As the contestants reach the half way point in their training regime for Gaelforce North, we’ve decided to give you an update on how each is performing……Here goes!
Motiv8 LK Fitness Classes are open to members of the public, with new fitness enthusiasts particularly welcome! For timetables and further information on Motiv8 LK see www.motiv8fitness.eu or www.facebook.com/motiv8lk
The team at Motiv8 Fitness have also announced the creation of a online donation page for chosen charity Donegal Action for Cancer Care, log on to www.mycharity.ie/charity/dacc if you’ve like to contribute to this worthy charity. Further details of fundraising activities will be announced soon.
Meet The Celebrities
Gerry McMonagle
Letterkenny’s very own town mayor, Gerry ‘The Boss’ McMonagle was the first to sign up for the Motiv8 LK Challenge. Since the event started the big Derry man hasn’t missed a training session and was rewarded with his endeavours so far by being awarded Motiv8 LK Trainer of the week recently. In fact, some people thought that Gerry had moved into the Town Park permanently, he’s spending so much time training there! There’ll be no mistaking Gerry on Gaelforce now in his bright yellow t-shirt!!
Joanne Sweeney-Burke
Joanne ‘The Apprentice’ Sweeney-Burke is well used to a challenging competition in the media spot light as she won her way to last year’s Apprentice final on TV3. The Media Box Owner has stated that her driven personality has helped to get her to where she is today. Recent conversations with cyclist Stephen Roche may give the Downings native the edge when navigating the hills around Glenveagh on June 23rd!
John Watson
John ‘Hire Me’ Watson has never been one to turn down a challenge and the adopted Termon man is already seeing the benefits of his new healthier lifestyle …although to the detriment of Mountain Top’s Pizza! Although rather quiet after the end of the Premiership Season, John has been a lively and entertaining competitor in Motiv8 LK and he’s taking the training so seriously, it’s alleged that he now sleeps with a set of kettle-bells (well during work hours anyway)!
Paul Rodgers
Paul ‘The Glass Man’ Rodgers states Italian among his favourite foods. However the Bolognese has been ditched for the bike in Paul’s determination to succeed in Motiv8 LK. Even a family wedding in Portugal couldn’t disrupt his training schedule. However, it did make for some confusion as he repeatedly ran up the alter steps during the ceremony, complete with kettle-bells in arms humming eye of the tiger!
Toni Kelly
Toni ‘RPM’ Kelly better known for her sporting pursuits on the rally circuit rather than the triathlon circuit, has taken to the Motiv8 LK Challenge like a duck to water. Although taking some initial persuasion to take part in Motiv8 LK, Toni’s dedication and attendance has paid off. Rumour has it for the upcoming Donegal Rally that the RPM presenter could ditch the type R for a pair of trainers as she makes her way around the circuit!
Barry Mackey
Barry ‘Sign of The Times’ Mackey could yet claim the unsung hero of Motiv8LK title. Injury set-backs and jibes from fellow competitors (namely Watson) have only acted as an increased motivator for the Ard O’Donnell Sign-Maker. After close scrutiny of Barry’s lifestyle we believe we’ve found the key to his drive and relentless energy – The post-training bowl of porridge in Macs Mace as well as the prospect of beating John Watson!
Cathal Sheridan
Cathal ‘Silk Cut’ Sheridan initially missed the first two weeks training. However since then ‘sick note’ has made a tremendous effort in all training sessions. The C&M Embroidery owner like most of the others has never before taken part in a triathlon and he’s taking his training regime is so disciplined seriously that the cigarette break has almost been completely eradicated from the Rathmullan man’s daily routine!
Gavin McDaid
The battle of the media gurus is completed by Greenlight Media Co-Founder Gavin ‘Angry Tiger’ McDaid. Gavin’s stated that the imminent arrival of his new born has helped give him part of the incentive for taking part in Motiv8 LK. His work colleagues claim his interest in fitness has reached unprecedented levels, with videos of spinning bikes and how to perform the perfect press-up now making up his extended you tube play list…..
Mick Murphy
Ballina native Mick ‘The Coach’ Murphy is the final celebrity Motiv8 LK contestant. Mick is well known in GAA circles as County Coaching Officer as well as his involvement in Glenswilly GAA club. Mick has been making gallant strides since training commenced and if his fitness level continues to rise as the same rate, it’s alleged he could see championship game time alongside his son Michael. Jim McGuinness is monitoring Mick’s progress with a watchful eye….
