Operation Transformation is back on our screens this week.
And we couldn’t be more excited!
Especially as we’re meeting our 2024 Operation Transformation leaders.
Let’s meet them!
Michelle Rogan
Originally from Dublin, 36-year-old Michelle now lives in Kilmessan Co Meath, with her husband David and their three children Layla (11), Danny (10) and Sam (1). Michelle is a stay-at-home mom, who is constantly on the go and finds it hard to make time for herself.
Five years ago Michelle’s sister Elizabeth passed away from sudden cardiac arrest, this has led Michelle to worry about her long-term health. Michelle would have been quite fit attending the gym and going to classes, something which she has not been able to find the time for since Sam was born. She hopes Operation Transformation will bring back the old Michelle.
Michelle said: “What I would like most from Operation Transformation is to find myself again and not just be Mammy, become fit, healthy and learn to live a balanced lifestyle. I want to show other women in my position that we are worthy of an hour a day to ourselves.”
Darragh Fitzgerald
37-year-old Darragh hails from Co Limerick and is engaged to Yvonne and have two children Rian (8) and Roisin (2). Rugby is a big part of Darragh’s life, having played from a young age. He now coaches underage and adult teams with St Mary’s. As a teenager Darragh overcame a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, called Burkitts.
He was 16 at the time and had a tumour removed from his bowel and underwent intense chemotherapy. Two years ago Darragh was in hospital with an abnormal heart rhythm and was then diagnosed with atrial Fibrillation. Darragh would like to get a better work-life balance as he works long days and leads mostly a sedentary life. It is time for him to make time for himself and his family.
Darragh said: “It’s a superb opportunity really, to have the five experts at hand over the 8 weeks. To lean on them and to tap into their knowledge and experience; to me that’s invaluable. I am also looking forward to seeing how I, along with the other four leaders, progress over the 8 weeks, and in the end, it will all hopefully be worthwhile. The five of us keep referring to this as a journey, and essentially, that’s what it is – the 8 weeks, is only the start! ”
Edel O’Malley
36-year-old Edel is from Castlebar, Co Mayo and lives with her fiancé Marcin and their one-year-old son Daniel. Edel works in HR for Ashford Castle in Cong, a role that she loves and has been working there for six years.
Edel and Marcin met in a pub in Mayo, after Marcin wrote his number on a piece of paper for her, she sent him a message that night and the rest is history. At the moment, Edel feels like she is stuck in a rut, with a busy work and family life and can’t seem to find the time to exercise. Although not a fan of running, she is determined to try and run the 5K at Phoenix Park.
Edel said: “I am most looking forward to bringing some positivity and motivation regarding health and fitness into my life, to prioritise my own well-being without feeling guilty and to become a healthier and more energetic mam for my son.
“I am thrilled to be chosen to be a leader and hope to inspire some people along the way on their own journeys.”
Anne Cushen
Wexford native Anne is 55 years old who lives in Kiltealy, Co Wexford, with her husband Thomas, and their two children Sean (23) and Breda (21).
Anne is currently a homemaker and has previously worked as a seamstress. Anne is the oldest of nine children, her father is 87 and her mother passed away 10 years ago.
Anne lives with osteoarthritis meaning that she has had two hip replacements with the most recent one being in August 2023. She has found the recovery from this operation to be a lot slower than she would like.
Anne loves social dancing, but at the moment she has no spring in her step. Anne would like to get back and feel like a 55-year-old woman. Anne said: “I look forward to getting my mobility back and not feeling trapped in my stiff body. I hope to gain a freedom that will let me live life to the full in the future with osteoarthritis. I just want to feel normal.”
Noel O’Connell
56-year-old Noel hails from Kilcullen, Co Kildare, is married to Katrina and has 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. Noel is an avid kayaker, competing for Ireland and winning medals, a hobby that he still enjoys doing.
Noel’s health has been a concern to him in the last 18 months and has been diagnosed with 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.
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.”
Operation Transformation airs Wednesday 3rd January at 21:35 on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
