Tomás O’Connell, a local of Kilcornan, Limerick launched the inaugural Outdoor Revolution in Dublin’s Phoenix Park this week. Taking place in the RDS, Dublin on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March, Outdoor Revolution aims to get Ireland active and healthy by embracing the outdoors and all that Ireland’s great outdoors have to offer. Outdoor Revolution is the brainchild of O’Connell and former All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurler, John O’Brien.
The initial line-up includes olympic athlete and sports psychology PhD student, Jessie Barr; Olympic silver medal winner Sonia O’Sullivan, former Ireland international footballer and current sports columnist Stephen Hunt, leading obesity expert Professor Donal O’Shea, All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurler Noel McGrath, former professional road cyclist, Seán Kelly; Waterford Hurling Manager, Derek McGrath dietician and Waterford native, Aoife Hearne; Performance psychologist consultant and Gerry Hussey with many more to be announced.
The event will incorporate talks, panel discussions, fitness classes, demonstrations and workshops. Panel discussions will focus on topics including healthy supplement use; expert advice on all levels of running, cycling, swimming and adventure sports; coaching and mindset; and the benefits of outdoor exercise to mental health.
Interactive activities will include yoga and pilates classes, cooking demonstrations, wellness workshops for kids, free health screenings, and opportunities to try out the latest innovations in sports equipment and technology.
As well as encouraging beginners to take up outdoor sports, John and Tomás want to discuss and highlight the opportunities out there for amateur and professional athletes facing retirement. Mr O’Connell is a chartered physiotherapist with a Masters in Sports Physiotherapist, and has previously worked with Kildare GAA.
Commenting at the launch, Tomás O’Connell said: “Year on year there is growing awareness throughout Ireland of the huge importance for people of all ages to look after their health and fitness. Outdoor Revolution will be Ireland’s largest outdoor sports, health and wellness show.”
Further information can be found on www.OutdoorRevolution.ie.
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