The Taoiseach has confirmed his attendance at the Castlebar event and will be joined by Silver Olympic Medallist and CEO Irish Sports Council John Treacy. While at the Westport event Treacy will also be joined by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring who will launch a newly developed iPhone app featuring 400 Irish activity trails  The new iPhone app has details of more than 400 walking and cycling trails around Ireland, and will make it much easier for everyone to get out and enjoy one of Ireland’s many recreational trails.

Is getting more physically active part of your new year resolutions? Don’t know where to start and need some support? The new series of RTEs Operation Transformation is once again joining forces with the Irish Sports Councils Sports Partnership network to encourage people to become more physically active in 2013.  A series of walks will take place across the country this Saturday 19th January with Mayo walks taking place in Belmullet, Castlebar and Westport.

The  walks, either 3 or 5km in length will be led by suitable instructors who will be on hand guide participants through the walk and also to give advice about follow on programmes etc.

Details of the events are as follows:

Centre                                 Meeting Point & Time                                                 Time of Walk

Castlebar                             New Castlebar Tennis Club(11am)                                   11.30am

Erris                                    Civic Centre Belmullet(11.30am)                                      12 Noon

Westport                              Westport Leisure Park(1.30pm)                                        2pm

“ Last years Operation Transformation walk was a great success with many continuing on walking for weeks afterwards. After the Christmas people are thinking of doing some exercise for whatever goal they may have and don’t know where to start. We hope to be able to provide support for people who are seeking to become more active.” Mayo Sports Partnership Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert commented.

Event organizers Mayo Sports Partnership and local partners are encouraging people of all age groups to turn out on the day.

Both the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Olympic silver medalist and CEO of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy will be in attendance at the Castlebar event.

The Sports Council supremo will then join Minister of State for Sport and Tourism Michael Ring  to launch a newly developed iPhone app featuring 400 Irish activity trails  The new iPhone app has details of more than 400 walking and cycling trails around Ireland, and will make it much easier for everyone to get out and enjoy one of Ireland’s many recreational trails.

In all the events there is no cost involved and some light refreshments etc will be available afterwards.

Participants are asked to wear loose clothing and to bring some water.

Further information on Operation Transformation can be viewed at : www.rte.ie/ot/

To register for the walks or to get further information contact Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.