Under Construction with Chadwicks Under Construction with Chadwicks

In this episode of the award-winning Under Construction podcast, Donncha is joined by mixed martial arts (MMA) coach John Kavanagh. Throughout the episode, Coach Kavanagh delves into the crucial role he has played in fostering the growth of MMA in Ireland, including his own journey into the sport, switching career paths from engineering to opening his own MMA gym, Straight Blast, in 2001. Referred to frequently as a pioneer for MMA in Ireland, Coach Kavanagh also discusses his experiences training some of the world’s most successful fighters from their first foray into the sport at Straight Blast to competing in some of the biggest earning pay-per-view MMA events in history.


Donncha and John also discuss the importance of demonstrating resilience in the world of professional sport. Coach Kavanagh believes that dealing with losses can be tough for anyone starting in MMA, and he takes a considered approach for those who are beginning the sport. John encourages beginners to get out of their shells during training sessions which eventually leads to an overall positive attitude, allowing them to win, lose or draw fights and come away having learnt from each experience.

In this episode host Donncha O'Callaghan is joined by social media content creator James 'Protein Bor' Doyle and actor & comedian Joe McGucken. Throughout the episode James and Joe discuss their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of content creation in the digital age where people’s attention spans are so short. They also delve into the important topic of mental health among men and the drinking culture in Ireland.

During this captivating episode, Donncha O'Callaghan, Julian Benson and Dermot Bannon give insights into the challenges they have faced transforming a ‘period building that needs a lot of love and attention’ to a ‘home away from home’ for CF families. Dermot also shares his thoughts on the number of buildings in Dublin which should be ‘reused better’, saying there are some ‘great’ derelict buildings in the city that are not being repurposed successfully like they are in other European cities such as Barcelona and Paris. 

Dermot believes that ‘a lot of the city of Dublin has fallen into dereliction’ and that in Ireland, ‘buildings are let go’ instead of being renovated to live up to their full potential. He says it only takes twenty minutes to walk anywhere in Dublin city centre before you ‘hit dereliction’ and that while it is ‘tricky’ to restore a derelict building, it is ultimately worthwhile.

Dermot also speaks about the construction industry and believes that the government needs to do more to ‘protect skilled tradespeople’ especially at times when there isn’t work available for everyone. He also believes that there is a common misconception about careers in the trades industry, and that more needs to be done at second level, particularly through subjects such as engineering and wood technology (‘woodwork’) to educate students about what a career in the trades can look like. 

Dermot shares the many positive benefits of working in different trades, as well as the skills it requires, such as creativity, problem solving, and teamwork. He feels that the government also need to ‘dispel the beliefs that some parents have about what education is’ and that completing third level education is a necessity, as it doesn’t suit all. Dermot Bannon also discusses the lack of women in the construction industry and how this issue could be tackled.

As part of our ‘How’s the Head’ campaign psychotherapist, broadcaster and author Richie Sadlier and comedian Willa White sat down with Donncha to discuss the topic of mental health. Throughout the episode, Richie and Willa explore the stigma surrounding mental health in Ireland, particularly amongst tradespeople, and openly share their own experiences grappling with mental health issues.

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this podcast, you can find support at aware.ie or The Samaritans at thesamaritans.org, or call 116123.

Construction Workers can also contact lighthouseclub.org or call 1800 939122, or text Hardhat to 50808. 

Alternatively, contact your local GP. If you are outside the Republic of Ireland, please contact support organisations in your country.

In this episode host Donncha O'Callaghan sits down with legendary football figure Roddy Collins and Bohemians Football Club captain Keith Buckley to discuss the exciting resurgence of the League of Ireland. Throughout the episode, the lads discuss the league's evolution, its growing competitiveness on the European stage, and the key factors driving its rise. Roddy also takes listeners on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recounting his experiences at the iconic Dalymount Park and discussing the redevelopment.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Donncha is joined by Tara Brennan, Head of Marketing & Development at Chadwicks Group as co-host and by guests, Director, CIF  Southern and Eastern Regions, Joanne Treacy and the Tarmacing Mammy, Shauna Doyle. Throughout the episode the panel   discuss the current state of diversity within the Irish construction sector, addressing both the progress made and the areas that still require attention. They also explore the hurdles faced in attracting more females to the construction industry in Ireland.