Local politicians are promising to shape up, inspired by a community sports partnership which is reaping dividends across the county.
Legendary Irish runner John Treacy addressed Kilkenny County Council this week in his role as chief executive of the Irish Sports Council.
Mr Treacy, a former Olympic marathon silver-medallist, said the ISC was reaching out to communities through their various local sports partnerships and getting people involved in physical activity.
“If people are involved in physical activity they are healthier,” he said.
The ISC invests €5.6m a year into communities through its LSPs and in Kilkenny that funds the Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership.
KRSP co-ordinator Nicola Keeshan told councillors that after the core funding from the ISC, the local authorities were the next most significant providers of monetary support.
“We are committed to promoting healthy living and personal development through recreational and sporting activities within all groups and throughout the whole community,” she said.
The ISC has invested over €1.4m into sports in Kilkenny since the KRSP was formed in 2004 and Ms Keeshan noted funding levels had not fallen since 2011, despite the economic situation.
And the presence of a champion athlete and the work of the KRSP on the ground seemed to spark a fitness craze in the council as a number of members, led by council chairman Paul Cuddihy, committed to new regimes.
Although a member of a leisure centre, Cllr Cuddihy joked that he had zero carbon footprint from his visits to date. But he promised to turn over a new leaf and said he would start weighing in on a monthly basis.
“There is a perception that sports are for young people and when the knees start to go it’s time to give up,” he said.
He was supported in his commitment by Cllr Cora Long, who said she and three other female members of council had made a similar pact.
“It’s that type of leadership from yourselves that can be an example to the rest of the community,” said Mr Treacy, who said he intended to hold them to account on their promise.
The work of the KRSP was roundly praised by councillors and a commitment was made to continue to support their initiatives as much as possible.
“The work of the KRSP shouldn’t be underestimated,” said Cllr John Brennan.
“People who get involved in sport are saving the State a fortune in long-term by getting involved in a healthy lifestyle.”
