Donegal Leader Cathal Gallagher completes Operation Transformation 5k in Dublin

Here we go, Cathal this morning in Dublin Picture Mary Keown

Cathal Gallagher's remarkable journey on the Operation Transformation programme hit a real high this morning when he and fellow leaders in the hugely popular TV show completed their national 5k in the Phoenix Park.

5,000 people joined them, among them many from Donegal and Leitrim and particularly noticeable were the number of people from the emergency services nationally and locally who have been with Cathal every step of the way.

Colleagues Mary Keown and Mark Sheerin from Ballyshannon, Stephen Doherty from Letterkenny, were among large numbers of people there to offer their support to Cathal who was joined by his family, Agi and Maja, on the start line. 

"I did it in under 52 minutes and I am thrilled with that, it wasn't a race, for me it was about participation and completion and I really enjoyed it.

"There was great support for me, as I walked along I could hear people and I don't know who they are, shouting my name and wishing me well, there was a wave of good feeling and love bringing me along and it was a very special day," he said.

Fodhla, Daithi and Mark Sheerin, Marie McLoone and Francie

and Mary Keown, all Ballyshannon were there to support Cathal

Cathal with fellow leaders today in Dublin Picture: Mark Sheerin