Galwayman fulfils Mr Gay Ireland ambition on cusp of his 30th birthday

Approaching the big three-O has one young Galway man ticking ambitions off his bucket list – and this weekend sees him fulfil one of the biggest of them…representing the county in the Mr Gay Ireland competition in Cork.

Darragh J. Mullooly, who is originally from Sligo but based in Galway for many years, has two reasons for taking part; one is that he always wanted to take part in what he jokingly calls the gay version of the Rose of Tralee.

BY SHEILA BEGLEY

But he also wants to use this to raise funds for two causes close to his heart – homelessness in Galway and a pioneering treatment for those living with HIV.

The latter sees him – and all of the other finalists – working for the Newfill Service at St. James’ Hospital Dublin.

Newfill is a reconstructive treatment to combat the effects of the antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV. This medicine can cause ‘facial wastage’ through a loss of facial fat, and consequently, can be highly upsetting for patients.

Aside from the merely physical benefits, the Newfill treatment can enhance patients’ quality of living – and has been proven to improve adherence to therapy.

But the Newfill clinic receives no public funding, and St. James’ is the only hospital in Ireland which is able to provide the treatment at no cost to patients.

The 29-year-old, who has also worked as a journalist, additionally wanted to shed light on the homelessness crisis in Galway and in doing so he spent last Tuesday night sleeping rough, to experience just a little of what it’s like to go without anything for a day.

“I didn’t really feel like I was homeless because I knew I had a home to go to, at the end of the day,” Darragh explained.

“Homelessness is something you can’t simulate unless you are in that situation. I did however, get a taste of what it’s like to have nowhere to go.”

He now understands what it feels like to have people treat you like you are invisible.

“I was shocked to see how many people actually walked by me without a second glance.”

“Without this competition, I wouldn’t have had such an amazing platform to draw attention to these two very worthy causes – homelessness in Galway and treatment for those living with HIV,” he added.

And after that experience, Darragh is now concentrating on representing his adoptive Galway in the twelfth annual Mr Gay Ireland Competition which takes place in Cork city this Saturday.

Slowly approaching his big birthday, Darragh has always wanted to get involved in this competition and he is delighted to be able to tick it off the bucket list.

“So, I thought why not do it before I’m 30?” Darragh said.

The chief organiser of the event is Brian Merriman and Darragh is competing with six other contestants from around the country for the title.

“There is Mr Gay Galway, Mr Gay Limerick, Mr Gay Cork, somebody representing Swords and the others are representing Dublin City.”

“We will have interviews with the judges and also a one minute speech about something we are passionate about – and I’m going to keep that a surprise,” Darragh laughed, before explaining the attire for the evening.

“There’s a formal wear round, then there’s a causal wear round and a swimwear round.”

Darragh has been delighted and overjoyed with the support he has received from the straight community here in Ireland – something he didn’t expect.

“It’s not something that crossed my mind. I knew the gay community were going to support me. But I didn’t think that the straight community would be so supportive of me which has been amazing,” he added.

As with all competitions the eye is on the prize, something Darragh knows all too well. He will be using his meditation tricks to keep himself calm on the night but he has spoken about what it would mean to him if he were to win the title.

“I think the title will give to me a voice for the gay community here in Ireland. I’m really passionate about empowering younger gay men because when I was a teenager gay people weren’t always out,” he said.

“When I was younger, I didn’t really have a strong gay role mode. So, I would love to be that for younger gay people,” he added.

■ If anyone would like to contribute to the fundraising cause they can find the link to do so at: www.youcaring.com/theguideclinicstjamesshspital-762064