A radio presenter and an Irish translator are among the contestants who will be looking for love in a new Irish dating show.
The reality series for Virgin Media Television, titled Grá Ar An Trá, will see 10 singletons try to find their match while practising their Irish language skills.
Hosts Grainne Seoige, James Kavanagh and Siomha Ni Ruairc will guide the contestants through tasks and challenges as they seek to be crowned the “couple with the most focail” and walk away with a prize of up to €10,000.
It’s a summer of grá.
⛱️😎💖
With @JamesKavanagh_
& @siomhanir #GráArAnTrá ag teacht go luath go @VirginMedia_TV pic.twitter.com/ILaEnckGPK— Gráinne Seoige (@grainne_seoige) May 24, 2023
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Among the line-up is Monaghan native Andrew Jackson, 27, who is hoping to put his way with words to good use.
The Irish translator said: “I’m looking to make new connections in Ireland after living abroad for so long, an exciting experience meeting people from all walks of life and a chance to show my passions in a modern, fresh environment where speaking Irish is the norm.
“If I manage to find Gra…all the better.”
Irish Translator Andrew is looking to make some new connections in Ireland after living abroad for so long whilst also hoping to find some Grá along the way 🫶
Brand New: Grá ar an Trá, Starts Monday at 9pm on Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Player 💖#gráarantrá pic.twitter.com/lBNSaQHUDz— Virgin Media Television (@VirginMedia_TV) September 22, 2023
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Radio DJ Megan O’Regan Byrne is also looking to find a “more serious and mature” relationship during her time on the show.
The 24-year-old, from Carlow, said: “I’m so over boys, I need a man who is capable of talking about their feelings.
“I also want to improve my Gaeilge, it’s a beautiful language that I have had a grá for years for, but I need a good teacher and I guess Grá Ar An Trá is the answer.”
Megan has an ‘inability to shut up’ but will this help her to grow her grá for the language and guide her to finding the one in the process? 😘
Brand New: Grá ar an Trá, Starts Monday at 9pm on Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Player 💖#gráarantrá pic.twitter.com/mIQqWElsja— Virgin Media Television (@VirginMedia_TV) September 22, 2023
Dublin-born Saoirse Eireann Ni Chuilleagain, 25, who works in digital policy, wants someone who is “in tune with themselves and their culture” while Dundalk native and IT risk manager Femi Bankole, 29, is hoping to find someone to match his chaos.
Ciara McMenamy, a 29-year-old pharmacy technician from Dublin, revealed she signed up to push herself out of her comfort zone while Longford native and student teacher Laura Pakenham, 21, hopes to find someone “kind and caring”.
Waterford Native Dónal has a whole lotta grá to give, but preferably to someone with a great taste in music 🎶
Brand New: Grá ar an Trá, Starts Monday at 9pm on Virgin Media One & Virgin Media Player 💖#gráarantrá pic.twitter.com/FwyHyNpnJo— Virgin Media Television (@VirginMedia_TV) September 22, 2023
Waterford born Donal Breathnach, who is a 30-year-old manager in a medical company, says he has been in love before but that he has “lots more” to give while HR manager Michelle McGrath, 28, from Clare, said she will not tolerate people trying to play a game on the show.
Limerick-born college student Sean O Maoilchiarain, 24, and apprentice electrician Loman Jinks, 22, from Galway, are also among the 10-strong cohort.
The first episode of Grá Ar An Trá will air at 9pm on Monday September 25th on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Player.
