Sunday, October 8: the day that Blind Date Orish-style debuted.
Yup, with a certain Al Porter at the helm, the dating show kicked off in style.
❤❤❤ We're are now just 1 hour away from the brand new series of #BlindDateIRL on TV3. Join the brilliant @TheAlPorter at 9pm on TV3! ❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/QIffW96VRS
— Virgin Media Television (@VirginMedia_TV) October 8, 2017
Apparently, the show had been inundated with applications – both for contestants and audience members – and certainly the Sunday evening’s airing was full of animation.
https://twitter.com/Davydoesdublin/status/917119356668178432
The Helix in Dublin played host to the show: the very first couple of pair up was Dionne and David – with Dionne looking stunning in a full-length, sparkling gown, and David keeping it casual in a white long-sleeved tee and jeans.
https://twitter.com/MckeonAoife/status/917125565672501248
We also met Hayley and Daniel – who had jetted off to Lisbon during the summer. Although the duo have yet to squeeze in a second date, Hayley promised Daniel that she’d make time to see him again.
Next week I'm going to watch #BlindDateIRL with some booze, i feel like that's appropriate.
— colin (@CoHesl) October 8, 2017
The second batch of hopefuls include Niamh from Kildare, Jennifer; a former Miss Navan, from Meath; Ciara, a waitress from Blanchardstown in Dublin.
"I entered Mr. Ireland, he didn't seem to mind" hey @TheAlPorter you told me this was family friendly! 😂😂 #BlindDateIRL
— Just Stickers -Tracy (@JustStickers1) October 8, 2017
Vying for their attention was Gary, 27, from Tallaght. Still living with mammy – Gary goes to the gym six or seven times a week. Indeed, he showed off his strength by lifting host Al into the air.
In the end, he couldn’t resist No.2 – Co. Meath’s Jen. And the pair were sent to Barcelona for a romantic trip.
Oh God no man living with Mammy …no ladies you don't want this #BlindDateIRL
— Samantha Kelly (@Tweetinggoddess) October 8, 2017
Aisling is a mum-of-four and is from Newbridge. Ray hails from Tallaght, is a life coach, and is a dad-of-three. They had the pleasure of going to Tayto Park on their date.
https://twitter.com/CarolineForan/status/917130336739446786
They had a picnic on the grass and seemed to get on great… although Aisling wasn’t overly impressed with how romantic the day was.
“He made me a lovely crisp sandwich” I can’t breathe!!! #blinddateIRL
— Grace Rattigan (Reck) 🍉 (@frillyflossy) October 8, 2017
Indeed, she reckoned Ray was a little bit OTT and ultimately “not for her”.
https://twitter.com/fergmcfadden/status/917131240666525696
Otherwise, Twitter is predictably alight with commentary on the airing – with plenty of viewers happy to chip in their tuppence worth.
https://twitter.com/foxymm12/status/917119162975182848
And while the show has already been filmed (over the summer), Blind Date was broadcast from a Tallaght location for Al Porter.
