Saturday, February 11, 2023

By Carmel Hayes

A PORTARLINGTON legend will be the next Ad Break Hero on the Operation Transformation television series.

Terry Lawlor has been named as the next hero on the hit show, which is being filmed in Laois.

Renowned for his tireless community work, Terry won the Portarlington Person of the Year title in 2015 for his dedication to the town. Day in, day out he rises early to pick litter and keep the streets clean through hail, rain, sleet or snow – even during the big snow of 2018.

Terry will join fitness expert Karl Henry outside Portarlington Leisure Centre at 7pm this Friday, to lead the crowd in exercises for the weekly Ad Break Challenge.

Operation Transformation experts and Portarlington residents Dr Eddie Murphy and Dr Sumi Dunne will be there too and all are welcome.

The Portarlington segment will feature in the next episode of the series that will air at 9.30pm on RTÉ One next Wednesday night.

Encouraging people to come along, the organisers said: “We’re looking to fill the place with a massive crowd of Portarlington people!

“Banners, flags, school/club colours are heartily encouraged!

“The event is inclusive and family-friendly – people with disabilities or mobility issues are more than welcome to take part in the exercises.”

Filming starts at 7pm though you’re advised to be there in good time.”

Terry will be the sixth Laois person to have their story told on the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge.

Episode one featured Stradbally businesswoman Ann Simpson, followed by Paddy McLoughin of Vicarstown in episode two and Treacy Percy from Portlaoise in episode three.

Episode four featured Kilcavan’s Niamh McEvoy while this week’s episode featured Park-Ratheniska’s James Deegan.

The SVT Activity & Wellness HUB said they are “really proud” of how the show is portraying Stradbally and the county of Laois and its people.

The group said: “We are having had an absolute blast being involved … we hope you are enjoying it too.”