Rory Hannon,
Commercial Manager, Belview

As a rugby player the gym has always been a big part of my fitness lifestyle and over the last number of years, my focus would have been on strength training. But with the gyms closing in December, I was forced to find new ways to get exercise in.

I was never a fan of running, in fact I would have done my best to avoid it but needs must and with a number of colleagues in the Growth team being keen runners, I decided to bite the bullet and take up a new challenge. I started with 5km, then 10km, 15km and in March I was delighted to run my first half marathon. Due to travel restrictions, I did the majority of running on the roads around my home in Waterford City. Since the restrictions have lifted, I’ve been lucky to be able to run in more scenic areas like Tramore, Dunmore East or on the Waterford Greenway.

When I started running in January my goal was to improve my fitness and lose weight, but after I completed a half marathon I decided to set the goal of running a full marathon. My aim is to run the Viking virtual marathon in June. I’ve had some challenges with some old rugby injuries coming back to haunt me, but my training is still on track. I never thought I would say this, but running is now something I actually enjoy and I plan to keep running even when the gyms are open again.

Lauren Baker,
Export Operations and Project Manager Equine, Purcellsinch

I am lucky to own a lovely Connemara pony named Rocky and thankfully, I have been able to continue to exercise and school him at home during lockdown. The struggle for me as an amateur rider was the fact that we could not compete our horses during lockdown. This made keeping the motivation to continue to keep him fit difficult at times, as I had absolutely no idea what I was working towards and when I would get to compete again.

I am very happy to say we had our first cross country training lesson last Sunday at Wexford Equestrian, which is a beautiful equestrian venue. Now I’m looking forward to our first competition on the 13th of June! My big goal is to qualify Rocky for the Connemara performance class at the RDS Dublin Horse Show, although that will now be pushed out to 2022 due to Covid!

Throughout the summer, I will compete for my riding club Carne in south Wexford in eventing and show jumping and I’ll do some Connemara classes at local shows. When I’m not training with Rocky, I do a lot of running on the hills around home which makes a huge difference to my strength and fitness for horse riding.

Ian Cahill,
Commercial Development Manager, Citywest

I’ve been playing American Football in Ireland and Dubai for over 10 years, representing four club teams and two national teams in that time. The football season in Ireland generally runs from March to August, but this year we’ll have an augmented season due to Covid disruptions and given the late start to training, friendly games will be played in August/September.

During lockdown, the thing I missed most was the comradery of my teammates. I missed that feeling you get when 30 other people are on your team, supporting each other and believing in you and your abilities. I truly see my teammates like a family and I am glad to be back with them.

The Senior American Football League has been running in Ireland since 1985, with the national title game titled the “Shamrock Bowl” usually played in the first week of August. The most recent final was in 2019 at Energia stadium in Donnybrook, which my club the South Dublin Panthers unfortunately lost to the Belfast Trojans.

I’m really looking forward to getting back playing this summer and in preparation, my training has been focused on improving my speed, throwing mechanics (which is critical for my position at quarterback) and flexibility to decrease the likelihood of injury. Outside of my own games, I really look forward to and enjoy coaching the Academy (youth) team and having an impact on the upcoming young athletes and thereby helping to improve the sport here in Ireland.

Denise Hayes,
HR Business Partner, Growth

I am so excited to get back to some hiking and trail running this summer. Luckily, we have some fantastic trails and loops in south Tipperary that are close to my home. I’ve managed to complete some great 8km and 10km tail loops in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow over the past few years and this summer, I’m also really looking forward to a hike with friends to the top of Galtymore where the views stretch as far as Cork on a clear day. I had two failed attempts at the summit last summer due to weather, which is very changeable on the Galtee’s. The route from the Mitchelstown side is a fairly direct and manageable trek but for keen hikers looking for a bit of a scramble, the Ballinacourty side is fabulous, with lake views and (apparently) a famine wall.

Of course I can’t forget Tipp’s famous Slievenamon either, near Kilkash village, which is a real thigh burner and cardio workout. It’s a shorter trek but an easy route to follow, with views into Kilkenny and Waterford. All free bar the coffee and treat afterwards!