On a mission to get our nation flirting and dating, Ireland’s very own Cilla Black is a woman with a cause. This week Jennifer Maguire caught up with three sisters from South Dublin who were looking for love, romance and looks.
Considering the group date kicked off in Club 92 at Leopardstown racecourse, let’s just say my hopes weren’t high for the lovely ladies. Did all three find love or were two sisters left awkwardly cat fighting over the one man? That would make for an uncomfortable Christmas dinner.
Rebecca, Ruth and Rachael (they’re like the letter k loving Kardashians) may have been three sisters on the pull together but the similarities stopped right there. Not one to keep her opinions to herself, Rebecca was the diva of the three, reminiscent of a wannabe wag the girl certainly knew what she was looking for last night. Ruth was the opposite; she was on the lookout for a good wholesome chap, who mammy would be proud of when he drives her to mass. Then we had Rachael who seemed like a mix of the two. While she admitted to having a shallow side, she also raved on about how important personality was.
Looking like a Mr Freeze in a mini skirt, Jennifer finally heralded the arrival of the boys to the stadium. The 15 or so guys were a strange bunch to say the least. Not only were there ‘kissing guys' but there were 'high-fiving guys' and even 'air-punching guys'. Slick. After introducing themselves, the majority claimed they either had monogamy issues or they were just there because they love women. Not a good start and some of them looked old enough to be the girls' dad. The lads were then subjected to a perp walk in front of the camera where the girls sorted the good from the bad.
After selecting the fanciable few (and I stress few), it was time for my favourite part of the show; the chat up lines. If you thought hearing a cheesy one liner in a pub was bad then seeing it on TV is even worse. "If I could rearrange the alphabet I’d put you and I together". Nuff said! Yet the daters soldiered on and served up an abundance of overused, unimaginative lines. Pick of the week has to be self-proclaimed funny man Marcus’s chat up fail, "I was just over in Harcourt Street doing some athletics and I threw my javelin, have you seen my javelin?". What?
Honestly I would love to know where they get these men. My only guess is that they raided a Macra meeting and offered three lovely sisters as a prize.
The girls then picked six men who would go through to the dinner party stage. Model and golf-jumper wearing Ricky admitted that if he won he would be delighted and if he lost he would be delighted. I think he may have missed the point there.
While Marcus and Conor seemed more interested in furthering their own bromance, Rebecca got straight to the point and let chocolate factory worker Niall know he looked more 46 than 26. Fortunately, both Niall and Rebecca chose to go on a proper date with each other. Well done cupid Jennifer.
Unfortunately for the remaining two sisters, they both set their eyes on dishy David. With two sisters fighting it out for the one man, it was up to him. In a Sophie’s choice moment, David decided to pick Rachael. Which I am sure left poor Ruth pondering the wisdom of going on a dating show with your two sisters when there was a chance of going home alone.
So there you have it, the men of Ireland may not be as "immature and confused" as the three 'r' sisters thought. Can we see any of these romances lasting... it's anyone's guess.
Sarah Carty
