The Rocky Road

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The Rocky Road

News Ireland

230 episodes

3 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 (20/230)

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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3 days 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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1 week 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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2 weeks 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'.

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1 month 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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1 month 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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1 month 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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1 month 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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2 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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2 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.

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2 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.

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2 months ago

32 minutes 30 seconds

The Rocky Road

Brian McKeown - A Rocky Road: Part 1

In Part One of his extraordinary interview on The Rocky Road, we sit down with legendary Cavan Boxing Gym coach, Brian McKeown. Brian takes us back to the 1960s, a time when he sought opportunity in London. He recounts finding an unlikely sanctuary and a mentor in George Francis's gym, a rare beacon of inclusivity in an era notoriously marked by 'No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish' prejudice. But Brian's journey took a dramatic turn when he returned home, becoming caught up in the Republican struggle. He shares his experiences, including a chilling run-in with the infamous Robert Nairac, and how his path led him back to Ireland with a new life ahead in Cavan. This is a powerful and candid look at the early, defining chapters of Brian McKeown’s Rocky Road.

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3 months ago

57 minutes 9 seconds

The Rocky Road

Andy Murray - The Quiet Man

Andrew Murray, the quiet Cavan boxer, walked a Rocky Road unlike any other. As a child, he battled Perthes disease, and, despite doctors warning he could end up in a wheelchair if he boxed, the young Andrew was transfixed by Eubank and Benn, igniting an unyielding desire to step between the ropes.

He defied medical caution, joining Cavan Boxing Club, and rose to become a three-time Irish Elite champion and a two-weight professional Irish champion. Andrew fought alongside a golden generation of Irish pros like Bernard Dunne, Andy Lee, John Duddy and Matthew Macklin. He shared bills with champions and contenders, from Paul McCloskey's world title night against Amir Khan, to fighting on the same card as Tyson Fury, and proudly headlining RTE fight nights.

From a challenging loss to Gavin Rees after preparing in remote Ros Muc, to his final victory on a raucous Henry Coyle night in Mayo, Andrew's career was a testament to his quiet determination. In his first podcast interview, we look back at it all.

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3 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes 27 seconds

The Rocky Road

Pete Taylor - Footprints

Now as Katie Taylor basks in the glory of her latest victory over Amanda Serrano, cementing an epic trilogy with a third win over her great rival, the boxing world is wondering, ‘what’s next?’ But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, it’s worth staying in the moment for just a little while longer. Today’s guest, Katie’s dad Pete Taylor, coached her throughout her amateur career but told us something surprising about how he takes in her professional endeavours. We discuss the game-plan, his input, what sets Katie apart from all the rest and then, yes, we get to what’s next. Will she fight on? What’s left to conquer? And is Croke Park a possibility? All this and more on The Rocky Road.

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3 months ago

51 minutes 55 seconds

The Rocky Road

Sinead Babington - The Road Less Travelled

The biggest fight in women's boxing is just days away. On this episode of The Rocky Road, we dive deep into Taylor-Serrano III – the historic Netflix showdown at Madison Square Garden on July 11. We'll preview the action, break down the 2-0 scoreline, and explore all the angles. We're joined for this special episode by Sinead Babington, the Irish maths and chemistry teacher who somehow became a pro boxer in Mexico. Sinead shares her unconventional journey, from turning over in 2022 to fighting five tough contests in a place that’s home to the roughest, toughest and most determined fighters in the business. Don't miss this unique look at the fight game, from the very top to the toughest proving grounds.

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3 months ago

58 minutes 42 seconds

The Rocky Road

Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano 3 - The Final Chapter

Katie Taylor says she doesn't need this fight, but Amanda Serrano certainly does! On July 11, at Madison Square Garden, the two titans clash for Taylor-Serrano III – live on Netflix to a global audience of potentially tens of millions.

Join Kevin Byrne and producer Simon Maguire on The Rocky Road as they dissect this historic trilogy. We'll examine why Taylor, despite being 2-0 up (24-1 record for Katie, 47-3-1 for Serrano), is taking this risk.

We'll dive into the controversial commentary of their last bout, debate if Serrano was truly the best option, whether a third Cameron fight is off the table, and most importantly: what happens for Katie Taylor if Serrano finally gets the win? Don't miss this deep dive into boxing's most compelling rivalry.

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4 months ago

28 minutes 30 seconds

The Rocky Road

When Muhammad Ali fought at Croke Park

Today we’re going back to a time when the greatest show on earth came to Ireland. It was July 1972, and against all odds — and with the help of a strongman named Butty Sugrue — Muhammad Ali touched down in Dublin to fight Al ‘Blue’ Lewis at Croke Park.

It was a week like no other: Ali jogging through Wicklow, dropping into pubs, charming street cleaners, even getting a crash course in Irish history outside the GPO. Ireland was spellbound.

Journalist and author Dave Hannigan joins me today to talk about his newly updated and re-released book The Big Fight, which tells the inside story of that glorious mayhem — and how one of the most famous athletes in history left a mark on the Irish psyche that’s never faded.

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4 months ago

1 hour 8 minutes 52 seconds

The Rocky Road

Barry McGuigan v Eusebio Pedroza - One Night in Loftus Road

We’re going back 40 years to one of the most iconic nights in Irish sporting history. On June 8, 1985, at Loftus Road in London, Barry McGuigan became WBA featherweight champion of the world, defeating Eusebio Pedroza in front of a roaring, emotionally charged crowd. It wasn’t just a boxing match — it was a moment that transcended sport. An Irishman from Clones, cheered on by Catholics and Protestants alike, in the middle of the Troubles. Today, Barry joins us on The Rocky Road to relive that unforgettable night.

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4 months ago

53 minutes 7 seconds

The Rocky Road

Andy Clarke - The Knockout

Today’s episode pulls no punches. Joining us is someone whose voice you know from Sky Sports — a man who’s been ringside for some of boxing’s most dramatic moments — commentator Andy Clarke.

But today, he joins us not with a mic, but with a manuscript: his new book The Knockout: Sport’s Most Decisive Moment is out now in paperback.

In it, Andy dissects that split-second moment where everything changes — for better or worse. The knockout. How does it feel to deliver one? To suffer one? To witness one? From triumph to trauma, the book tackles it all.

Andy once said: 'It can feel like the air has been sucked out of the room when someone is in trouble, because you go from wanting to see a knockout to immediately wishing that it hadn’t happened.' We’re going to dig into that feeling, that whiplash — and what it says about the sport, the fighters, and us as fans.

We’ll also get Andy’s take on Manny Pacquiao potentially coming back at 45, whether women’s boxing is held back by shorter rounds when it comes to knockouts, and what to expect from Taylor–Serrano 3. Can Serrano find the game-changer she’s always chased — the KO?

Strap in — this is The Knockout episode of The Rocky Road.

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5 months ago

1 hour 8 minutes 57 seconds

The Rocky Road

John Duddy - Part 2 - The Pro Years

Ireland’s John Duddy fought nine times at Madison Square Garden between 2005 and 2010 – winning them all – and lost just twice in a 31-fight career. At one stage he was right in the mix to fight for the middleweight championship of the world against Kelly Pavlik but boxing had other plans for him. John wrapped up his career in 2011 when he realised his hunger had dimmed, cancelling an all-Irish match-up with Andy Lee, and, bitten by the acting bug, he’s never looked back. He’s still involved in the sport to this day, spearheading a new programme with the Moving Brains Foundation which put on 54 two-hour sessions for people with Parkinsons Disease in 2024 – and continues to grow and grow. And he is also coaching at Trinity Boxing in New York City, a stone’s throw from the World Trade Centre, with the hope of one day opening his own gym. In Part 2 of our interview with The Derry Destroyer, we take up the story as John goes pro in New York and becomes a fixture at The Garden. We go in depth on his work with Moving Brains where his passion shines through. And we ask how he would’ve fared against the champions of his time – and why you’ve always got to back yourself.

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5 months ago

58 minutes 25 seconds