The GALAS, Ireland’s annual awards celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, have announced the dynamic hosting duo for this year’s ceremony: broadcaster and podcaster Louise McSharry and comedian and actor Michael Fry.

Both hosts are no strangers to GCN or Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community, having already made their mark at some of the organisation’s biggest events.

Louise McSharry, the presenter behind Catch Up with Louise McSharry, has teamed up with GCN previously for our Roast Battle Royale, bringing her sharp wit and unmistakable sense of humour to the stage. A beauty and opinion columnist for the Irish Independent, she has built a reputation for her candid commentary and ability to keep audiences entertained, making her a natural choice to steer one of the biggest nights in Ireland’s queer calendar.

 

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Joining her is Michael Fry, the Irish comedian and actor who became a drag sensation after taking home the title of Mx GCN 2026 at GCN’s So You Think You Can Drag fundraiser. Performing as his hilarious drag persona Buncrana del Rey, “Lana Del Rey, but from Donegal”, Fry won over audiences with a memorable rendition of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Video Games’. 

 

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Now, the pair will bring their combined presenting talents to The GALAS stage, promising a night packed with laughs, celebration and plenty of queer joy.

Musical performance will come from Dublin-based folk-indie singer Ailbhe Reddy, whose emotionally charged songwriting has earned her widespread acclaim. Her debut album Personal History received a nomination for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize, establishing Reddy as one of Ireland’s most compelling alternative voices.

The ceremony will also feature special performances from Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus and Glória LGBT+ Choir, two ensembles with deep roots in Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community and music scene.

The celebrations will continue after the awards with DJ Glamo, well-known in Dublin’s club scene. Expect camp, chaos, glitter and plenty of pop bangers.

This year’s GALAS take place on October 3 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel, the same venue where the very first GALAS were held in 2009. The ceremony will celebrate winners across 15 categories, spanning activism, arts, allyship, events, sport and more, recognising the people and organisations working towards a better future for LGBTQ+ people across Ireland. You can see a full list of shortlisted nominees here.

Organised by the National LGBTQ+ Federation (NXF) and GCN, The GALAS serves as GCN’s largest fundraising event, allowing it to continue its legacy as Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media. With Louise McSharry and Michael Fry leading us through the night, it’s bound to be one to remember. Get your tickets here.