LGBT fundraiser and campaigner Darren Maloney crowned Mr Gay Ireland 2018
The contestant won Mr Gay Limerick and will now represent Ireland in Europe
By Steve Brown
The former Mr Gay Limerick Darren Maloney has been crowned Mr Gay Ireland 2018.
Darren – who organised fundraisers and campaigns for the LGBT+ community over the last year – beat a number of hopefuls from across all of Ireland for the coveted prize, and during the awards he was given the crown by the 2016 winner Konrad Im.
When asked how he felt winning the title, Darren told I Love Limerick: “It’s such an honour to be the first Limerick, Mr Gay Ireland.
“I did my thing and it paid off. I did not think when I was up on that stage last year when I was nervous and afraid of putting myself out there so publicly, for being gay, that I would win it.
“And then I won it, and then I went on to the next stage.”
Now Darren will be going on to represent Europe in the Mr Gay Europe competition in August and said to “watch this space”.
He said: “The fact that I’m going to go on to Mr Gay Europe in August is just amazing.
“I can’t wait for the road ahead, I can’t wait to support St James’ who provide fantastic services for those living with HIV and Aids.
“Watch this space, it’s going to be a good year.”
Darren took to Instagram after the winning the crown and wrote how surprised he was.
He wrote: “I was shook! I still am shook! What a surprise last night, I am Mr Gay Ireland 2018!
“This time last year I was standing on a stage in front of a table of people who were taking the piss out of me – I won that competition and now ive gotten this title.
“Just shows to give a big middle finger to bullies. #gay #lgbt #ireland #limerick #gayirish #gayboy #gaylimerick #mrgayireland #mrgayeurope #activist #gaylove #gayguy #winner #instastyle #instapic #instagood #picoftheday [sic]”