Castlehaven's Aidan has First Date with Doris

THEY saved the best until last on the final episode of RTÉ’s ‘First Dates Ireland’, with Castlehaven’s Aidan Hurley taking the plunge.

Aidan (29), who lives in Dublin and works as a sales analyst with recruitment website Indeed, thoroughly enjoyed his date with Cork woman Doris Murphy (26). Aidan even recognised Doris from her time working in the bookshop in UCC when he was a student there.

‘I was a fan of the Channel 4 show and when I heard RTÉ were going to do their own version, I said why not apply and see how it goes,’ Aidan told The Southern Star.

‘It was a long process to be selected, which included emails, phone interviews and screen tests before I was finally selected to appear on the programme.’

Aidan’s date Doris, who works as a speech therapist, proved to be a popular hit with viewers, with many taking to social media to call the self-confessed giddy goat ‘the unsung hero’ of this episode.

The two Corkonians seemed to hit it off on the night, with the conversation embracing everything from salsa dancing to pole dancing. 

Aidan was very charming and knew his women’s fashions, too, as he complimented Doris on her matching top and earrings, but alas it wasn’t going to be the romance of the year.

‘We got on great really, and it was an enjoyable date, but I guess we have different interests. The feedback from my friends and family since the programme was broadcast has been great and the comments on Twitter were positive too. Since the show aired last week, I have found that people are quick to come up and chat to me, too, which is nice,’ added Aidan.

As for appearing again in the dating show that was a ratings success for RTÉ, Aidan said: ‘Once is enough. It’s time to give someone else a chance.’

Aidan’s brother Dermot is a former Cork senior footballer and plays for Castlehaven.