates for completing the Bohemian Foundation course.
The Mayor admits her siblings are fans of Shamrock Rovers, but she’s no problem supporting the work done by their Dublin rivals, Bohs, through the Foundation
“There was a family meeting and they nearly threw me out,” she laughed.
“I think the work the Foundation does in outreaching in the community is absolutely fantastic, and the fitness course is a great example of this.
“There’s a huge emphasis on healthy living and people need to be encouraged to keep fit.
“Prison is a punishment but it’s also supposed to be a form or rehabilitation. You can’t just put people in, lock them away and expect them to come out as better citizens.”
And the prisoners themselves are also delighted with the fitness training provided by Dean and Sarah.
“I’m really happy with it,” one told us. “I’m doing a diploma is gym instruction and I spend 14 hours a week in the gym. Sarah brings in new exercises, new workouts and new ideas to us. She’s full of energy and she opened my eyes for me.”
Another long-term prisoner said the classes were as much about positive mental health as they were about body fitness.
“I love fitness and I’m always in the gym anyway but it’s great to come over and learn something new,” she said.
“Sarah has great motivation and she’ll get you going and she’s easy to talk to. She’s interested, and I think you need a teacher to be interested.”