Fr Shane Crombie on Croagh Patrick in 2014 after his weight loss.

Fr Shane leads parish's own Operation Transformation

A Tullamore priest who has successfully addressed his own weight issues is leading a new initiative to get his parishioners fit and healthy this winter.

Tullamore Parish, in association with the Edgewater Medical Centre, is hosting its own pre-Christmas Operation Transformation, which will run from November 6 until December 11. The man leading the programme will be Fr Shane Crombie, who began his own battle against the bulge after an incident on Christmas Eve in 2012.

“I always struggled with my weight,” said Fr Shane. “On Christmas Eve four years ago there was a robbery in the parish car park. I took after the assailant as fast as I could. There was no way I would catch him. Thankfully he dropped the bag and all was well there. I, however was very much the worst for wear. A few hundred yards and I was bunched; it took me the evening to recover.

“The next day I weighed myself. I was one ounce from fifteen stone. It was an eye-opener. My cholesterol was rocketing; I was even starting to find stairs hard. It was then I went to Edgewater Clinic. I started exercise, changed my diet. I lost a good three and a half stone. I am all the better for it.”

Fr Shane says that there are three reasons why a parish should become involved in a health and fitness programme: “health, community and support”.

“Health is a great gift and has to be treasured. Being overweight can lead to all kinds of health issues that can easily be prevented by common sense and good will. God loves us as we are; but we have to do our bit to keep the engine ticking! OT is a great community builder; it’s done as part of a group. There is no competition, but there is lots of support. Funds raised will help support the parish.”

The programme will finish with a parish fun run/walk on Sunday December 11, and a 'super healthy buffet’ in the Parish Centre.

The cost of the programme, which includes weekly weigh-ins, individual food and exercise plans, is €100.

“Don’t wait till January. This is a perfect way to get in shape for Christmas. Our sincere thanks to Carina and the crew in Edgewater for their support,” Fr Shane said.