Dennehy's Health and Fitness chain sold to Women's Fitness owner 

Popular fitness chain operates four gyms across Cork

Founder of Dennehy's Health and Fitness, Luke Dennehy.

Cork-founded gym Dennehy's Health and Fitness has been sold and taken over by new management.

Operating for over 15 years, Dennehy's Health and Fitness was founded by Luke Dennehy in 2010. Since then, the chain has grown significantly with four gyms now operating in Cork, located in Blackpool, Ballincollig, Douglas and Cork City. 

Now, Mr Dennehy, and former managing director of the business, Steve Barry, have stepped down from the company, with new owners, Noel Smyth and Michael Melleney, taking over the business. All management teams across the four locations will remain unchanged following the sale, it is understood.

Experienced in the health and wellness industry, Mr Melleney has acquired several gym businesses in the last few years, and is the owner of the Cork and Limerick branches of Women's Fitness, along with Mr Smyth.

It is understood that both Women's Fitness and Dennehy's Health and Fitness will remain separate and continue to trade as their respective chains.

The sale of the popular Cork fitness brand for an undisclosed amount was finalised in December, with former managing director Steve Barry, welcoming the transaction. 

"I couldn’t be prouder of what we have built over the last 15 years," Mr Barry said.

"A brand now synonymous with the fitness scene in Cork, four gyms with something for everybody and a community of members that make Dennehy’s special. 

"I am sad to be leaving but delighted in the knowledge that under passionate new ownership, and being steered by absolutely fantastic management teams, Dennehy’s is in a fantastic place going into 2026," the former managing director added.

Establishing its first gym in Ballincollig in 2010, the health and fitness franchise expanded in 2015, opening its second facility in Douglas which brought its combined membership at the time to more than 4,000 customers. 

In 2016, the group grew once again with the addition of its third site in Blackpool Retail Park. 

In 2019, Dennehy's branch in Douglas was forced to close after a serious fire at Douglas Village Shopping Centre in August of that year, with its re-opening stalled due to the pandemic. 

Despite a difficult trading period for the company due to covid-induced lockdowns, Dennehy's opened its fourth gym location in February 2021 on Cork's Penrose Docks.

The €700,000 gym spans a 10,000 sq ft facility, encompassing a spacious gym floor with areas designed for cardio, strength and functional fitness, along with two studios.