Donncha’s away day fun for new TV show

He may have hung up his rugby boots eight years ago, but beloved Cork sportsman Donncha O’Callaghan has never been far from our TV screens.

Being a long-running coach on Ireland’s Fittest Family, as well as a stint as a radio presenter, have kept him in the public eye, and now the 47-year-old is back in a new TV series this weekend.

In Donncha’s Away Games, he takes a different celebrity each week to a different country to take part in some of the weirdest, wackiest, and most unusual challenges.

In the first episode on RTÉ1 on Sunday at 7.30pm, Donncha travels to Iceland with boxer Kellie Harrington to try out Glima Wrestling.

Other challenges in the series will include sprinting through the Wife Carrying World Championships in Finland, paddling for survival in the Bathtub Regatta in Belgium, and testing the celebrity’s strength at the historic Highland Games in Scotland.

An all-star line-up has been confirmed. As well as Olympic champion Harrington, Ireland Rugby 7s star Jordan Conroy, comedian Emma Doran, former Ireland rugby international Tommy Bowe, The Young Offenders actor Hilary Rose, and Dancing With The Stars judge Oti Mabuse are taking part.

Speaking about the series, Donncha O'Callaghan said: "I’ve worn the Irish jersey in massive stadiums, but nothing prepares you for these unusual contests. It’s about pride, massive laughs, and seeing how we cope when thrown completely out of our comfort zone. Trust me, launching a massive stone shot putt in a kilt for your country changes a person!"

It promises to be a combination of fun, travelogue, and a cultural eye-opener, as well as a celebration of the competitive Irish spirit.