They were heading off, on a trip to Dublin for four weeks of Mixed Martial Arts training at world renowned Straight Blast Gym Ireland (SBGI).

After 56 hours without sleep, Downey-Cave and Osborne finally arrived in Dublin February 1.

Unfortunately, for majority of the first week Osborne suffered a cold, but he didn't let that stop him.  

“Day one at the gym was somewhat daunting, we had no idea what to expect but we were welcomed with open arms by the beautiful staff and welcoming students,” Downey-Cave said.

“We had a three hour session around midday and and three to four hour session at night time every day.

“These sessions including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training, striking classes such as boxing and Muay Thai, wrestling and of course Mixed Martial Arts.

“I also had the privilege of being able to train with the professional fight team for one hour every day.

“Every day we were meeting and training with superstars such as Conor McGregor (UFC Featherweight Champion), Paddy Holohan, Aisling Daily, Gunnar Nelson and many more.

“The lessons were full of priceless information and were run by world class instructors, including John Kavanagh (SBGI head coach), Owen Roddy (striking coach) and Tom King (BJJ coach), just to name a few.  

“At any time of any class we could find our self being partnered with the likes of these superstars and I had to check if I wasn't dreaming at times, it was so surreal.”

When the two Australians weren't at the gym they ventured into the city of Dublin to have a look at the nightlife, which was another mindblowing experience.

They found the Irish people were so friendly and always laughing and having fun.

Downey-Cave and Osborne also hit the shops and ate out, probably a little more then they should have, but they found the food was irresistably tempting.

“Henry dragged me along on mornings, when I was in pain or exhausted, to visit the galleries and museums and I'm glad he did,”Downey-Cave said.

“We learnt about the history and events that occurred in Ireland and that was super cool.

“We also went to the wax museum, which was sort of creepy.

“The weather was very cold and wet, which for me was unbearable in the beginning, but I soon got used to it and learnt to like it.  

“Everything for me was such a contrast compared to Australia, from the main streets to the food and even the buildings.

“The day that Henry and I met the famous Conor McGregor is a day I'm sure we shall never forget.

“Whilst Henry and I were kickboxing Conor some how appeared in the room without us seeing him.

“He was just standing there looking rather intimidating but at the same time inviting.

“We had sat down from our last round of kickboxing and I felt obligated to go and introduce myself, so that is what I did.

“He was exactly as he portrays himself to the media, humble and extremely polite, but at the same time serious and determined.

“It was an honour to be able to met the man that I idolise so much.

“On one particular day, which I shall never forget, Owen Roddy, Conor’s striking coach offered to do a session with me for free, a dream come true.

“I felt so privileged to be able to learn from a man, that is considered a true pioneer of MMA in Ireland.

“He gave me an abundance of priceless ideas, techniques and strategies.

“After a motivating conversation afterwards, I waltzed out of the gym with a tremendous smile on my face.

“The help that John Kavanagh provided to me was a pivotal moment in our trip and I am forever grateful for it.

“As time was ticking by and our departure was creeping up on us, Henry and I tried to get as much done in Ireland as possible.

“When we were due to leave, the students and staff of the gym wished us well in our future endeavours and as much as Henry and I wanted to stay longer we felt that we achieved exactly what we wanted to and more.

“Thank you to everyone that helped me get to Ireland, thank you to my friends, family, fellow Goulburn Martial Arts Academy team mates, Instructor Craig Harmer, Goulburn Mazda for sponsoring me and of course Straight Blast Gym and John Kavanagh for being wonderfull hosts.”

On March 26, Downey-Cave won his Storm Damage professional MMA caged fight in Canberra using the advanced training skills and knowledge he had received in Ireland.

He and Osborne continue to train at the PCYC and and encourage the younger MMA Academy members.

They are hoping that Ben Robertson will also achieve the sponsorship he needs to achieve his dream of travelling to Ireland to compete in the Kickboxing Junior World Championships and receive some of the expert coaching like they did earlier this year.