I would like to introduce the GymSpy team, who are collectively known as The Fellowship Of The Gym.
Before I get into naming the team here then I will tell you about our mission statement which to to encourage Irish gym goers to compete in Powerlifting and we do this by visiting various gyms across the country where we meet and greet the members of the gym we train in and give an exhibition of training, both Strongman and Powerlifting.
We have two competitive Strongman athletes on our team, Jamie McNamara and Ray Foley.
We also have an elite bunch of Powerlifters and Niall Reddan on our team. Names are as follows:
- Liam Beville
- Niall Reddan
- Bob Kiely
- Paul Kiely
- Jeff O’Neill
- Sean Hough
- Ian Bedford
- Ray Foley
- Jamie McNamara
- Dylan Hartnett
- Paul McElhinney
Gyms we have visited
To date we have visited:
- JJ Dunnes Asylum Gym, Dublin, with myself and Niall Reddan visiting.
- AJ Cronins Strength & Fitness Gym, myself and Niall visiting.
- Hercules Gym, Dublin, myself, Niall Reddan, Dylan Hartnett and Paul McElhinney visiting
- Fitness Factory, Nenagh, visited by ALL the team bar Paul Kiely, Ian Bedford and Jamie McNamara.
- Arena Gym, Tralee, visted by Ray Foley, Niall Reddan and Liam Beville
- Hercules Gym, Tralee, visited by Sean Hough and Liam Beville
- Tralee Barbell Club, Tralee, visited on two occasions by Sean Hough and Liam Beville and Ray Foley on one of those occasions
- Arena Gym, Newcastle West, visited by Niall Reddan, Liam Beville, Ray Foley and Sean Hough.
- The Lab, Newcastle West, visited by Ray Foley, Sean Hough, Jamie McNamara, Liam Beville and Niall Reddan.
- City Gym, Limerick City, visited by Liam Beville and Niall Reddan.
If you wish to have our team visit your local gym then please contact GymSpy Team
As previously mentioned then we have a very comprehensive team of Powerlifters and Strongmen and I am now going to describe the team in reference to Rocky movie characters to better explain the personalities.
Niall Reddan.
Niall is comparable to Apollo Creed as he is pretty, has the physique, good looks and a pretty partner plus he is loaded, not in money like Apollo Creed but in Bullshit as in a cow pasture. Niall also has the experience as can be seen in the below video where Niall can be seen training to beat his way out of a wet paper bag. A feat that has eluded Niall in the past but we hold out hope. Niall has a never say never attitude as he has mastered the act of tying his shoelaces recently. He is known locally as Niall “Rainman” Reddan
Paul McElhinney
I would liken Paul to Ivan Drago mainly because Paul looks like Ivan Drago but also that Ivan Drago killed Apollo in the ring in Rocky 4 and I am always the optimist
Paul Kiely
Is definitely Hulk Hogan character, the wrestler Thunderlips. Like Thunderlips when he fought Rocky in an exhibition match and threw him out of the ring and also nearly broke his back our Paul is capable of the same. Also like Thunderlips he has been known to kiss his biceps.
Sean Hough
Is Clubber Lang or is Clubber Lang Sean Hough?
Just like Clubber Lang Sean trains in his home gym with the same fierce dedication and stamina that Clubber Lang is known for.
His strength is legendary and can compete at an elite level just like Clubber Lang.
If Sean was asked what his prediction is for training he would say “Pain”
Bob Kiely
Bob is one of the gentleman of the group, the other is Sean Hough.
I would liken Bob to Tony “Duke” Evers. The greatest coach in the Rocky franchise.
Bob thought an old dog like me to Hook grip the Deadlift thus allowing me my 34th comeback this week alone.
That speech Duke Evers gave before last round against Drago. “You gotta punch and punch until you cant punch no more. This is your whole life here. Do it now, now!” is similar to Bobs speech to me which goes like ” Stop being a sissy and just pull the thing ffs”
Dylan Hartnett
Dylan is the Dipper Brown character.
“Big” Dipper Brown was an African-American boxer who trained in Mighty Mick’s Gym alongside Rocky Balboa. He was given Rocky’s locker when Rocky was briefly kicked out from the gym, as Mickey Goldmill considered Dipper to be a better training prospect at the time due to his considerably younger age.
Why I feel Dylan is Dipper is that after I lost my place in Kings gym then Dylan got my locker. Dylan is considered to be a better prospect than myself but I wash my hands of this whole sad business.
Ray Foley
Ray, seen here 2nd last from right, is the character who plays Apollo Creeds bodyguard as he plays the same role minding Niall Reddan. Only for Ray then Niall would have had an “accident” years ago now, specially when he starts to tell his long winded stories that go nowhere.
Jamie McNamara
Jamie was a tough one to compare as he is the quiet silent type that could kill a bear with his bare hands at the same time.
I finally settled on Tony Gazzo, the mafia style character that gave Rocky a job working in the docklands as a collector. Tony was tough but looked after Rocky, just like Jamie who is one tough guy with a heart of gold.
I love you Jamie!
Ian Bedford
Ian is the Club Cornerman both the character in Rocky 1 and in real life.
A great clubman and a great man to have in your corner. Always seen in the Kielys corner in training and competition. Very knowledgeable and always there for us all
Jeffrey O’Neill
Jeff seen here in centre with his arm around his friends is the Paulie of our group. Always complaining while being drunk and like Paulie, Rockys brother in law, he gets thrown out of places a lot. Also like Paulie then Jeff knows how to cause trouble.
Liam Beville
Last but not least is myself. Now Niall Reddan would liken me to Mickey as we are both old and half deaf and we both go on about “the good old days when I was a “contender” but truth be told I am Rocky himself. I never know when I’m beaten and I get beaten up a lot.
I’m seen here with a black eye I got from Niall Reddan as like Apollo Creed couldn’t take being beaten by Rocky then Niall couldn’t take that I was voted GPC Irelands most handsome Powerlifter with Niall coming runner-up 3 years in a row
Final Note
Here is the Champions Cup that we will be fighting for in our next bout as pretend Rocky characters
Its a Limerick thing, you wouldn’t understand