Project Spraoi aims to increase physical activity, improve dietary intake and positively influence the overall health of Irish children
Meet our team
Watch this brief video with our Energisers
Get to know our Energisers
Conor Hammersley
- Email: conor.hammersley@mycit.ie
- Research focus: Whole school health promotion intervention in primary schools in Cork: A step back approach
- Background: I am from Tipperary and have been studying in Cork Institute of Technology since 2012. From my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong passion for general health, exercise, and physical activity. Now, as part of my postgraduate studies I work in primary schools with students and teachers promoting health and well-being. I have a keen interest in hurling, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and farming. I am also a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur!!
Mai O’ Leary
- Email: mai.oleary@cit.ie
- Research focus: Implementation & evaluation of a whole school health promotion intervention in primary schools in Cork
- Background: After 2 years of working and travelling in New Zealand and Australia I took up the position of Sports Officer in Cork Institute of Technology where I worked for 5 years. I am currently studying for my Phd as part of Project Spraoi. I really enjoy working with schools, supporting children, teachers and parents in finding ways to be physically active, eat healthy and have fun in the process! I play basketball, but enjoy all sports from running to windsurfing as long as it’s active!
Linda Bolger
- Email: linda.bolger@mycit.ie
- Research focus: Fundamental Movement Skills of primary school children
- Background: I am from Co. Wexford and am currently a postgraduate student at Cork Institute of Technology. Previous to this, I completed my undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Limerick. I have 2 sisters, Lisa (my twin who is also an Energizer with Project Spraoi) and Amanda (who is a primary school teacher). I play camogie but love all kinds of sport and physical activity and thoroughly enjoy encouraging and helping others to be physically active.
Alison Merrotsy
- Email: Alison.merrotsy@mycit.ie
- Research focus: Dietary knowledge and behaviours of primary school children.
- Background: I am originally from the Gold Coast, Australia but as of 2004, Cork is now my home. I previously worked as a Project Manager with Food Dudes (a healthy eating programme in Ireland). Summer is my favourite season and mangoes are my favourite food. I have a keen interest in tennis, netball and swimming. I love working in schools to get all students, teachers and parents excited about healthy eating and physical activity
Juliet Murphy
- Email: Juliet.murphy@mycit.ie
- Research focus: Sedentary behaviours and patterns of primary school children
- Background: I am a graduate of CIT in Business Studies- Recreation and Leisure. I worked in the fitness Industry for 5 years before I decided to open my own fitness centre. In 2010 I graduated from Mary Immaculate College with a B.Ed. Degree in Primary Teaching. I am currently a teacher in Scoil Bhríde Crosshaven N.S.
Lisa Bolger
- Email: lisa.bolger@mycit.ie
- Research focus: Fundamental Movement Skills of primary school children
- Background: I am a postgraduate researcher in Cork Institute of Technology. I completed 4 years in the University of Limerick where I studied Sport and Exercise Sciences where I learned about coaching, anatomy and physiology, fitness and wellbeing among other areas of sport and exercise. I love all kinds of sport, especially GAA, tennis, rugby and athletics. The sport I play is camogie. I love coaching and teaching children and improving the physical activity levels, fitness levels and healthy eating habits of children is what I aim to achieve.
Yvonne O'Byrne
- Email: yvonne.obyrne@mycit.ie
- Research focus: Process Evaluation
- Background:
I'm from Cork and have lived here all my life so far. I am a graduate of Cork Institute of Technology in Recreation and Leisure Management (BBus) and Sport and Exercise (Hons). I am a very active person and in recent years have developed an interest for cooking. My favourite snack is low fat Greek yoghurt with raspberries and blueberries. I enjoy playing and watching all sports. I am definitely a very competitive person, I was always the child who treated PE class as if it were the Olympics when I was in school. Now, I play hockey for Ireland and am passionate about living a healthy active lifestyle and encouraging others to do the same. I love coaching, teaching and working with children, teachers, parents and all school staff to encourage and motivate as many of them as I can towards living healthier, more active lives each day.