Dublin man Simon Delaney returned to the set of First Dates Ireland on Thursday night, a decade after appearing in the demonstrate’s inaugural episode, broadcast in 2016. The return marks a full-circle moment for Delaney, who was originally matched with Tynan on the program.
Delaney’s initial date, while promising at first, did not result in a lasting relationship. Still, he found love shortly after his appearance on the show, marrying his partner a few months later. The couple amicably separated a couple of years ago, prompting Delaney’s decision to revisit the First Dates experience.
The opportunity to return to the matchmaking show arose through a connection with Janine, a crew member who frequented the restaurant where Delaney works. “What happened was somebody that works on First Dates… is a regular in the restaurant I perform in,” Delaney explained to RSVP Live. “We got to know each other, she remembered me from 10 years ago. She said, ‘Would you ever come back?’ I was like, ‘I don’t think so.'”
Delaney recounted being persuaded to fill out an application form after a night out. He was subsequently invited back to the Gibson Hotel restaurant, where he was matched with Damien for a date that aired on Thursday. He admitted to feeling some nervousness about his return, contrasting it with his mindset during his first appearance.
“The first time I had been single for nine years, I was young and carefree,” Delaney said. “It felt new and exciting, and that got me through it at that time. I don’t remember feeling nervous or uncomfortable.”
The return of Delaney, the show’s first-ever dater, has been described as “heartwarming” by RTÉ. He is 46 years old and resides in Sandymount, Dublin.
