Second Chance at Love: ‘First Dates Ireland’ Returns with Familiar Face and New Hope
A heartwarming return to the search for connection unfolded on “First Dates Ireland” this week, as the popular series continued its eleventh season. The episode featured both a returning hopeful and a new face, each navigating the complexities of modern romance at the Gibson Hotel.
A First Date Reunion – and a Past Success Story
The latest installment of the show highlighted the journey of Simon, a 46-year-old from Sandymount, Dublin, who first appeared in the very first episode of “First Dates” nine years ago. Recently separated, Simon expressed his desire for another opportunity at love, recalling his initial experience on the show as “great.” He revealed that he was previously paired with someone who “ticked all the boxes,” and remarkably, that connection led to a long-term relationship.
“Five days after the episode aired, I met my husband, actually,” Simon shared. “So I got married. We were together nearly nine years.” The couple eventually relocated to Valencia, Spain, before Simon’s return to Ireland in 2024. Despite the end of their marriage, the pair maintain a friendly relationship, having even shared dinner just two weeks prior to Simon’s second appearance on the show. Now, Simon is hoping to find a partner who shares his love for dogs.
A Drag Queen’s Pursuit of “A Man, A Dog, and a Ring”
Alongside Simon, the episode introduced Damian, a 37-year-old professional dancer and drag queen – known as Roxxy Diamond – from Tipperary. Damian entered the restaurant with a clear vision for his future: “a man, a dog and a ring on me finger.” This straightforward approach immediately resonated with viewers, hinting at a potential match made in heaven.
Navigating Past Hurts and Future Expectations
The date between Simon and Damian proved to be a dynamic exploration of personal histories and relationship expectations. The pair engaged in open conversation, discussing past relationships, the possibility of open relationships, travel experiences, and Damian’s burgeoning passion for drag performance. Damian candidly shared the pain of a previous engagement that “collapsed” unexpectedly, attributing his resilience to his dedication to his career, which he said “saved” him.
However, as the evening progressed, Simon began to question whether Damian was seeking a level of commitment that differed from his own. This subtle tension underscored the challenges of aligning expectations in the early stages of a potential relationship.
Catch “First Dates Ireland” on Thursdays at 9:35 p.m. on RTÉ2, or stream episodes on the RTÉ Player.
