Meath GAA officials and Leinster GAA representatives, who have lost 10 stone in weight, have vowed not to let the mystery virus stop their ongoing fitness campaign.
Martin O’Halloran, 58, was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth, after suffering severe chest pains in recent weeks and had to call the emergency services.
After seven days in the hospital, doctors determined that his illness was caused by a virus, and he is currently recovering, with plans to get back on track with his three-year fitness journey in the coming months.
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The GAA committee stalwart, from Rathmolyon, lost a third of his body weight in 2020 after being ashamed of not being able to buy clothes for his mother’s funeral.
He has since lost 10 stone and gone from a 6XL dress size to 3XL.
“I was embarrassed when I couldn’t find clothes that fit my mother’s funeral, but because of my weight I couldn’t walk far and had to take the elevator down the streets of Las Morillon to attend my mother Ellen. When it didn’t, I decided to do something about it,” he said.
“I started with small steps because I couldn’t walk far or I was out of breath. During the coronavirus pandemic, I lived in Navan and every day I went to the petrol station on the edge. Little by little, it became easier to walk around the city, and it took less time.
“I’m a huge West Bromwich Albion fan, but even getting on a plane was so hard I couldn’t even sit in my seat. I lost all confidence, I couldn’t believe in myself, so it took a toll on my overall health. I thought I had to change my situation.
“I changed my diet and joined a gym and team training to finally get over the bulge. I was walking 12,000 steps every day, regardless of the weather. Before I got sick, I joined a gym intensive training course. That was my intention.”
“A few weeks ago I just woke up with chest pains. The pain was so bad I had to call an ambulance. The next thing I remember was being out on the street with the paramedics. That’s what happened.
“I spent a few days on the trolley and it was my first time in a hospital as an adult. It opened my eyes to the work that doctors and nurses do in the emergency department and what they have to endure. It was done.
“I heard all the stories and they were incredible. When I heard them in a single room treating difficult patients, they were all rattled, but they looked at me with big smiles on their faces. I have nothing but the utmost respect for them.
“I’ve been told I’ll have to rest for a while because I’ve contracted a virus that attacks my chest and abdomen. The doctors are impressed with my efforts to lose weight and apparently that’s why my heart rate is slowing down.”
“I hope to be back in the gym in the next few weeks. It’s been almost four years now and this journey has completely changed me physically and mentally. I feel more confident going out now. I’m still big.” 3XL, but at least this size is more accessible and will continue to help me lose weight and improve my health.
“I’ve made some lifestyle changes to improve my overall health and wellbeing. I stopped drinking alcohol two years ago. I sometimes miss the lively atmosphere in pubs, but this… I feel it was a wise decision.”
“I’m still passionate about the GAA and hurling in particular and I’ve noticed that I’ve gained a lot of respect and admiration from people in the GAA for losing weight. Maybe that’s what I think. Maybe it’s just that. But I was able to lose even more weight. I respect myself more and that’s what’s important.”
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