A new year means new possibilities, especially when it comes to romance. Whether you texted your ex over Christmas, or were visited by the ghosts of ghosters past, you can always consider your slate clean for the new year and get to swiping.
Doing just that is our latest crop of romantic hopefuls, as the First Dates Ireland restaurant reopens for a new season.
Due to Covid restrictions, the tables might be spaced a little more apart than usual, but that didn't stop the sparks flying on last night's episode...
On last night's show, Maitre'D Mateo welcomed the show's 600th dater, Óran, who was searching for a boyfriend.
Describing himself as "high energy" and "spontaneous", the 19-year-old said he was hoping to find his opposite in the balancing act of love. He wanted to find a good listener who would ground him and keep him off the dating apps - a place that sometimes landed him in a spot of bother.
The Dublin man was set up with 20-year-old student, Luke, who described himself as "shy" but on the lookout for someone "cheeky and confident". The Mayo man told viewers that he was also hoping to find himself a boyfriend.
It was the first time either of the lads had been on a blind date (and Luke's first date full stop), but it seems like the matchmakers couldn't have done a better job of it.
The conversation was flowing throughout the night, with the two discussing college, being gay in Ireland, and their experiences of coming out to family members.
In one particularly sweet scene, Luke revealed that he had used his slot on the show as a way to tell his family that he was gay. Happily, his family said they had always known and accepted him for who he was.
By the end of the date, the two had discovered that they had enough in common to give one another the green light, both agreeing to meet again after the show for a wander around Croagh Patrick.
It's a match for our 600th dater, Órán and his date, Luke! 🥰
— RTÉ2 (@RTE2) January 6, 2022
LOOK HOW CUTE THEY ARE! 😍 #FirstDatesIRL pic.twitter.com/0DImKw82NC
After such a wholesome date, viewers were quick to put cynicism to the side and share the love for these two daters online.
I want to hate these gays so much because I'm a rotted bitter old queen but they are breaking my heart #FirstDatesIRL
— Pixie Woo (@Pixie_Woo) January 6, 2022
That was the purest episode of #FirstDatesIRL i've ever seen
— Caoimhghín Brady (@CaoimhGaga) January 6, 2022
Genuinely wish the best for them all 😭 a well needed bit of telly gold for the week thats in it
Luke and Oran look so cute together on #FirstDatesIRL
— Seán O'Raghallaigh 🇮🇪🇻🇳🇵🇸 (@RaghallaighJ) January 6, 2022
Obsessed with @horkanluke5635 Lisa Simpson card tho hahaha
I can't cope with the gays on #FirstDatesIRL! They are so adorable! Like I want them engaged by the end of the show. This is a tonic for the soul on a shitty January night. ❤️ 🌈
— John Sullivan (@nanasthoughts) January 6, 2022
Tonight's episode of First Dates have given me a boost of confidence from Órán and Luke. My parents were watching in the other room and I’m happy to know that they are able to accept me as I am, I’m that bit more confident about myself tonight. @horkanluke5635 you are a legend 🙏
— Jamie Mac Giolla Bháin ⭕️ (@jamiepmcelwain) January 7, 2022
Even if it doesn't lead to love & marriage and it just ends up in a good experience, these two guys are playing a huge part in changing this country for the better & making it easier for young gay people in this country to feel free to be themselves.
— Dpl (@Diarmuidthe2nd) January 6, 2022
❤
Magic job.#FirstDatesIRL
