Limerick native, Tomás O’Connell, a local from Kilcornan, launched the inaugral Outdoor Revolution in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, along with All-Ireland winning former Tipperary hurler, John O’Brien. Both men developed the concept together and put it into action.

The event is to take place in the RDS, Dublin on March 24th and 25th. The whole aim of Outdoor Revolution is to get Ireland active, fit and healthy through a variety of outdoor activities.

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.

The initial line-up includes 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 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!”