Bailieborough’s big builder features on DIY SOS show

When Ciarán Crosby packed up his life in London and returned home to Ireland just a year ago, he expected to slip quietly back into construction work - not to find himself in front of TV cameras. Originally from Bailieborough, Ciarán joined JJ Rhatigan as a project manager, ready to focus on building projects. Before long, JJ Rhatigan was chosen to be the construction company for a transformation project and he was managing the rebuild of a family home on RTÉ’s ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’. Standing in front of cameras - “I wouldn’t be that way inclined at all,” he admits.

In the show host Baz Ashmawy and an expert team facilitate a significant home renovation for families facing difficult personal circumstances – all delivered by the goodwill of tradespeople, suppliers, contractors and the community. To add a bit of excitement for the viewers, the workers only have nine days in which to complete the task.

In the final episode in the current series, the team set out to change the life of 17-year-old Kyle Ferguson, a teenager with Cerebral Palsy in Wicklow-Town, who was confined to a small area at home because he couldn’t use his wheelchair inside or get upstairs. As a first-ever in DIY SOS, JJ Rhatigan & Company, a tier one building contractor delivering large scale projects in Ireland & the UK, chose this project as part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Ciarán explains that the necessary paperwork, plans and designs were developed beforehand and structural integrity and other inspections had been completed. Having to meet the deadline for the actual filming meant a lot of effort planning and co-ordinating beforehand.

“We engaged with various subcontractors and labour who provided materials and then spoke with the neighbourhood, letting them know when there would be blockages.”

Once the pre-planning process was done, the hands-on work began – and it had to be completed within the nine days.

Ciarán describes how the renovation project brought together around 100 volunteers each day, ranging from skilled tradespeople to local helpers. Many came from trusted supply networks and the local community, all motivated by the project’s meaningful cause. Working within the confined space of the house meant trades had to operate simultaneously rather than in the usual sequence: “Flooring was done in one room while glass was installed in another.”

This required constant flexibility and teamwork: “We had daily and nearly hourly briefings to ensure everyone knew what was happening next.” Clear communication was vital.

“We were the lead team, so we were front and centre for most of the camera work, which is not really my game, but it was great to see the family’s reaction. They were absolutely ecstatic, and really made up.”

The show’s format does not take away from the substantial and long-term impact the finished works will have on the family.

Ciarán emphasises what a big difference the extension will make not only for Kyle, but the whole family: “Beforehand they didn’t have a sitting room because that was Kyle’s sanctuary, his room. Whereas now, he can come and go at his own pace with his walking aid, have a shower, get ready without assistance.”

Rather than being crammed, all family members have gained space and independence. “It is great to be part of this, to be able to give that to the family,” he says. “And you know, it just really did make it even more worthwhile that you’re helping out people who really deserve it.”

Ciarán’s own family is familiar with some of the challenges experienced by the Fergusons, having a younger sister with Down Syndrome. Also, sadly, Ciarán’s other sister Niamh passed away at age 24 years due to ovarian cancer. Ever since, his family annually organise a fundraising Honda Run in memory of her at Enagh House.

An experience of hardship, he believes, has inspired many people to come together for these builds and the show.

“I know that a lot of families have had some sort of challenge, shall we say. And it just meant so much. I think everyone sort of put their own personal experiences behind them and they pushed them through the hard hours and the hard graft when we were on site, because everyone could relate to it.”

Asked if he would go back on TV, he laughs: “I’m not going to be auditioning for Fair City or anything. But I would definitely offer to volunteer in my own locality or nearby, because it is great to be able to help people, whether it’s for TV or not.”

You can catch the episode of DIY SOS on the RTÉ player.