The Rocky Road

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The Rocky Road

News Ireland

239 episodes

5 days ago

An Irish boxing podcast that fans of all sports will love. No one gets to the top without overcoming adversity, in sport or in life. But as Rocky Balboa said, ‘it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward’. Every week on The Rocky Road, host Kevin Byrne and producer Simon Maguire will bring you the distance on some of the wildest journeys the sport has to offer. Pain, pride, passion and politics, the world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It's about how much you can take, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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All content for The Rocky Road is the property of News Ireland and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

An Irish boxing podcast that fans of all sports will love. No one gets to the top without overcoming adversity, in sport or in life. But as Rocky Balboa said, ‘it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward’. Every week on The Rocky Road, host Kevin Byrne and producer Simon Maguire will bring you the distance on some of the wildest journeys the sport has to offer. Pain, pride, passion and politics, the world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It's about how much you can take, and keep moving forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...

Episodes (20/239)

The Rocky Road

Feargal McCrory – ‘Don’t Miss Your Chance’

A new boxing year is upon us and a slew of Irish fighters are looking to break those chains and bring home some major titles. Among them is Tyrone titan Feargal McCrory, who’s KO’d inactivity once before and is determined to do so again. Since ‘Fearless’ last appeared on The Rocky Road, he’s fought three times at Madison Square Garden, boxed for a world title in Washington and proved why he’s one of the most popular Irish fighters around with his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere and his determination to get up off the canvas and keep marching forward, no matter what. We hear about his next move, the pain that drives him, the snakes that frustrate him behind the scenes, his withering assessment of Josh Warrington and why he’s in favour of the Zuffa Boxing move into the sport and why he feels the Ali Act didn’t help him, among lots of other themes in another fascinating conversation with one of Ireland’s most thoughtful, independent fighters.

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5 days ago

50 minutes 31 seconds

The Rocky Road

Wayne McCullough - WBC World Bantamweight Champion

Thirty (and a bit) years on from winning the WBC world bantamweight in Japan, Wayne McCullough sits down for a Christmas chat with The Rocky Road. We go back to his breakthrough as a teenager in Belfast, sparring with pros at the Eastwood Gym, his two Olympic Games which culminated in a silver medal at Barcelona 92 and moving to the US to train under the legendary Eddie Futch. What made his mentor tick? And how did they plot his route to championship glory? Wayne then recalls the night itself, how he leapfrogged the various tricks the home crew tried to play on him, and why he wants to return to the Land of the Rising Sun for a reunion with the champion he toppled, Yasuei Yakushiji, who never fought again following their July 1995 bout. Wayne acknowledges Kieran Joyce's role in giving him his Pocket Rocket nickname, pays tribute to his old Ireland team-mates and explains why he wants a role in the future of Irish boxing after Zaur Antia announced his retirement as IABA high performance head coach earlier this year. Plus Wayne also details his struggles with mental health, which he spoke about at the time when such topics were rarely discussed, and he tells us that every day’s a battle on The Rocky Road to happiness. We love a Legends interview over the Christmas period, so enjoy this conversation with one of the Irish boxing GOATs. And Merry Christmas, to all our listeners, from Kev and Simon at the podcast.

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1 week ago

1 hour 2 minutes 19 seconds

The Rocky Road

If Walls Could Talk - Cork Boxing Museum

The Tomás MacCurtain Boxing Museum opened in Cork last year, and The Rocky Road went for a guided tour with father-and-son duo, Tommy and Mick Kelleher. It’s not just a tribute to the Rebel County’s achievements in the ring but a testament to the impact Irishmen and women have made all over the world in the squared circle. The museum contains pieces from across the amateur and professional domains, from Mick Leahy’s Lonsdale belt to Zaur Antia’s tracksuit from Paris 2024, where Kellie Harrington won her second Olympic gold medal in a row. The lads tell the story of Paddy Kenny, who boxed at the Rome Olympics in 1960 and is said to have shared a dressing room with a young Cassius Clay, and the ‘Yank’, Maurice Walsh, an American football coach who formed a boxing dynasty after moving to Cork – with treasured artefacts from both. There's so much more besides, including the hurling corner which is something of a shrine to Glen man, Christy Ring. If Walls Could Talk, this place would burn the ear off any Irish sports fan for a week, but listeners can instead enjoy Tommy and Mick’s guide to a unique attraction on Leeside.

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2 weeks ago

24 minutes 56 seconds

The Rocky Road

Kieran Joyce - Cork's 'Boxer of the Century' - Part 2

In Part 2 of The Rocky Road with Kieran Joyce, Cork’s Boxer of the Century, we tell the story of his career from the 1984 Olympics onwards, from Los Angeles to Seoul, where he boxed at his second Games. By then Kieran was a six-time Irish Elite champion and a dangerous man. He’d picked up experience all over the world and had beaten several future world professional champions – including Dublin’s Steve Collins. But again – spoiler alert – the dreaded split decision verdict was waiting in the wings for him. Kieran pulls back the curtain on a legendary amateur career, revealing his secrets and stories: why sugar was his weight-loss secret, and how he gave Wayne McCullough his ‘Pocket Rocket’ nickname (the bill’s in the post, Wayne). We delve into what made his Sunnyside BC coach, Albie Murphy, such a great influence, and the dedication his parents put into his, and his siblings’, lives. Kieran also discusses why he hung up his gloves while still a young man, why he probably doesn’t get enough credit as a coach, and why a move into the professional ranks just didn’t happen. Finally, in a poignant and moving segment, Kieran pays a deeply felt tribute to his beloved daughter, Emma, who tragically died in 2021 after contracting meningitis. This is a must-listen journey through triumph, heartbreak and resilience.

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1 month ago

57 minutes 37 seconds

The Rocky Road

Kieran Joyce - Cork's 'Boxer of the Century' - Part 1

Kieran Joyce was named as Cork’s Boxer of the Century in 2014. A product of the Sunnyside Boxing Club, he boxed for Ireland at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and is fondly remembered by fans as arguably the most exciting boxer to ever grace the National Stadium. The Rocky Road visited Kieran at his home to hear his story: developing his strength early by working in the family coal business, coming from a family of 12 – six boys and six girls – and learning how to scrap, working under the great Albie Murphy and finding success, and meaning, in the boxing ring. Part 1 of Kieran’s story brings us right up to Los Angeles 1984, where he’d gone with one clear goal – to bring back gold to Fairhill in Cork. At that stage he was a two-time Irish senior champ (he’d ultimately win six in a row) and a European bronze medallist. He was throwing opponents around the ring like bags of coal. The Russians and Cubans were boycotting but there was a young American dangerman in his welterweight division by the name of Mark Breland. Joyce had no fear – let me at them, he said. But then, he met his match, and not for the last time: amateur boxing judges bearing split decisions.

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1 month ago

42 minutes 2 seconds

The Rocky Road

Tommy Kelleher - The Godfather of Cork Boxing

The Rocky Road took a trip to the Rebel County to sit down with the Godfather of Cork Boxing, Tommy Kelleher. He’s been coaching for five decades and took his first steps in the sport more than 70 years ago. Tommy has coached more than 30 Irish champions and internationals and led Ireland’s boxers at the 1987 and 1988 Gaelic Youths before guiding the senior team to the 1989 World Championships in Moscow, where Michael Carruth claimed a bronze medal. We hear about Tommy’s boxing philosophy, how quickly he can spot the will to win in a young contender, setting a fighter’s nerves before the lonely walk to the ring, coaching a young Roy Keane, impressing Christy Ring, appearing on The Young Offenders and why he’s still putting his life and soul into coaching up-and-coming talents at the Glen Boxing Club on Cork’s northside.

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1 month ago

1 hour 10 minutes 13 seconds

The Rocky Road

Zaur Antia - Your Work Here Is Done

Zaur Antia – your mission is complete. You created universal boxers and delivered medals by the bucketload. Ten Olympic medals came Ireland’s way during your time in charge of the boxing team. As news filters through that the Georgian guru has stepped down as Irish boxing’s head honcho, The Rocky Road spoke with Beijing 2008 Olympian John Joe Joyce, who was there on his first day in Ireland 22 years ago, to hear the incredible, remarkable story of Zaur. How a man with no English could command a room of young boxers. How he convinced them to back themselves, trust their skills, dedicate themselves and keep improving via the skills he was imparting, and the discipline he demanded from them. How he led the way as Ireland won an astounding ten Olympic medals during his time with the team. John Joe takes us from the early days to the current ones, as it’s turned full circle now and his club boxer, Patsy Joyce, recently bagged one of Antia’s final medals as Ireland’s king of the cornermen. He reckons the Georgian is Irish boxing's Jack Charlton. But we know there's only one Zaur Antia – and we salute you.

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1 month ago

40 minutes 12 seconds

The Rocky Road

Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn 2 Preview

Veteran boxing journalist Wally Downes Jr of The Sun joins The Rocky Road to break down this Saturday’s rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. Wally discusses the intense rivalry between the duo – or is it – along with the promotion’s lack of media engagement ahead of the showdown. Curious, or intentional? We also wonder if non-title money fights are the way forward for big-name fighters in the business before Wally makes what might be the first comparison between UK boxing and FFP in football.

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2 months ago

43 minutes 37 seconds

The Rocky Road

Tommy Hyde - Homecoming

Undefeated contender Tommy Hyde (13-0) joins The Rocky Road after conquering rings in America, Australia and Spain since his last fight in Cork. We talk about his upcoming homecoming fight in Parochial Hall on November 29, break down his latest win over Patrick Allotey, and get his expert pundit's prediction for the massive Eubank Jr v Benn II rematch. Plus, Tommy reveals the truth behind his unexpected career turn as a food influencer…

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2 months ago

44 minutes 32 seconds

The Rocky Road

Conrad Cummings - Life After the Final Bell

We’re joined by a man who was once a five-time Irish amateur champion, a World Series of Boxing star, and a professional middleweight known for his rugged, relentless style: it’s Tyrone’s Conrad Cummings. I first interviewed Conrad back in April 2013, where he told me incredible stories about fighting for Mexico in the WSB - I remember dubbing him The Irish Mexican, not the first and not the last of his kind - and shared his dreams of becoming a full-time pro. He went on to achieve that dream, amassing a solid record of 17 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, before retiring in 2021 on medical grounds. We're starting this conversation with the question he recently posed to himself and the boxing world: When the fighting is over... what exactly is next? Conrad talks about beginning boxing as ‘a chubby nine-year-old’, early amateur rivalries, his different mentors over the years, how being seen as a puncher got in his head, the pride he takes in his career, why skills pay the bills in his approach as a trainer, and a meeting with a former Irish champion who survived a plane crash…

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2 months ago

1 hour 23 minutes 38 seconds

The Rocky Road

Peter O'Donnell & Jim Moore remembered

Irish boxing has suffered a profound loss, mourning two men who dedicated their lives to the sport and shaped generations of champions. Today, we pause to celebrate and honour the immense legacies of Peter O’Donnell and Jim Moore. Donegal's Peter O’Donnell, affectionately known as "Mr Boxing," was a club founder, ring announcer and fight fanatic. We’re joined by his great friend, journalist Chris McNulty, to talk about the man whose influence stretched from the small parish of Raphoe right up to the National Stadium. Then, we pay tribute to the late Jim Moore, the dedicated co-founder of Arklow Boxing Club and a pivotal figure in the IABA High Performance Unit. Jim's coaching genius helped drive Ireland's success on the world stage, coaching the next generation to major medals, including at the inaugural Youth Olympics. We are joined by Jim’s best friend and a coach he mentored, Jimmy Payne, to share personal stories of a man he will never forget.

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2 months ago

51 minutes 51 seconds

The Rocky Road

A New Dawn in Irish Boxing

What. A. Night. JB Boxing Promotions promised the most competitive all-Irish card in years and it certainly delivered in Dublin's National Stadium. The Rocky Road was there for it all. We hear from a buzzing Podge Collins who scored the best KO of the night when he took out Michael Osborne to move his record to 4-0. Peter Carr beat Sean Murray in an all-Leinster cracker and the stage was set for the Irish title fight between Daniel O'Sullivan and Dean Walsh. We hear from both men after perhaps the greatest Irish title fight at the venue. Christina Desmond was one of four debutants to emerge victorious - the others being Davey Joyce, Sarah Murphy and Danny Fakoyede. We hear from the Cork boxer who was roared on by double Olympic champ Kellie Harrington. Next up we're in Kevin Cronin's dressing room after he finally got over the line at domestic level, defeating Cathal Crowley in a gripping Kerry-Cork clash. Cronin’s His manager Mick Conlan joined us too, to celebrate his man's win but also question the merits of the decision against Walsh, who he also manages. Spike O'Sullivan returned after 19 months out to outpoint Mateusz Pawlowski - and we caught up with the Cork veteran. We then sat down to chew over the night itself with promoter Jay Byrne and Paul Ryan, who beat Edward Dononvan in the headliner. Both boxers will be given another opportunity to impress after putting themselves on the line - and you can hear from them at the end of the show. A busy show on a busy night - it's the Rocky Road to Dublin

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3 months ago

50 minutes 32 seconds

The Rocky Road

Spike O'Sullivan - Back to Work

He's back! At 41, Cork's own Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan joins us on The Rocky Road as he prepares for his 38th professional fight. He's back for one reason and one reason only - having achieved most of his dreams in the sport, there's one thing left to accomplish: to win a world middleweight title. He discusses the current state of play at 160lbs and reveals he's open to a showdown with fellow Irish contender Aaron 'The Silencer' McKenna.

Spike also shares incredible stories from his weekend at the Atlantic City Hall of Fame alongside titans like Roberto Duran, Steve Collins and Vinny Paz - diving into how he befriended the subjects of major boxing biopics. We also get his favourite boxing movies, personal memories from his 2008 pro debut, his close relationship with Irish title contenders Daniel O'Sullivan and Cathal Crowley, and his tribute to legend Ricky Hatton. Plus, hear why this veteran world-traveller also proudly holds the title of the 'Flat Pack King of Cork'.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 months ago

55 minutes 33 seconds

The Rocky Road

Christina Desmond - Rebel Rising

Today, we sit down with a boxer who faces a unique challenge, balancing two of the most disciplined jobs in the country. She's a top-tier amateur star, a true trailblazer for Irish boxing, and she is a serving member of An Garda Síochána. We are talking to Cork's own Christina Desmond, who is set to make her professional debut on October 10 at the National Stadium on the 'A New Dawn' show. Here, Christina tells us about growing up on a farm in the Gaelteacht, the backing she gets from that community up and down the country, picking boxing over Cork football and fighting alongside team-mates such as Katie Taylor and Kellie Harrington, self-doubt, comebacks and battling every day to make her late mam, Helen, proud. As the only female on the Cork Boxing Wall of Fame, she’s looking to be fast-tracked in the professional ranks and is Ireland’s most decorated female since KT go join the paid ranks – so if Jake Paul wants to get in touch, the MVP crew are welcome to get in touch.

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3 months ago

1 hour 7 minutes 29 seconds

The Rocky Road

Lewis Crocker: World Champion

Well now, who saw that coming? Lewis Crocker beat Paddy Donovan for the second time in 2025 to claim the IBF world welterweight title in Belfast on Saturday night. The first fight in March came his way after The Real Deal was disqualified. The Croc – who was written off by everyone coming into the rematch – scored two knockdowns this time around at Windsor Park, yet there were still howls of controversy when his name was read out as the winner by split decision at the end of their 20th round together in six months. The Rocky Road headed for Belfast for the Irish boxing night of the year, with Kevin Byrne joined by fellow fight writers David Mohan, Joe O’Neill, Gavan Casey and Peter Carroll to digest it all. What’s next for Crocker? What’s next for Donovan? And why does everyone keep mentioning Conor Benn? It’s all here

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4 months ago

49 minutes 38 seconds

The Rocky Road

The Big Fights Preview

Kevin Byrne catches up with Jason Quigley, Kieran Molloy, Niall Barrett and Jay Byrne to preview a huge night in both Irish and world boxing as Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan rematch for a world title, Callum Walsh takes the next step up in his career and Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez face off in the blockbuster fight of 2025 on September 13.

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4 months ago

47 minutes 9 seconds

The Rocky Road

Paddy Donovan - Eyes on the Prize

Paddy Donovan and Andy Lee are the special guests for this week's episode as our host, Kevin Byrne, headed to Team Donovan HQ in Ballybrack ahead of the highly anticipated World Title fight between Donovan and Lewis Crocker at Windsor Park in September.

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4 months ago

30 minutes 25 seconds

The Rocky Road

Brian McKeown - A Rocky Road: Part 2

In Part Two of our fascinating conversation with Brian McKeown, the focus shifts to his incredible legacy in Cavan. After a challenging early life and a tumultuous return home, Brian details how he established the now-legendary Cavan Boxing Club. He recounts the journey of developing champions like John Joe Nevin, Ceire Smith and Andrew Murray, a path that incredibly led one of his fighters all the way to an Olympic boxing final. Beyond the titles, Brian shares his profound love for boxing as a tool for transformation – giving confidence and setting up better lives for every person who walks through his door. We delve into his deeply inclusive philosophy, his lifetime in Sinn Fein politics, and the recent volunteer award that highlights his unwavering commitment to community. Brian also speaks openly and honestly about his battles with cancer, demonstrating the same resilience he instilled in his fighters. Light-hearted and funny, yet profoundly resonant, this is a truly inspiring story of dedication, impact, and an enduring spirit on The Rocky Road.

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4 months ago

47 minutes 19 seconds

The Rocky Road

On the road with the Palestine Boxing Team

Today's episode is a special one, a powerful reminder that the Rocky Road of boxing isn't just about what happens inside the ropes, but the profound human connections forged outside them. We travelled to Drogheda to meet an extraordinary group of guests: a team of Palestinian boxers, mainly from the El Barrio club in Ramallah, who have just completed a poignant and inspiring tour of Ireland, from Waterford to Dublin and Belfast.

I was privileged to sit down with their coach, Nader Jayousi, and an incredible group of boxers: Nada Al-Khawaja, Nidal Foqahaa, Zaid Shkukani, Tamer Touriman, and Shamali Adamov. We also speak with Wasem Abusal, Palestine's first Olympic boxer. We were also joined by former Irish boxer and now county councillor Eric Donovan, who welcomed them to Louth.

This historic tour, organised by Shamrock & Olive Tree Boxing, is a testament to the power of sport to strengthen bonds between nations and offer hope in the face of conflict. The proceeds from their recent boxing events will go directly to two vital causes: The Lajee Center Boxing Club in the Aida Refugee Camp and the Beit Lahia Development Association, a grassroots organisation providing humanitarian support in Gaza.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the unifying power of boxing and its ability to help heal the pain of a people.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 months ago

48 minutes 59 seconds

The Rocky Road

Mick Conlan - The Last Roll of the Dice

Michael Conlan’s on The Rocky Road to Dublin. Host Kevin remembers his first time seeing the precocious Belfast teenager in action at the National Stadium, sweeping to Irish senior glory in the 2011 final at 52kg on the same night when a 17-year-old Joe Ward shocked Kenneth Egan in the 81kg decider. A year later, Mick became an Olympic medallist in London and when he was named RTE Sportsperson of the Year in 2015, as reigning European and World champion, an upgrade to gold in Rio looked on the cards. At the time it also seemed like he’d morph into a Dublin mainstay when he eventually turned pro but it was not to be. Yet, as Mick says, it’s better late than never, and he’ll finally headline at the 3Arena on September 5 against England’s Jack Bateson as he chases what would be a third world title shot. Here, we sit down with the Falls Road fighter to find out why he’s so excited to box in Dublin at last as a pro, how the 13 years since London 2012 have gone by in a blink, feeling no nerves before his last fight and why that was unusual for him, being one loss away from quitting, not needing boxing anymore, why it's his opponent's world title fight coming here, and his own ambition to face one final title shot at Madison Square Garden on Paddy’s weekend, 2026. After a cosy lunch in the capital, we also chew the fat with irish-boxing.com pair Joe O’Neill and Matt Meehan as we look forward to a bumper couple of weeks for the domestic scene.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 months ago

32 minutes 30 seconds