From ’Buddha Belly’ to 42k as Alan tackles first marathon

This time two years ago, Corkman Alan Lynch weighed almost 22 stone. He was eating unhealthily, going out every weekend, and doing minimal exercise.

Today Alan looks like a different man — he has shed over eight stone, is drinking three to four litres of water each day, and will be attempting his first ever marathon in Cork City this bank holiday weekend.

“I used to be athletic enough when I was younger but I damaged my knee and couldn’t play sports any more,” said Alan, who is from Ballintemple but now lives in Carrignavar.