Dedicated Professionals
Our team brings together experiences, qualified professionals who are not only experts in their fields but also devoted advocates of strength and well-being, leading our welcoming, supportive community of 200+ members.
Rory Girvan BSc (Hons), AdvDip. PN
Head Strength Coach
Rory’s goal is to empower every HENCH member to build lasting skills and habits that will help them build stronger, healthier lives.
He has an academic background in Sport & Exercise Sciences and Biomedical Sciences with qualifications in Personal Training, Weightlifting and Nutrition Coaching and over 25 years of experience. He began his career in applied exercise physiology and strength & conditioning in elite sport, and has helped coach thousands of day-one lifters to achieve their life long training goals.
Rory shapes HENCH’s coaching practice and long-term direction, while sharing practical, evidence-based advice as the Fitness Columnist for The Irish News. His commitment to mental health advocacy extends beyond the gym through past roles as an ambassador with Inspire and TAMHI as well as founding the “33 ‘Til Infinity” campaign.
He has openly shared mental-health challenges as part of advocacy work as well as personal experience of weight-loss journey which culminated in pursuing a competitive sporting career. To date, he has represented Ireland at multiple world championships as their #1 Powerlifter and competed at the national level in Weightlifting and Martial Arts.
Bronagh Donnelly BSc (Hons)
Strength Coach
Bronagh holds a Sport & Exercise Science degree and is a Qualified Olympic Weightlifting Coach. She’s also completed various sports-related courses, bringing over a decade of coaching experience to HENCH. Growing up, she encountered body shaming, struggled with food, and faced overtraining—all of which led her to explore the true significance of balanced nutrition, strength, and a healthy body image.
Through these personal experiences, Bronagh has become a passionate advocate for training that builds strength and confidence from the inside out. She encourages everyone to move and live well, believing the benefits of consistent training—like improved mobility, stability, and self-esteem—have a lasting impact beyond the gym. She’s particularly interested in women’s health and the transformative power of strength and balance work.
John Watson BSc (Hons), MSc
Strength Coach
John, our Programming Lead earned a BSc in Strength & Conditioning and his MSc at Loughborough; UK’s leading Sports Science university. His coaching experience spans professional rugby with Worcester Warriors, private strength coaching gyms and community focused youth programmes, giving him a flexible, person-centred style rooted in evidence based programming and coaching paired with good technique, sustainable habits and long-term progress.
Ciara Bailey BA (Hons), AdvDip.
Business Manager
Ciara is a Business graduate from Ulster University with extensive experience in management and customer service. Before joining HENCH, she worked across the retail and leisure sectors, developing the organisational skills that now keep our operations running smoothly and efficiently. From day one, Ciara has been an integral part of shaping HENCH’s vision, working alongside Rory to create an environment where every member and team member feels valued.
Her passion lies in ensuring the best possible experience for all. Ciara’s ability to bring people together, maintain high standards, and oversee strategic growth is pivotal to HENCH’s success. She remains dedicated to carrying out our mission of helping people become stronger for life, all while upholding the positive culture that defines us.
Join Us
Careers at HENCH
A journey that began in 2012, we have helped thousands of people fall in love with strength training by considering the pursuit as something to learn, master and enjoy for a lifetime. We’ve expanded, innovated, and now stand as one of the fastest-growing and most renowned strength coaching gyms in the UK and Ireland.
Pursue your career as part of a team of like-minded, ambitious, fun, curious, professional and down-to-earth people who are as passionate about the ability for strength training to change lives as you are.
WE’RE ON A MISSION…
To find those who see strength training as having a deeper purpose in people’s lives! While HENCH is scaling up and on the lookout for:
- Full time Strength Coach
- Part time Strength Coach
We’re searching for those who resonate with our core values and purpose.
What makes a HENCH team member?
Role Modelling: Talking the talk and walking the walk.
Beginner’s Mind: Leaving the ego at the door to clear the path to continually learn and grow.
Strive for Excellence: Seeking the best tools, knowledge, or skills to do the best work with our members.
Professionalism: Going the extra mile, and holding the standard whilst remaining down-to-earth.
Craic: When your passion, purpose and career are aligned what else is there to do but enjoy the ride?
Our mission: To help each individual we work with become stronger for life.
If you believe in our purpose and embody our values —submit your application below.