GAA manager Davy Fitzgerald is making a second series of Davy’s Toughest Team with Animo TV for RTÉ in 2022, and applications are now open for those who want to take the challenge.
In series one, Davy met a group of young men aged 18 – 22, who found themselves at the crossroads of an uncertain future. Many of the group had battled with issues such as crime, unemployment, addiction and mental health.
Over the course of a number of months, Davy guided and mentored the group as they tackled their issues and trained for an intense physical challenge – climbing Carrauntoohil.
The seven young men who took part in the first series have since spoken publicly about the lasting impact the programme has had on their lives. Animo TV and RTÉ are now making a second series of ‘Davy’s Toughest Team’ and are currently looking for a diverse new group of 18 – 22-year-old men to take part.
Davy said, “It was a privilege to meet and get to know the seven lads who took part in series one of Toughest Team.
“All of them came a huge way in their own personal journeys to complete the Carrauntoohil climb in the midst of a global pandemic, and I was very proud to have been able to help get them there. I’m really looking forward to meeting a new group of young men and making a second series of the show.”
Davy’s inspiration for making the series was based on his own experience of coaching top performing GAA teams over the last two decades.
Davy said, “Through my own background of working with GAA teams over the years, I’ve seen the transformational power of sport when it comes to learning about good communication, working as a team, and developing self-confidence. I wanted to give young lads who may not have had the opportunity to learn these skills before a chance to really make a positive change in their lives and reach their full potential”.
The last couple of years have been incredibly challenging for this age group and Davy wants to find individuals who are ready to embrace a new way of life going into 2022. “I want to meet lads who feel they have something to say and who are ready to tell their stories. I am prepared to listen and to be there as a sounding board. Talking is so important, and this age group need to talk now more than ever”.
Davy has big ambitions for the new series which will include an epic physical challenge outside Ireland.
“The hope for series two is to make it even bigger and more epic than series one. I truly believe that achieving something physically has far reaching benefits in all aspects of life.
“If someone out there reading this feels a bit lost or needs a change in their life and who has the ambition to complete a really difficult challenge as well as building their resilience and self-confidence along the way, they should apply for the show.”
If you are interested or know anyone who might be interested in participating, or want to find out more, contact the Animo casting producers at: casting@animotv.ie.