Last year, Wexford GAA Manager Davy Fitzgerald filmed a new TV show where he met seven young men, all aged between 18 and 22, who have found themselves at a crossroads of an uncertain future.
Grappling with issues like drug addiction, isolation, homelessness, unemployment and mental health challenges, not to mention the COVID restrictions that came into place while filming, the prolific sports manager is on a mission to inspire these men to realise their dreams.
Renowned for his passion, drive and ability to bring teams back from the brink, Davy is determined to overcome every obstacle put in his way, to get this group of young men to achieve an adventure beyond their wildest dreams.
We caught up with the coach to find out more about the show and what he plans to do next.
How did the concept of the show come about?
Myself and Animo - the production company - would sit down at the end of every year and look at different projects. We came up with this one based on the fact that I went to Everest Base Camp in 2012 and I explained what an experience it was and how it helped me. It made me understand more about the world and the way people live and how things can be a lot simpler. We started looking at the struggles that the age group of 18-22 go through and I'm delighted we had that conversation.
What skills did you bring from GAA and Fittest Family to a show like this?
My management style in the GAA has changed a lot in the last few years. I focus on understanding the individuals - their mannerisms and what makes them tick. When you have a group of people, you can't treat them all the same way because they're not the same. I have to figure out what will motivate each person and how to get the best out of them. Bringing that [perspective], as well as bringing people in to help me, would give these guys a step up. I have to make it clear though: You can do everything but it's up to the guys. If they don't want to take that step, it's not going to happen.
Was it harder to get these young men to trust you given how much they had been through?
It was tough. These guys have probably been let down with different things and they find it hard to trust people so you had to build that trust up. It was very challenging to get the guys to buy in but it was very rewarding once they did.
Were there any surprises along the way?
Believe it or not, and a lot of people would find this hard to believe, but I'm very soft at heart. When I heard some of their stories, I'll be honest, it got to me. Seeing where they were at times and the troubles they were going through... it really got to me. I so just wanted to fix it and make it better but I wasn't capable of that. I can't just do that, they have to want to do it. This was a way for them to get a small bit of help and, hopefully, they can build on that and things will get easier.
Why did you think a physical challenge would be helpful to them?
We did all sorts of challenges - physical and mental - and what that does is tell you someone's behavioural pattern. Do they trust someone else? How do they react under pressure? Their reactions gave me an idea of their profile and that gave me an idea of how we could help them progress. We could talk through things and make them think about things before they react.
You have worked a lot of young men, do you think they need more outlets for their emotions?
I think that it is so important. I think we've changed so much in the past 20-25 years. When I was growing up, you would be out playing non-stop and meeting young fellas and talking. Now, they're on the phone or the iPad or some screen 24/7. They're not as active, which I feel is a problem, you're not connecting with other people and playing sports as you should. I think that generation are just looking for something... I could see that some of the lads were just mad to talk.
What was the end goal of the show?
There were three ambitions for this show: One was to see could we give the boys one or two small things that would help them in their lives. Two was to show other lads in these situations that if you go out and ask for help, you can sort things out. There is hope out there and you are not alone, you don't have to be struck in a rut - the lads were very aware of that and were very open about their problems in order to help others. Three was for the general public to realise that, even though we go through tough times, we don't have it too bad.
Your plan to go to Mount Everest was cancelled due to COVID, how did you adapt?
The lads were so disappointed not to go to Everest. That was going to be the turning point, something they were looking forward to, but we did get to go away for a number of days around Ireland and do a load of things that they would never do.
My plan is to go away with them next June or July. I don't want to smother them now, I don't want to be hanging over them because we've helped them and now it's about them using what we gave them. When I get them back next year for a chat, I'll know whether it worked or not.
Tonight's episode...
To kick off their journey, Davy along with his fellow mentors, performance coach, Mattie Rice and wilderness expert Dane Galligan, bring the seven young men to a remote location deep in the Wicklow hills to start their journey and set out the stall for the epic challenge ahead.
Watch Davy's Toughest Team on Mondays at 9.35pm on RTÉ One.
