TWO Cork people are vying to be named as Operation Transformation leaders, as filming for the tenth series of the popular RTÉ show begins.
Gerard Cahill from Mallow and Lisa Walsh from Carrigadrohid are among the 18 candidates who gathered at the Sportslink Sports and Social Club in Santry this week to be physically and emotionally assessed for a possible place.
Gerard Cahill Age: 41 from Mallow, Co Cork pictured at the RTÉ Operation Transformation assessment day ahead of the tenth series. Picture Andres Poveda
The hopefuls were assessed individually by experts throughout the day with five to be chosen to be leaders willing to radically change their eating patterns, exercise habits, and inspire viewers to follow them on their journey over eight weeks in January and February.
Mr Cahill, aged 41, is a publican and father of three. Gerard is a Type 2 Diabetic and has struggled with his weight for the past 20 years. He says his weight completely dictates how he does the everyday things in life and he wants to lose the pounds so he can live a normal life with his family and do normal things together.
Ms Walsh is 30 and lives with her daughter Mia in Carrigadrohid. She says that she’s lost herself in the last few years and her confidence and self-esteem are at an all-time low.
Lisa applied for Operation Transformation because she’s stuck in a rut, and she can’t see a way out. As a mother, she also wants to be a good role model for her daughter and teach her how to live healthy and love herself no matter what.
Lisa Walsh Age: 30 from Carrigadrohid, Co Cork pictured at the RTÉ Operation Transformation assessment day ahead of the tenth series. Picture Andres Poveda
Next week presenter Kathryn Thomas will travel to the homes of the five selected leaders to unveil their participation in the series live on Ray’s radio show on Radio 1 from 3pm.
Speaking about the show she said; “I really admire all of the 18 people who travelled to Santry from all over the country to take part in the Operation Transformation assessment day.
“It takes a lot of courage to fill in the OT application form and to be prepared to sign up for show. They’ve bravely said that they want a change of lifestyle and that is the first important step.”
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