From Brocagh Boy to FARMERSTRENGTH™: A Journey of Rediscovery

Introduction

Hailing from a family of nine children in the picturesque Irish countryside of Brocagh, County Tyrone, my life has been a tapestry woven from strong roots and unexpected turns. Raised by a carpenter father and a nurturing homemaker, my connection to the land runs deep – my grandparents' farm near Lough Neagh became a cherished haven that would shape my future in ways I couldn't have imagined.                                                    

Memories Etched in Time

Just a stone's throw away lived our neighbors, John Joe, Liz, and Fred, their small farm a constant backdrop to my childhood adventures. It was a close-knit community, and their homestead added a unique charm to our lives. But the most vivid memories come from my grandparents' farm. My father ran a cabinet making business out of an old barn, and while I'd initially play with scraps of wood, I'd inevitably be drawn into exploring the farmyard. The sights, sounds, and smells – the animals, the seasonal hay and silage rituals, and most importantly, my grandmother's cooking – all these created a treasure trove of cherished moments. The aroma of fresh bread and buns baking in the old wood stove stands out, a comforting contrast to today's world of processed food.

Silage Season and the GAA Spirit

Silage season was a time etched in my memory. Witnessing a group of resilient men working tirelessly, whether stacking bales in the barn or riding atop trailers of hay, instilled in me a deep respect for hard work. While I may not have been much help at the time, the experience left an indelible mark.

Brocagh, my quaint village with its post office, church, and community hall, has always held a special place in my heart. Brocagh GAA runs deep in my family; my father, uncles and brothers all played for the club. The GAA Park, the heart of the village, became my stage for another passion – playing football for Brocagh Emmett's during my youth. Coached by local legend Jimmy O'Neill, a man deeply committed to the community, I learned the joy of camaraderie. Saturdays meant games, and piling into Jimmy's van with a troop of eager lads was a regular part of the routine. His dedication to the community is something I deeply admire. Back then, Jimmy and my uncle, Jim McCloskey, were among the few fluent Gaelic speakers in the club. Along with many other managers and trainers who volunteered, they embodied a commitment that continues to inspire me.

The Dream of FARMERSTRENGTH™

The year 2018 marked the vision of FARMERSTRENGTH™. It all began with a wake-up call from a dear friend and fitness coach, Adrian Cooke. He challenged me to confront the unhealthy path I was on, and his tough love became the catalyst for my health and fitness revival. Training under him and John Fleming, two incredibly knowledgeable coaches, I rediscovered my love for movement. However, a past knee injury left a legacy of muscle atrophy, a constant reminder of the importance of proper rehabilitation.

Disillusionment and a New Vision

After working as a BMW Master Mechanic for 16 years, I began to feel disillusioned with the flat-rate system and the physical demands of the job. FARMERSTRENGTH™ became more than just a training concept; it was a lifestyle. It encompassed a connection to the earth, breathwork, yoga, meditation, functional fitness, combat training, nutrition, mobility, recovery, and even a touch of spirituality – all the pieces needed to achieve optimal performance and well-being, a state of homeostasis.

Falling in Love with Training

Throughout this training journey, I fell in love with the process. Learning about my body became an exciting adventure, and running became a passion, with 20 kilometers becoming a weekly average. It was during this time that I shared the idea of FARMERSTRENGTH™ with Adrian, and his unwavering support has been instrumental ever since.

Beyond the Gym: A Holistic Approach

The more I trained and learned, the more I realized that the gym wasn't the whole picture. The functional, rotational movements used on the farm mirrored effective training methods, applicable to various sports, especially combat disciplines. Our bodies were built to move, and movement directly affected our mood and mindset. A book recommended by Adrian, "Becoming Bulletproof" by Tim Anderson and Mike McNiff, became a turning point, reinforcing my love for training.

Embracing Change and Looking Forward

New Year's Eve 2018 marked the last time I drank alcohol. It began as a personal challenge, a year-long experiment to see how I'd feel. The difference it made to my fitness levels was profound, and the commitment has continued for five years now. 2019 brought personal challenges, but amidst the difficulties, I made a bold decision: I resigned from my mechanic job, a role that no longer aligned with my purpose.

In early 2020, I filed FARMERSTRENGTH LLC with a vision for the future. I dream of a training facility that embodies the spirit of my past – a farm transformed into a haven for fitness, think Rocky 4 training scene, but with a modern twist. Here, people can train in nature, learn about growing clean food, and reconnect with their primal essence. This is FARMERSTRENGTH™ – a training system designed to take us out of the everyday grind and back to our fundamental connection with ourselves and the earth.

Life's Trials and the Hero's Journey

Life, of course, has its share of challenges, and my 43 years have been filled with valuable lessons. This path, much like the hero's journey described by Joseph Campbell, has taken me from Ireland to the United States and finally to Costa Rica, where I've called home for the past two years.

Thank you for reading my first blog!

The FARMERSTRENGTH™ journey is still young, but it's already taken me on an incredible adventure. I've had the privilege of learning from some amazing boxing figures and even worked as part of the corner team in iconic stadiums. However, to truly test the limits of FARMERSTRENGTH™, In 2022 I put myself through the grueling David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge in the sweltering heat and rugged terrain of Costa Rica. This challenge involved running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours straight, all while raising money and awareness for the Parkinson's Foundation.

Did I conquer it? And how did the FARMERSTRENGTH™ principles prepare me for this mental and physical test?

In my next blog, I'll delve deeper into this experience, sharing the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and how FARMERSTRENGTH™ can empower you to achieve your own goals. So, if you're curious about pushing your limits and unlocking your inner strength, stay tuned!