In Davy's Toughest Team, GAA Manager Davy Fitzgerald takes on his toughest challenge to date as he recruits and mentors a brand new team of 18-24-year-old lads who are facing difficulties in their lives.
In this documentary series, he uses his experience to train and mentor a brand new team unlike any he has worked with before. Each comes from different background and hopes to create a brighter future for themselves.
This is a team starting from scratch, and Davy must find a way to motivate them and build their mental and physical strength in just three months, as they prepare for an ambitious Icelandic trek set to test them to their limits.
As the show continues, tonight on RTÉ One at 9:35pm, we caught up with one of the boys, Kelvin, to find out more about the experience.
What is the best thing about DTT?
There was so many it's hard to cut down to just one. Besides the comradery I felt if I had to pick one thing from it, it would have to be the overall mental and physical toughness we endured trying to complete the tasks and eventually the final climb, it wasn't easy at all. I learned a lot about myself and what I'm capable of from this experience.
Hardest thing about it?
The part I found hardest from the whole experience was talking about my addiction knowing the country will be watching it, being honest. It's something I feel has to be spoken about, though, as too many people are falling into the trap I did. It's becoming huge in Ireland, so we need people standing up and sharing their experiences to show hope to people who may be struggling.
How would you describe Davy?
I have a great respect for Davy and what he is doing with his show helping, not only us that was on the show, but also hundreds of thousands of people watching it. Other than what he is doing, I think his 'no give in’ attitude when times get tough was definitely something inspiring for me. He was kind to each and every one of us and tough when he had to be. He also mentioned he was there for us if we needed it, that meant an awful lot and showed the type of person he is.
The best piece of advice you got?
The best piece that I got was from Davy: "No matter how bad things get, there's always a way forward, just don't give up!"
Funniest moment
It's hard to pick, I done some laughing throughout the whole show, but for some reason, there was a part when we had just hiked across the glacier in Iceland, and we were eating food out of a bag, thinking 'what are we doing?'
It just felt completely surreal coming from the darkest part of my life to having it completely reversed and having one of the best experiences of my life. I'm not sure if it was the tiredness or what, but I could not stop laughing, it's something that just sticks out for me.
Lowest moment
I loved every minute of it, but one point I found upsetting was learning what the other boys were dealing with when we were at the top of the mountain. It was inspiring to see them pushing on, but my heart went out to each of them that day, such incredible people.
What impact did the show have?
The show has changed my life in a few ways; the more time has went on the more I see what it done for me. First of all, being picked for it was a major thing for me; I couldn't believe it or understand it, to be honest. But the show gave me a bit of confidence in myself as that was something I struggled with being sober.
Also, it was my first time out with people in the real world again after spending eight and a half months in treatment centres, so it gave me a safe environment and a bridge back into life. I learned a lot from it. I could talk all day about it, but confidence and belief in myself and others was definitely the most beneficial bits I picked up from the show. Lessons I will hold onto for the rest of my life.
Davy's Toughest Team continues Wednesdays, RTÉ One & RTÉ Player at 9:35pm.
