Sligo’s Rory is on the new series of RTÉ’s First Dates

SLIGO man Rory McGowan was among the first people to appear on the first episode of the newest season of First Dates.

The reality dating show, which returned to RTÉ last Thursday, saw couples paired up in a slightly different environment as it was the first show recorded since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Ireland. The programme still took place in the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, with the participants wearing masks on their arrival while staff wore them throughout.

Couples were seated at much bigger tables to allow for social distancing, while the end of show reveal also took place with the pairs being seated either side of perspex glass.

Early on in the episode, viewers were introduced to Tralee native Tim Landers, 54, an actor.

Tim is an actor whose credits include being one of the Night’s Watch in the hit series Game of Thrones. He was matched with painter-decorator Rory McGowan, 48, originally from Teesan, Drumcliffe.

Rory spoke at the outset about life in Sligo where he feels many members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community still have a tough time being open about who they are. He said: “It’s still very closety and very subdued and they keep themselves to themselves, whereas

I’m a little more out there.”

Upon meeting his date for the evening, Rory and Tim quickly realised that they have met on a previous occasion.

“I think we’ve met. I think we met in Galway,” Tim said.

While Rory demonstrated his natural wit and charisma throughout, he also touched on the events which shaped him as a person. He revealed that he spent much of his adult life in England, a decision partially influenced by not feeling accepted for who he is at home – particularly by his parents.

He said: “I lived in Brighton in East Sussex for 23 years and I came back about 11 years ago. I left because I was gay. For your parents to find out it would be a nightmare – they did find out and they didn’t speak to me for four years. I had to get out of that environment. What made me who I am today was moving to Brighton where I could just be myself. Even then, Brighton was so open.”

Tim went on to speak of how he became more of a “people person” when his parents passed away and he developed a greater sense of empathy for others.

Rory said his parents had also since passed away, but said he was glad to be there for both of them as they reconciled with the help of friends.

Rory said: “Thank God I was there for both of them and I’m glad they didn’t take the hit to the grave with them. I think other friends had words with them, saying ‘it’s not his fault that he’s gay’ – that was something that really had to be taught.”

As their evening came to an end, it was time for the big reveal that First Dates is well-known for – will they see each other again? Rory opted to go first, stating: “I would like to see Tim again, but I don’t think romantically. I think we would be very good friends. It’s more the friendship cord with us two.”

Tim expressed similar sentiments: “I have to agree. I hope it is the start of a wonderful friendship and I genuinely mean that.” If you would like to see this episode of First Dates, it is available on RTÉ Player. First Dates airs weekly on Thursday night on RTÉ 2 at 9.30pm.