Sports stars go back to school

A DUBLIN classroom yesterday learnt that staying healthy is child’s play.

Ace hurler Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and champion hurdler Derval O’Rourke were giving the lessons at City Quay National School.

“SPAR Kids — Fit for Life” is a campaign and teaching aid designed to help schools and teachers educate children about the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating habits.

One in five Irish children is now categorised as overweight and obese, due to poor eating habits and lack of physical exercise.

Nutritionist Paula Mee was spot-on in her introduction of the two athletes: “You are the luckiest kids in Dublin, do you know that?”

The lucky boys and girls knew they were privileged to be in class that day. “Yeah” was their instant chorus.

It was almost lunchtime before the lesson ended. But not before the hardest exercise, as Sean Óg and Derval signed autographs for their adoring fans.

Earlier, Sean Óg had demonstrated the silky skills of hurling to the younger boys and girls and Derval showed some of the poise that helped her win the European 100 metres silver medal recently.