Tullamore resident's dodgeball group aims to beat winter blues

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Tullamore resident Alyssa Geraghty is bringing some much-needed fun to the community this winter with the launch of a new dodgeball group designed to beat the winter blues and help people stay active.

The idea came to the Massachusetts native as the colder months set in, and her motivation for hitting the gym started to fade. Instead of letting the season get her down, she decided to find a creative way to stay active, and dodgeball seemed like the perfect answer.

"Winter is creeping in, and my motivation for the gym was evaporating," Alyssa said. "I wanted something that felt fun enough to trick myself into moving, and dodgeball felt like the perfect blend of childhood nostalgia, mild chaos, and the kind of workout you don’t realise is a workout until you’re wheezing and laughing at the same time."

It's still early days for the group, with its first gathering still to take place, but Alyssa has been thrilled with the response, especially from local women. "The interest has been incredible," she said. "It’s open to absolutely anyone who wants to join. It’s about creating a group where everyone feels welcome."

Dodgeball, which has grown in popularity in recent years, is a team game in which players must dodge or catch balls thrown by the opposition whilst attempting to strike their opponents in the same way. The group will be adults-only for safety reasons, with Alyssa joking that she doesn’t want to accidentally "dodgeball someone’s child into orbit". While Alyssa is still figuring out the logistics and location for the group, she’s optimistic about its future.

"I’ve reached out to a few indoor spaces, but I’ll admit I’m figuring this out in real time. I’ve never organised anything like this before, so I’m learning as I go, and happily accepting any guidance from people who know what they’re doing."

The warm and positive feedback she’s received from the community has been more than enough to fuel her excitement.

"I’ve had a surprising amount of interest from people who clearly needed the reminder that we’re allowed to play as adults," she said, "A bunch of folks reached out saying they were interested, and the enthusiasm has been really encouraging.

"Since moving here a few years ago from the US, I myself have struggled with finding alternative things to do, so I said why not try this. It has been so warm and encouraging that it really feels like this little idea is turning into something special."

For the latest updates about the dodgeball group, see 'Tullamore Together Through Everything' on Facebook.