Former Tipperary hurler John O'Brian launches inaugural Outdoor Revolution event
All-Ireland winning former Tipperary hurler, John O’Brien, 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 John O’Brien and his business partner and friend, sports physiotherapist Tomás O’Connell.
The initial line-up, which was unveiled at the launch will feature:
- All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurler Noel McGrath;
- 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;
- Former professional road cyclist, Seán Kelly;
- Waterford Hurling Manager, Derek McGrath;
- Dietician and Waterford native Aoife Hearne;
- Performance psychologist consultant Gerry Hussey; with many more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Commenting at the launch, John O’Brien, Co-Founder of Outdoor Revolution and former All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurler, said: “Outdoor Revolution will be Ireland’s largest outdoor sports, health and wellness show. We’re delighted to be able to bring so many of Ireland’s leading current and retired athletes and health and wellness experts to this event, including Tipperary’s Noel McGrath. There is growing awareness throughout Ireland of the huge importance for people of all ages to look after their health and fitness, and this show aims to motivate and inspire people to do so.
“There are so many activities you can do outdoors in this beautiful country of ours and the benefits are countless – not only are you looking after your physical health, being outdoors has untold benefits to our mental health and overall wellbeing.
“We hope our sports stars and experts will show our attendees that there is a world of health and fitness opportunities waiting to be discovered, whether you’re a novice jogger, an aspiring long-distance cyclist or you want to explore yoga and pilates!”
The two-day 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.
Outdoor Revolution is the brainchild of John O’Brien and his friend and business partner, sports physiotherapist Tomás O’Connell. 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.
Commenting further at the launch, John O’Brien said: “I spent years on the pitch playing hurling at both club and inter-county level – nothing beats that feeling you get from being outside in the fresh air. Outdoor sports were a huge part of my life for years, and will continue to be as I am keen to stay fit and keep getting that buzz from being outdoors, whether its adventure races, running, cycling or simply hiking in Irelands stunning coasts and mountains.
“For attendees who have left their field sports days behind them but want to stay fit, we’ll have nutrition and physiotherapy experts on hand throughout Outdoor Revolution to advise attendees on what sports would help them to maintain their fitness and health and protect them from injuries.”
Further information can be found on www.OutdoorRevolution.ie.