Fine Gaelic – Politicians kick off National Fitness Day with football and hurling

They’re no strangers to running for election, and now a group of politicians have upped their fitness goals by taking part in a game of Fine Gaelic to mark National Fitness Day.

Ministers, TDs, senators, councillors and election candidates proved they are not hurlers on the ditch as they fired sliotars and footballs in a fine display of sports diplomacy.

Before throw in, a sparring session with Olympic medallist Kenneth Egan packed a political punch and helped limber up the parliamentarians for the games ahead.

Cúl heads were required as the representatives battled against the clock to rack up the most points on the Fine Gaelic leaderboard.

Special events are taking place in schools, workplaces and communities across the country today to mark National Fitness Day.

The initiative is dedicated to celebrating physical activity in Ireland and encouraging more people to get more active, more often.

Research shows if you exercise with friends you are more likely to stick at it; the social atmosphere creates a positive environment which importantly helps us to have fun.

Fine Gael party chairman Martin Heydon said: “It is well proven that keeping fit and being active is good for the body as well as the mind. “Even when you have a busy lifestyle – whether you’re a young parent or you have a busy job, it’s always important to try to incorporate a bit of physical activity into your day.”

Senator Maura Hopkins said: “I love to be outside. My fitness routine every Sunday is focused around doing some kind of a charity 5k or 10k walk or run and it’s a great way to meet other people. It’s lovely to see families out and about and engaging in physical activity together.

Limerick TD Tom Neville said: “Sports and keeping fit are great for your mental health. It de-stresses you and makes you feel more motivated.
“If I get up and get a good training session done in the gym and pool in the morning, it sets me up for the day.”

Senator Michelle Mulherin said: “National Fitness Day highlights the fact that we need to take care of ourselves in work and life and is an opportunity to be inspired by others.
“It’s about taking a little time each day for exercise and it really has a cumulative effect.”

Cork North Central candidate Julie O’Leary said: “If exercise was a medicine we’d take it every day.
“It’s been a fantastic year for women in sport. It’s so important for everyone to develop fitness as a habit.”

To see the ‘Fine Gaels’ in action and find out who topped the leader board, check out the video on our Twitter and Facebook page.

ENDS