'Operation Tubberation' off to flying start

The first-ever Operation Transformation initiative in Tubber got off to a very successful start last week when 62 locals signed up to participate in the six week challenge.
'We were only expecting around 40, so to have 62 sign up is really good for a small village. They are all raring to go,' said Chris Daly, the chairperson of Tubber's Healthy Club committee.
Billed as 'Operation Tubberation', the training programme is arranged into three categories for beginner, intermediate, and advanced participants. Taking part costs €60 per person, with all proceeds going to help establish a walking track in Tubber which, it is is hoped, will be put in place this year.
Each of the participants has been given a programme to follow and will be allowed free gym access for six weeks. They can also participate in a range of classes and talks aimed at improving their lifestyle and fitness level.
These will include pilates classes by Olive Keyes and a talk on healthy eating by nutritionist Cathriona Hodgins of the Honey Pot in Athlone.
'There were be a range of activities all based around promoting a healthy mind and a healthy body,' explained Chris.
Chris said 'Operation Tubberation' was just one of several initiatives which the Healthy Club committee was promoting in order to improve the wellbeing of people of all ages.
The club has already helped to set up an active age and retirement group as well as art classes, flower arranging classes, and a baking class for children, which was held before Christmas.
Chris is a former chairman of Tubber GAA club and said it was hoped that, by the end of March, this would be the first GAA club in county Offaly to go completely smoke free, with smoking prohibited in all areas of the club grounds.
There are also plans to set up a 'critical incident response plan' to ensure that people are trained to follow the correct procedures in the event of an accident or emergency locally.
Meditation and mindfulness is becoming increasingly popular for people of all age groups and plans are afoot for a 'relax for kids' programme in Tubber which will aim to teach children in the local school how to relax and meditate.
The 'Operation Tubberation' programme is due to conclude with a 5k walk/run on Sunday, February 19. There will also be a presentation of awards for the biggest weight loss achievement and other milestones accomplished over the six weeks.