Meet the Lurgan spin class coach still going strong at 91: ‘I’m still acting the young fella’

The spritely 91-year-old — yes, that’s 91 —was celebrated at our gala event last year for being such an inspiration to others.

Pearse was crowned the Spirit of Sport winner because he runs a packed spin class in his local gym three times a week.

And the good news is that when we caught up with him a year on after picking up his prize, he’s still barking encouragement to the regulars on exercise bikes at Lurgan’s Fitness Factory.

He told us: “I’m still at it, oh God aye — still acting the young fella!

“I’ll just do it until I can do it no more, it’s as simple as that.

“It just keeps a wee bit of fitness up. I’m not as fast as I used to be but it still keeps a bit of fitness about myself.”

The nimble nonagenarian also hopes his story will motivate more seniors to follow his example.

He added: “That’s it. It’s the older people, sometimes they think, ‘I’m too old to do this’. You’re not!”

Pearse impressed our judging panel last year because of his commitment to exercise — next year he will mark an incredible 10 years coaching his class.

He said: “I’ve been cycling since I was 14, I did a wee bit of racing but it was mostly touring, I loved the touring and only for my bike I wouldn’t have been to half the places — I’ve been to Spain, France, Switzerland and Italy.

“It’s about getting off your bum, getting the gear on and getting out. That’s the big thing. And then once you’re out, you’re saying, ‘Wow, that’s great’.”

“Your social life and your mental heath get a boost as it gets you out of the house and all your worries go away.

“Everyone gets on so well. If one person reads this and decides to get up and get exercising then something will be achieved.”

Two of our biggest sports heroes — Ireland rugby international Jacob Stockdale and ex-Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley — presented Pearse with his gong last year. He beamed: “It was an excellent night — it was lovely to be there.”

And we’re pleased to report that once again this award is being sponsored by sports equipment giants Decathlon Belfast.

Communication Manager Matthew Ferguson said: “At Decathlon we are extremely proud to support the Spirit of Sport category in the 2024 edition of The Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank.

“We support over 70 different sports, both on and off the field, and understand that no sports person is alone in their journey. Often many require help, advice and support from those who have previously taken the same or similar sporting journey.

“It is those people that we want to help shine a light on in order to give them the recognition and award of t he Spirit of Sport as they so rightly deserve.

“Together, we look forward to celebrating the Spirit of Sport with you here in Northern Ireland, during and after this incredible event.”

This year’s Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank, hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballantine and Cool FM presenter Pete Snodden, will be held at the Culloden Resort and Spa on Friday, June 14.

Email your nomination by May 6 to spiritofniawards@sundaylife.co.uk with an explanation of why you think they deserve to be recognised. Alternatively, you can post nominations to Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, 33 Clarendon Road, Belfast BT1 3BG.

For more information on Pearse’s spin classes as well as other fitness programmes on offer, visit fitnessfactory-lurgan.co.uk

The Spirit of NI Awards categories

Charity champion: Someone who has worked tirelessly for a charity or as a fundraiser for many years.

Spirit of Education: A truly inspirational teacher who has helped children and young people fulfil their potential.

Unsung Hero: Someone whose great deed or deeds have previously gone unnoticed but who has made a major contribution to your life or to your community.

Caring Spirit: A person who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member.

Young Carer: A young person who has dedicated their time to caring for a friend or family member.

Spirit of Youth: Someone under the age of 18 who should be recognised for their special achievements.

Spirit of Sport: Someone who has made an exceptional contribution to sport over a number of years.

999 Hero: A member of the emergency services who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in their job.

Spirit of Health: A medical professional who has gone the extra mile to improve the health and wellbeing of their patients.

Overcoming Adversity: Someone who has overcome huge personal challenges, whether it is dealing with illness or disability or overcoming problems.

Eco Champion: Seeks to recognise an individual or community group that has gone the extra mile to care for and protect the local environment for future generations.

Community Hero: Someone who has made an outstanding contribution to their local community or neighbourhood.

Special Recognition: Someone who the judges feel represents the Spirit of NI by selflessly serving others and being an inspiration.