A Lil bit of inspiration

What started out as an initiative to encourage more people to be more physically active has turned into a powerful manifestation of a community on the move - and showing the way is 83-year-old Lil Farrelly who has turned out to be an inspirational figure in they way she has taken on the challenge.

Lil and other members of the Carnaross Operation Transformation group started out on a journey into the unknown in early January.

They completed their programme last Sunday afternoon with a walk around the Carnaross GAA pitch - and leading the way was Lil, a mother of four and grandmother of eight. 

“Lil has been an inspiration to all the other walkers especially the younger ones with her stick and fluffy hat and a big smile on her face she braved all weathers,” explained Noeleen Farrelly who was the driving force behind setting up the group.

“When Lil started she found it difficult to walk one lap of the local football pitch without stopping however, with the encouragement and support of the group, and her good friend Mary Whelan, Lil has managed to walk six laps.”

Initially the group included Noeleen Farrelly and a number of other people including Laura Donnellan, Ann Ploeg, Annmarie O'Reilly, Brona Mooney, Edwina Donaghy, Josie Connell, Sinead Farrelly and Stephie Smith. However the word soon spread and the numbers increased. Now they are aiming to keep the show on the road and turn the walks into a permanent part of people's schedules.

“This has been an amazing success story and something we hope will grow each year for our community and we are hoping now that everyone gets out and starts moving especially as the mornings and evenings are getting brighter, so that they can enjoy the benefits of a fit and active body and mind because they are hard to replace,” added Noeleen who is a mother of three and works for the Certified Angus Producer Group.

The Carnaross OT project was ran in conjunction with the TV programme of the same name with weekly weigh-ins for those who wished to keep an eye on their waistline. However, the broader vision was look beyond just weight loss to overall health and well-being. Walks were held every Wednesay morning and Sunday evening.

In order to broaden their knowledge of the mechanics of fitness a number of speakers were organised to talk at the Sunday evening walks including osteopath Stephen McDermott, personal trainer Mags Bellew and local hero PJ Gillic who tasted All-Ireland glory with Meath.

Before the first walk got underway on the 7th January Stephanie Smith of Sky Limit Fitness led the warm ups with some music to get the participants “geared up.” The first walk showed that the Carnaross OT project had huge potential with 120 adults and children showing up.

The group have documented their progress through their Facebook page and they have also featured on the OT TV show - and they have not been short of encouragement.

“Meath Local Sports Partnership through Lucy Dylan has been more than supportive with constant e-mails and encouraging texts throughout as well as providing us with hi-vis vests and the 21-day walking challenge cards,” added Noeleen Farrelly. The support of the local GAA club, the use of the parish hall as well as the national school texting system have been other big helps.

Youngsters from Carnaross National School have also become involved and they undertook to complete the ‘Daily Mile Project.’ According to Noeleen Farrelly the concept has helped to “improve the physical, emotional and social health and well-being of the children.”

It was the bubbly optimism of the young people that have helped walkers such as the inspirational Lil Farrelly happy that she took on the OT project in the first place.

“Lil said the benefits to her physical health have been tremendous,” explained Noeleen Farrelly. “She has enjoyed meeting new families in the community.
“As a former member of the Carnaross ICA she has enjoyed the happy banter and the cup of tea and a chat after each walk. As she says in her own words 'the energy and enthusiasm of the young people is infectious.'

“The walking group has seen the emergence of new friendships with a number of people taking it upon themselves to arrange additional walks outside of the OT schedule.”