McCabes Pharmacy Announced as Exclusive Pharmacy Partner to Athletics Ireland and Title Sponsor of “Fit for Life” Programme

Empowering Every Body to Move More for Better Health

29.04.2025 – McCabes Pharmacy, Ireland’s largest and most patient-centric pharmacy brand, has been named the exclusive pharmacy partner of Athletics Ireland. As the first major initiative under this new partnership, McCabes will serve as title sponsor of Athletics Ireland’s community fitness programme, now rebranded as the McCabes Pharmacy Fit for Life Programme. The collaboration reflects McCabes Pharmacy’s goal of championing the health and wellness of patients, to help them improve their quality of life.

Designed to support people of all ages and fitness levels, Fit for Life encourages communities across Ireland to get moving — through fun, sociable, and structured group sessions delivered by trained leaders in local athletics clubs. Whether walking or running, participants build endurance at their own pace, with expert guidance and encouragement throughout.

To mark the launch of the McCabes Pharmacy Fit for Life Programme, an event was held in Santry, bringing together Irish Olympians Thomas Barr and Kate O’Connor. They were joined by members of Athletics Ireland, and passionate team members from McCabes Pharmacy who can advise participants on their fitness journey and Fit for Life participants from clubs around the country.

Speaking at the launch, Kate O’Connor said:

“It’s brilliant to see such a supportive and welcoming space for people getting into fitness or coming back to it. Programmes like this really show that movement is for everyone, and it’s amazing to see McCabes Pharmacy helping communities across Ireland take those first steps.”

Jan Pieter Hallema, Managing Director of McCabes Pharmacy, added:

“At McCabes Pharmacy, we believe health isn’t one-size-fits-all. This programme allows us to meet people where they are in their fitness journey, providing personalised health support in a community setting — from injury recovery to everyday wellbeing. It’s a powerful expression of our mission: better health for every body.”

As part of the rollout participants will benefit from practical healthcare support, including BMI and blood pressure checks, delivered through local club activations from Donore Harriers in Dublin to Limerick AC and beyond. In addition, monthly McCabes Pharmacy Fit for Life Roadshows will take place in selected regions, offering expert-led health and fitness guidance, digital resources, and advice on recovery, prevention, and holistic wellness.

Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome McCabes Pharmacy as our exclusive pharmacy partner and title sponsor of Fit for Life. Their dedication to accessible, personalised healthcare aligns seamlessly with our goal of making fitness enjoyable and achievable for everyone, no matter where they’re starting from.”

The Fit for Life programme embodies The McCabes Way — a philosophy grounded in empathy, innovation, and the brand’s purpose of providing better health for every body. It’s about more than fitness; it’s about building healthier habits for life.

To join the McCabes Pharmacy Fit for Life Programme or to find your nearest participating club, visit https://www.athleticsireland.ie/get-involved/programmes/fit4life/

About McCabes Pharmacy:

McCabes Pharmacy has been a trusted healthcare provider in Ireland for over 40 years. Part of PHX Ireland, McCabes Pharmacy has grown to become Ireland’s leading and most patient centric community pharmacy brand. With 110 pharmacies nationwide, the focus is on providing better patient care through establishing lifelong relationships and providing extensive Pharmacy services, trusted health advice, easier options to order prescriptions, and Ireland’s most comprehensive online pharmacy solutions.

Visit McCabes Pharmacy