Goudy,
Yes I have been to the Hercules gym, lots of homemade equipment, tons of plates... but very limited shower facilities. It's considered one of the (probably the second) most hardcore gyms in Dublin.
I was there for a bench press competition. I lifted 102.5 kg (226 lbs), but failed the 105 kg (232 lbs)... the powerlifting pause on the chest requirement was killing me. I didn't know that you're supposed to anticipate the clap and was leaving the barbell on my chest for 5 second pauses.
Before people start in on me for a measly 226 lb max bench, please remember that I was only 15 and 151 lbs at the time.
Good to hear we have some fellow Celts on these boards, Goudy.
The Luke