We can’t believe Operation Transformation has come and gone.
The series was an emotional ride, with the leaders just beginning the start of their new lives.
There certainly wasn’t a dry eye in any living room across the country as we settled in to watch the final episode.
Kathryn Thomas, the host of the series, took to Instagram to share her love for everyone involved in this year’s show. And sure didn’t the waterworks start all over again.
Sharing a picture of the group together, she wrote: “What can I say… I’m so overcome with love for these incredible humans… they opened up their lives, their homes, their hearts, they shared their insecurities and vulnerabilities so we might learn a thing or two.”
“Thank you so much @bowden.stephanie @thomashynesgranard @lorrdemp @marieclear_x @andrea.daly.568 ….Im so privileged to have met you @rteoperationtransformation.”
How sweet!
Viewers took to social media to share their delight at the journeys the leaders went on this year.
Well done to each and every leader this year, you were a joy to watch and each deserve a massive hug. Congratulations everyone ♥️ @dreddiemurphy #operationtransformation
— Kym Kelly (LARK Mus Soc KILDARE) (@kymkellymusic) February 23, 2023
That's it for another year. Huge well done to all the leaders of 2023 🥳🎉 #OperationTransformation
— Lisa (@lserssa) February 22, 2023
#operationtransformation was a great series! Well done everyone
— Damien (@DGLODGE) February 22, 2023
Congratulations to all involved in @OpTranRTE for another fantastic series. #OperationTransformation pic.twitter.com/SzxLyE8kyO
— Andrew Burke-Hannon (@AJBurke14) February 22, 2023
Well done to everyone who took part in @OpTranRTE congratulations to you all! 🎉
But particularly Marie, it was a pleasure to be part of your journey and wishing her every success for the future ❤️
We could all be kinder and nicer to one another❤️#OperationTransformation #otRte pic.twitter.com/f7gMMd4DBx— Davina Devine (@DavinaDevine) February 22, 2023
#operationtransformation Marie is an absolute star. RTE need to hire her as a presenter. She has a special quality that you can not take your eyes off her.
— nomadicmammy (@nomadicmammy) February 22, 2023
‘I’ve accepted myself’ 😭😭😭
Ah God #operationtransformation @OpTranRTE
— CROSSY (@CrossyTweets) February 22, 2023
It was an emotional night for Marie Clear in particular as she walked the runway in a self-designed dress.
“I can finally look in the mirror at myself. I can finally walk down the street and look in shop windows. I have accepted myself,” she shared.
Thomas Hynes shared that he feels “a million dollars”, while his wife Eileen added that “he’s the boy I met 34 years ago”.
Stephanie Bowden had an emotional eight weeks, sharing on social media: “In 8 weeks;
Educated with food
Run with a lot less anxiety
Gained 4 fab heroes as friends
4 experts proud of my effort
Inner confidence has ⬆️ to apply for sports roles when roles come up
2st 3.5lbs
27 inches
Best balance ever on show
5K in 35
No bun
Engaged
TRANSFORMATIVE”.
Primary school principal Lorraine Dempsey learned that she is “not replaceable at home” and has turned off her work phone every day promptly at 5pm.
Andrea Daly, who opened up about losing a child from cerebral palsy during her time on the show, explained that her journey helped her start “buying back time for me and the kids”.
