Meet the Team behind B.I.K.E.R.S Training:
Rodge Byrne
A keen biker all my life, with a BMW R1200 RT(P) for all things FBoS-ERS support and a 2002 Honda VTR SP1 for sports riding. Healthcare professional with Nurse registration in Ireland – UK. Experienced in hospital and pre-hospital emergency care environments, and the addition of Military Field Hospitals providing – Acute Resuscitation & Trauma Skills (ARTS).
Irish developments have progressed to Acute Life Threatening Emergency Recognition & Treatment (ALERT), Emergency First Responder as well as recently qualified IOM TT incident management course.
Bikers Training is the sole licensee of this programme across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Email: rodge@bikerstraining.com
Richael Griffin
I’ve been working as a paramedic with the National Ambulance Service for the last 4 years. Previously I worked as a Healthcare Assistant and trained as an instructor with PHECC and IHF. Alongside my role in the National Ambulance Service, I’m a paramedic student mentor supervisor as well as a training advisor for a number of Community First Responder groups in Munster. In one group I’m the training director. In 2013 I was a student on the first Kerry held FBoS course and I understand what you’re going to experience. I love helping people, sharing knowledge and building confidence.
My hobbies and interests are quite novel, as I’m an avid mountaineer and ascended Kilimanjaro in 2015. I’m currently planning an expedition to Everest Base Camp for September 2022 (ask me about altitude sickness) and all being well, Aconcagua in Argentina for January 2023.
Shane Houlihan
My initial background is from the construction sector. Since 2012, I have been involved in the pre-hospital setting, initially training as an EMT. In 2015, I joined the National Ambulance service where I currently practice as an Advanced Paramedic.
Alongside this I have a keen interest in training and education. To this end I also completed a certificate in Training and Development, and registered with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council as a CFR-A instructor and an Assistant Tutor.
I have a life long love of bikes, but solely one’s that need pedals to power them.
Stephen Mills
I have a lifelong interest in motorbikes and currently own a BMW R1200GS as well as an RT ( along with several training 650s). I’ve enjoy motorcycle touring all over the world.
My background is in the aviation industry for 30 years, having worked as a production test pilot, corporate jet pilot and then 18 years in the airline world.
Nowadays I run Moto Training NI, where we teach everything from trial lessons to Advanced Instructor courses – and regularly host an FBOS course. I’ve a Masters in Advanced Riding, a RoSPA Diploma in Advanced Instruction and am an Advanced Examiner for the BMF.
In my spare time, I’m a blood biker and have trained other blood bikers throughout the UK.
I am a keen advocate of FBOS – I was on the inaugural FBOS course for NI in Enniskillen in 2012 and have progressed with retraining ever since.
Derek Gannon
An avid and dedicated motorcycle enthusiast, with a vast amount of experience in all things pertaining to motorcycling.
I served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert in the Defence Forces for 22.5 years, gaining experience and completing various combat orientated medical courses which dealt with triage and catastrophic trauma. Continuing on to complete the CFR and FAR course. Also completed the Defence Forces dispatch riders course.
Owner of the ‘RSA Leading Lights Award’ winning Shed 4 Bikers, which is a community garage who successfully host basic maintenance, road craft and FBoS courses, since opening in 2017.
Intrigued with the FBoS concept, I’ve completed and hosted multiple courses and proudly arranged for the 1st FBoS – ADVANCED course in Ireland.
Really looking forward to my involvement in delivering such a vital, life saving skillset.
Sonya Larrigan
I served 21 years in the Defence Forces, of which 15 were dedicated to the medical section as a paramedic, with overseas experience in Kosovo, Lebanon, Mediterranean operations and part of the European task force. Currently I’m working as an Advanced Paramedic in the National Ambulance Service but also provide cover at other events and festivals.
As an avid biker for over 15 years my interest is biker safety on the road. I currently ride a Triumph Tiger 800XRx I bought around 6 years ago when I decided to grow up a bit. I like attending as many biker rally’s as possible throughout the year and meeting people of similar interests.
Another keen interest is teaching, and am currently studying to be a PHECC tutor. Apart from bikes and medicine I also love playing / producing live music with a great family of musicians and friends.
I am really looking forward to working with the team and taking this training to the Northeast.
Samantha O’Callaghan
Originally from Australia, I have been living in Ireland since 1996. I first tried my hand with military police, I transitioned into healthcare sector with Nursing Studies and progressed onto being a medical secretary followed by working in the Pharmaceutical sector. I then became a qualified Emergency Medical Technician. Currently, I’m focusing my knowledge towards tutoring as it’s an interest I have and love to do.
Outside of healthcare aspect, I have also become the first female in Kerry within a volunteer organisation to qualify in Emergency Services Driving Standards – RSA approved with a C-licence category and I am a qualified Swiftwater First Responder Rescuer. I find joy in the thrill of bikes, fueled by my recent application of my license which I hope to hit the road on two wheels soon.
Paul Brady
With 26 years’ service in the Defence Forces, I served in overseas missions in various roles which equipped me to deal with many different situations in a calm and controlled manner. I come from a technical background (Electronics/Communications/IT), but have also completed CFR and Mental Health First Aid courses.
Although only on the bikes 5 years, I gained a lot of experience Motorcycling by continuing to learn and grow in every way I can. After the Garda BikeSafe day, I completed my RoSPA Training, achieving Gold, and went on to do the RoSPA Tutor course, to help pass on the knowledge I gained while doing my own training.
As an avid Skydiver, I am also an instructor at the Irish Parachute Club, based in Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly.
I am looking forward to helping get this life-saving FBoS knowledge out to as many people as possible.
Diarmuid Mac Reamoinn
Radiographer by necessity, but bike mad passion. Completed FBoS and FBoS Advanced. I worked in the trauma environment of the Isle of Man during the TT and Manx Grand Prix. Also I marshalled at rally events and the TT (acting as DR’s assistant on occasion).
Started racing bikes and sidecars around 2018. Last year I achieved two TT finishes and a huge life goal as a result. Now to go a little bit faster! And in 2024 at the Southern 100, I finished 10th place.
Bernadette Weidling – Admin
Originally from Germany, my background is in Intensive Care nursing and phone triage in the GP out-of-hours Service as well as some pre-hospital work on a voluntary basis. I have a special interest in Child & Adolescent Mental Health, particularly around supporting parents of complex kids. In addition to my nursing qualification I have a QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assisting Award, QQI Level 5 Major Award in Early Childhood Care & Education as well as a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Business Administration.
I’m currently working on completing my parent coaching trainer qualification, while supporting the team through the admin and occasionally popping in at FBoS events.