In this Behind the Walls season finale, Pete and Fergal are joined by special guest Mike Finnerty to wrap up an incredible year of homeowner education, retrofit insights, and myth-busting. Together, they break down what homeowners still need to know, why government clarity matters more than ever, and how Season 2 will raise the bar even higher.

The trio dive into the big questions facing the retrofit journey:
• Will grants change next year?
• Are government ministers truly committed?
• What information do homeowners need now to make confident decisions?

00:00 – 00:31:04
Opening & Why the Podcast Exists
Pete and Fergal reflect on their mission to break down retrofit knowledge for everyday homeowners — joined today by guest Mike Finnerty.

31:04 – 32:24
Keeping It Simple: Breaking Down Technical Jargon
How the team translates expert insights into clearer, “caveman-style” explanations.

32:24 – 33:48
Why a Government Minister Needs to Join Season Two
Mike asks the big questions: Why is ministerial clarity essential, and what should they be pressed on?

33:48 – 36:18
The One Question Homeowners Need Answered
Are the government genuinely committed to the retrofit journey — and will they fund it long-term?

36:18 – 37:43
Climate Reality & Ireland’s Environmental Challenges
The team looks beyond grants to water quality, climate shifts, and long-term sustainability.

37:43 – 38:22
Season Break Banter
Will the lads miss each other? A Starsky & Hutch moment (and Christmas jokes).

38:22 – 39:16
Upcoming One-Stop-Shop Live Event
Mike and Fergal announce the next event: Silver Springs Clayton Hotel, Cork — December 4th.

39:16 – 40:03
Homeowners Are Asking Smarter Questions
Why the public is more informed than ever — and why the “sticky” questions are the best ones.

40:03 – 41:11
Feedback & Season Two Improvements
Pete, Fergal, and Mike chat about balance, structure, and what they’ll tweak in the next season.

41:11 – 42:03
Architects, Criticism at Home & Dream Guests
A funny exchange about architects, Mike’s wife, and why Dermot Bannon is a must-have guest.

42:03 – 43:16
The Origin Story
How the idea for the podcast was born in a Galway bar — and why none of them expected it to take off like this.

43:16 – 43:50
Final Thoughts & Looking to 2025
Thanking listeners, encouraging questions, and promising an even stronger season ahead.

43:50 – End
Closing Moments
Laughs, bloopers, and the official sign-off.

In this episode, we sit down with Eoin McGann from EMG Energy Consultants to break down everything you need to know about home energy assessments. Whether you're considering a retrofit, thinking about installing a heat pump, or just want to understand where your home stands energy-wise, this is the episode for you.

Eoin walks us through the entire process from start to finish, explaining what assessors actually look at when they visit your home, how the roadmap system works, and why getting your assessment done is the essential first step on your retrofit journey. We also discuss the Heat Loss Indicator (HLI), why it matters for heat pump eligibility, and how the industry has evolved over the years.

Pete shares his own experience having Eoin assess his 20-year-old home, and we explore why every homeowner in Ireland should seriously consider getting their home energy assessment done while the grants are still available.

Welcome to Episode 8 of Behind The Walls with Pete and Ferg!

In this episode, we're joined by the one and only Eric Donovan - former European boxing champion, psychotherapist, counselor, father, husband, and homeowner currently completing his retrofit journey.

Eric shares his incredible experience transforming an old, energy-inefficient house (F/G BER rating) into a modern, comfortable forever home for his family. From navigating the vacant homes grant to achieving a A+ BER rating, Eric gives an honest account of the entire process.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome Eric Donovan

01:12 - Eric's journey to homeownership at 40

02:08 - The decision to retrofit vs. buy and move in immediately

03:52 - Meeting on Hell Week & the bromance begins

05:42 - The Vacant Homes Grant game changer

07:42 - Combining grants for maximum benefit

09:06 - Getting contractors and starting the work

10:14 - External vs. internal wall insulation decision

11:24 - The one-stop shop approach with Via Vibed

13:14 - Air-to-water heat pumps explained

16:14 - Adding solar panels to the system

17:10 - The investment and long-term benefits

19:13 - How stressful was the process?

20:09 - Eric's message about retrofitting

22:01 - League of Ireland passion (Drogheda United!)

24:00 - Life after boxing & mental health work

26:01 - The importance of asking for help

28:36 - Looking forward to Christmas in the new home

31:09 - Final advice for anyone considering retrofit

34:44 - Shout outs & where to find Eric

36:40 - The Hell Week story & wrap up

What we cover:

✅ Combining the Vacant Homes Grant with SEAI grants for maximum benefit

✅ Why external wall insulation was the right choice for Eric's home

✅ The game-changing benefits of air-to-water heat pumps

✅ Solar panels and creating a fully energy-efficient home

✅ Working with Via Vibed and project management throughout the retrofit

✅ The reality of moving from cramped living to a spacious family home

✅ Eric's advice for anyone considering a retrofit

Key Takeaways:

• External wall insulation provides better coverage and gives your home a complete facelift
• Air-to-water heat pumps deliver consistent temperature and 24/7 hot water
• It's never too early to ask questions about retrofitting your home
• The right time to retrofit is when it suits your lifestyle - don't wait for the "perfect moment"

Eric also discusses his work as a psychotherapist at First Ones Therapy and Wellness in Naas, his new role as head coach at Athy Boxing Club, and his passion for League of Ireland football (come on the Drogs!).

Thanks to Eric for being so open about his retrofit experience - moving into your forever home just before your 11th anniversary with Laura!

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#Retrofit #HomeRenovation #EnergyEfficiency #BERRating #HeatPump #VacantHomesGrant #SEAIGrants #EricDonovan #BehindTheWalls #IrishConstruction #SustainableLiving #ExternalWallInsulation #SolarPanels