It’s the final reckoning, and Conor Vaughan-Buggy entry hopes to make it to the top 20 at International Mister Leather in Chicago, and deliver a speech that might make Ireland proud

Well today is the day, the final reckoning will be tonight at the Harris Theatre in front of a few thousand people. We start at noon, which gives me time for a nice big breakfast and to focus on preparing for tonight.

This afternoon we have finals rehearsal and then a celebratory dinner before heading to the stage. First up we must wear leather that conveys to the judges and the audience something about who we are. It took me a while to figure out that outfit but I think I nailed it. And hopefully when you guys get to see it in some photos you’ll think I nailed being an Irish leatherman too.

Today is an immensely proud day for me as I helped set up Geared Ireland club up in 2013 (check us out at www.gearedireland.com ) and have seen it grow from strength to strength since then. I hope some of you guys watching this diary will pay us a visit, or else come and meet us in Pantibar when we go there en masse.

The second part of the show tonight is when they announce the top 20. Requiring another change of attire, this time into leather formals, which is pants, shirt, tie, waistcoat and accessories as required. For leathermen accessories of course can be handcuffs 😉

Once the top 20 are announced, those lucky few will get to give a 90 second speech each, before again stripping off for a show of their physique. I have not counted any chickens, but if I get into the Top 20 I will be delighted and thrilled to give my speech. All I can say right now is that the speech I have prepared is about something which is very important to me, and I hope everyone in Ireland will be proud of me for delivering it.

Wish me luck, people! I’ll be back tomorrow with my final diary entry.