Michael John Standon was crowned Mr Bear Ireland during this year’s Béar Féile in Dublin, at the festival’s most raucous pageant ever

On March 28 at Dublin’s Break for the Border, eight burly boys were put through their paces by hostess, Miss Panti, and the winner was elected by popular vote from a very appreciative international crowd.

Winner Michael John Standon, who hails from The Wirral in Liverpool, describes himself as “a furry, friendly bear, who has made Dublin his home, with the help of an open and friendly community”.

Mike, who has been living in Dublin for three years, is a make-up artist by trade, a member of the Emerald Warriors gay rugby team, and “a chunky, fun, Dublin bear”.

Speaking on behalf of Dublin Bears, organisers of Béar Féile, Tom O’Connor, said: “We are proud to have Mike represent the Irish Bear community, and we look forward to the year ahead.”