Last night, Mr Gay Limerick Lorcan McAuliffe was crowned Mr Gay Ireland 2020, beating out competition from all across Ireland.

The announcement was shared through MGI’s official social media accounts: “We are delighted to announce Mr Gay Ireland 2020 is Mr Gay Limerick Lorcan McAuliffe. Lorcan is a fantastic community activist. We look forward to a great year!”

@GCNmag @limerickpride @Limerick_Leader We are delighted to announce Mr Gay Ireland 2020 is Mr Gay Limerick Lorcan McAuliffe. Lorcan is a fantastic community activist. We look forward to a great year! Thanks to Guillherme de Souza who succeeded to the title as runner up in 2018. pic.twitter.com/qzcczQlws9

— Mr Gay Ireland (@_MrGayIreland_) December 8, 2019

Speaking about what becoming Mr Gay Ireland 2020 means to him, 22-year-old Lorcan, who is in his final year to become a mental health nurse, said: “This is a massive opportunity and a platform for me to promote wellbeing and mental health.” He stated that this is especially important when looking at recent statistics on suicide rates in the community.

He added the fact that people who were newly diagnosed with HIV could also see their mental health be seriously affected by the news. Combining those issues, promoting awareness of safe sex is also high on his agenda. Lorcan also spoke about his plans to team up with Mr Gay Boston and other Mr Gay titleholders around the world to create global campaigns to promote mental health.

Earlier this year, it was announced that applications for Mr Gay Ireland 2020 were open. In order to qualify for the competition, candidates had to meet five conditions including creating a fundraiser for any HIV charity in Ireland.

For this purpose, Lorcan recently organised Holly Jolly Christmas Drag Show, with performances by Onya Becks, Miz Tasty, Scarlet Mugler as well as Sarah McTernan and Tina D Parton, where they raised nearly €300 for GOSHH. 

According to MGI national producer, Brian Merriman: “Mr Gay Ireland has a proud track record in visibility throughout the island of Ireland. We are committed to raising HIV awareness and funds for HIV charities.”

Following the open call for applications, MGI’s organisers met the contestants yesterday in Street 66, where they interviewed each of them and crowned Lorcan Mc Auliffe as the new Mr Gay Ireland. Having won the title, Lorcan will now be representing Ireland at the next Mr Gay Europe competition.

Great celebrations in @limerickpride last night at the crowning of Mr Gay Ireland 2020 Lorcan McAuliffe! pic.twitter.com/s9dQZrlhLB

— Mr Gay Ireland (@_MrGayIreland_) December 9, 2019

Following the crowning, several organisations and members of the LGBT+ community took the opportunity to congratulate the winner.

Former MGI 2018/2019 Guilherme Souza, who made Top 4 in  Mr Gay Europe 2018 and Top 10 Mr Gay World 2019 said:

“I am delighted for Lorcan and I hope he has a great time as the new titleholder. My personal experience as Mr Gay Ireland for almost 2 years was amazing, I couldn’t be prouder of my journey in Mr Gay Europe and Mr Gay World and all the work I’ve done in GCN for my community. Be able to represent the country I’ve chosen to call home internationally, use my platform “It’s Okay” to talk about my scars and empower others was a life-changing experience and I am very grateful for everything that came with the crown. I’ve done everything I wanted to and I’ve shown to the world what the shamrock is made of.  I hope Lorcan will use this platform to keep supporting and improving the LGBT+ community in Ireland.”

Eddie McGuinness from Dublin Pride and The Outing Festival said: “Lorcan is a fantastic community activist and we are looking forward to seeing all the great work he will do. Have a great year!”

Limerick Pride also welcomed the news on their social media: “Congratulations to our Lorcan Mc Auliffe – Mr Gay Limerick who tonight has been announced as the new Mr Gay Ireland 2019/2020!! We’re so proud and know Lorcan will be a great representative for both Limerick and Ireland!”

We would like to congratulate Lorcan and wish him the very best of luck for Mr Gay Europe 2020!