'This feels like a dream' Laois leader in Operation Transformation show

The Laois leader on Operation Transformation has done herself, her family and community and county proud on national television.

Andrea Daly from Portlaoise transformed in confidence and health over the course of the eight week RTÉ health series.

The journey of the quiet gentle mother of three had begun at the difficult time of the anniversary of her late son Dylan, but it culminating in winning smiles as she crossed the finish line of her first ever 5k run, and then glammed up on the catwalk.

She managed to run the entire 5k route in the Phoenix Park, with fitness coach Karl Henry by her side, with her family and the other leaders joining her for the final joyous stretch.

“This feels like a dream,” a glowing Andrea told Karl at the finish line.

“I feel wonderful. I feel like my whole body is buzzing. I did it,” she said.

“Andrea did it her way, no fuss, she just got it done, she has had an amazing eight weeks,” Karl said.

The leader wore a beautiful floral wrap dress and glittering high heels at the catwalk finale.

Presenter Kathryn Thomas described her as possibly “our most reluctant leader”.

“Over the past eight weeks we have all seen her grow in confidence and slowly but surely a little bit of sunshine has returned to her life,” she said.

“It was something I wanted to do for me, and I’m sitting here eight weeks later. I feel happier, I’ve more motivation and I feel good,” Andrea said.

Andrea’s final health check showed that her weight dropped from 14’9” to 13’4”, and she managed to reduce fat around her vital organs to a healthier level of 9.

Her proud husband, Rathdowney man Joe and their children were in the audience. Kathryn told Joe that he is Andrea’s “rock” and every time Andrea speaks of him, her “face lights up”.

WATCH: Stunning finale for Laois leader on Operation Transformation

“She might say that but she is my rock. She always has been from the time I met her. She’s just unbelievable. She kind of found her voice, she has more confidence. She is the Andrea I fell in love with,” he said.

Her sons also had words of praise, in a video tribute.

“I’m really proud of you, just keep it going after the 5k,” Alex said.

“Well done Mam, you’ve been brilliant through it all and Dylan’s up there watching and we all love you so much,” her son Ryan said.

The show is available to view on the RTÉ Player.