Local Hero Terry Lawlor with Kathleen Sheridan and John Scully of SVT Hub. Photos: Michael Scully

By Carmel Hayes

A LOCAL legend is finally getting the national recognition he deserves, after leading a lively crowd in the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge.

Terry Lawlor, a hugely popular choice as Portarlington’s Ad Break Hero, was the star of the show as RTÉ cameras rolled outside the town’s Leisure Centre yesterday evening.

Terry’s characteristic broad smile will beam into homes across the country next Wednesday, when the Portarlington footage airs in the next episode of Operation Transformation on RTÉ One at 9.30pm.

Terry was delighted to join fellow Port residents and series experts Dr Eddie Murphy and Dr Sumi Dunne with fitness trainer Karl Henry at the event, as they encouraged the crowd to get active and enjoy the happiness that comes with health and wellbeing.

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. No matter what the weather, he carries on and has a smile and a wave for everyone he meets.

See our big photo spread from the Portarlington Ad Break Challenge in the next edition of the Laois Nationalist, in shops and online on Tuesday 7 February

Dr Eddie Murphy, Local Hero Terry Lawlor and Karl Henry

Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge in Portarlington

St. Conleth’s LGFC group with Dr Eddie, Terry Lawlor and Dr Sumi at the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge in Portarlington