GAA star looks to transform himself on RTÉ

He’s more used to convincing GAA coaches of his fitness before All-Ireland hurling triumphs.

But over the coming weeks a major Cork sports star will be aiming to win the acclaim of weight loss gurus instead.

Kevin Hennessy, who 30 years ago was winning his first of seven Munster titles and three All-Irelands, has been confirmed as one of 19 hopefuls on RTÉ’s latest Operation Transformation show.

The 1982-1993 inter-county star, now 51, says he feels like an “embarrassment” after hitting 21 stone.

However, after recovering from cancer and five brain tumours, as well as coping with type-2 diabetes and heart problems, the grandfather is set to inspire a nation all over again.

“When you’re playing, you’re out seven days a week training. But when you stop, you just get bigger and bigger,” Kevin said.

Among his colleagues will be 31-year-old Deirdre Hosford from Whitechurch, Co Cork, and 35-year-old Lesley Harris, from Tralee in Co Kerry.

The programme kicks off in early Jan, with segments on the five leaders of the 19-strong group to be aired on RTÉ Radio’s The John Murray Show next week.