Thomas Hynes.

Local man named as Operation Transformation Leader

A local man has been named as one of the Operation Transformation Leaders, as the series returns on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9.30pm tomorrow, Wednesday January 4.

Thomas Hynes (50) from Granard lives with his wife Eileen and their 11-year-old son Harry.

Five years ago, Thomas suffered a heart attack, and thankfully, following his rehab, he made a full recovery.

Thomas ran and owned a successful dry-cleaning business, but unfortunately, like many businesses across the country, trade started to disappear and he was forced to close as the effects of the Covid-19 lockdowns took hold.

Never one to sit on his laurels, Thomas started a pizza food truck business with his brother-in-law in their home town.

In his 50th year Thomas wants to introduce a sustainable routine into his health and wellbeing as he moves into the next stage of life.

Thomas said: “A risk to my heart is a risk to my health and getting a healthy lifestyle is my motivation to becoming an Operation Transformation Leader in 2023.”

Thomas Hynes. Photo by David Cantwell Photography

" id="link-0f9b45eb33f27152ca8d6413c554b0a2" target="_blank">OT team meeting Thomas.

The other leader announced alongside Thomas is primary school principal, Lorraine Dempsey, who lives in Ferns, County Wexford with her husband Anthony and their three children, Jack, Patrick and Katie.

Lorraine loves her job and says her staff and pupils inspire her every day. With a busy house and a busy school, Lorraine is juggling a lot.

Exercise and movement played a huge part in Lorraine’s routine, but in the last two years, family life and work have been priorities.

Turning 43 in January, it’s time for Lorraine to bring her own health and wellbeing into focus and 2023 is the year for her to do that.

She wants to feel alive again in the inside and the outside.

Lorraine said: “2023 is the year where I’m looking forward to prioritising my health and wellbeing making time for myself. 2023 is where I find myself again and enjoy making healthy choices with my family.”

Thomas and Lorraine join Stephanie Bowden and Andres Daly as OT leaders this year.