By Michelle Crean

Fitness fever has hit the country as part of the ‘Ireland Lights Up’ campaign and locals were keen to get in on the act.

In both Glenflesk and Barraduff all ages came out to get involved in the GAA’s popular walk/run in association with RTÉ's Operation Transformation which returned to our screens last week, and Get Ireland Walking.

2019 was the last time it took place and now every Monday and Wednesday evening locals from both areas will be out getting fitter.

It's also a great way for people to meet up and catch up, explained Padraig O'Sullivan from Glenflesk GAA.

The country-wide initiative began on Monday night and will run for seven weeks - with an added week at the end for this local group.

Locals had the option of getting weighed in and have their blood pressure checked with local nurses Mary O'Brien and Aisling Glavin.

"We started on Monday at 6.30pm and it's split between Glenflesk GAA pitch and Barraduff Community Field," Padraig told the Killarney Advertiser.

Both locations have a track but it's mainly walkers in Glenflesk while walkers and runners go to the Barraduff track, which is also buggy friendly.

Declan O'Donoghue is also running a Couch to 5k in Barraduff.

"We are going for an extra week at the end - with a walk/run in the Clydagh Valley at the start of March, the date is yet to be confirmed."

He added that everyone is welcome to come along.

"You don't have to be a member of the GAA to take part. It's a one hour walk. Our motto is: "Bring a friend, it's not about the healthy side but it's about the social side"."