How Pa Whelan built AWOL fitness into one of Wexford’s most recognised training gyms

Located in Enniscorthy, AWOL Fitness is a powerhouse for group training and community spirit..

The founder, Pa Whelan, has spent years turning his passion for fitness into one of the county’s most established and respected gyms.

When asked when he first set up the business, Pa explained that AWOL Fitness has been running for over a decade, since 2015.

Pa’s journey into fitness began long before AWOL was founded. With a background in the Irish Army, he saw an opportunity to bring the structure and intensity of military workouts to the public.

“I started AWOL Fitness when I was in the Army and I wanted to bring military-style workouts to the civilian public. I was in the Army for 21 years and of the 21 years, 9 of them I worked in the gym overseeing the overall fitness of the barracks. I was also running all the group fitness for the new recruits,” he told Wexford Weekly.

Over time, AWOL Fitness expanded far beyond its original format, introducing new disciplines to keep things fresh and inclusive.

“Over the years, I added CrossFit, METAFIT, weightlifting, and Pilates to AWOL Fitness. We provide group fitness classes, bootcamp, team building, CrossFit, Olympic lifting, and running.”

Building a reputation in Wexford’s competitive fitness scene wasn’t easy. Pa recalls that the early days were all about earning trust and visibility.

“At the start, just getting my name out there. I knew I had something different from everyone, so it was just about getting people in and spreading the word.”

That determination paid off.

AWOL Fitness is now one of the most recognised names in local fitness industry in Wexford — something Pa attributes to their strong community and reputation for quality.

“We are by far the biggest group fitness classes in Wexford. We were nominated for Best Bootcamp in Ireland and Best Circuit Classes in Ireland for two years in a row in the Irish Fitness Industry Awards,” he told Wexford Weekly.

When asked about the most important factor in his success, AWOL Fitness owner Pa believes it comes down to one thing:

“Consistency. Classes are never cancelled. There’s always something different in every class, always fun, and always suitable for all levels.”

He’s also noticed how Ireland’s mindset around fitness has shifted in recent years. He believes people are becoming more aware of the long-term importance of staying active, something that Ballygarrett woman Latyoya Byrne also echoed:

“People know the importance of keeping your body healthy and moving. We have a saying in AWOL: if you can’t get up and down off the ground, it’s time for the nursing home,” Pa told Wexford Weekly.

That down-to-earth attitude captures the spirit of AWOL Fitness perfectly — challenging yet accessible, serious yet fun. It’s all built around one powerful motto that Pa lives by: