Ireland's last traditional matchmaker has told how demand for his services has surged from singletons in the UK - because of Brexit.
Lisdoonvarna love doctor Willie Daly said he’s been inundated with calls from British bachelors looking to be introduced to Irish girls over the past 12 months.
And he attributes the increased interest from single fellas from across the water to their concern over Brexit and their uncertainty over their future once Britain leaves the EU.
The 77-year-old father-of-eight said: “I’ve been involved with matchmaking since I was 15, and I’ve never known as much interest from lads from England.
“I’ve had more calls than ever before over the past year from English people, desperate to find love with an Irish partner.
“A lot of them have told me it’s because of Brexit, which has made them want to move to Ireland and settle down an Irish girl.
"They see Ireland as a more stable country, and think they’ll have a better future here, particularly if they can find a beautiful Irish girl to marry.”
Meanwhile, Cupid Willie said he expects to be busier than ever when this year’s Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival kicks off later next week.
Up to 40,000 people are expected to attend the month-long Co Clare love-fest, which is Europe's biggest singles event.
And despite playing a major part in every festival for over 60 years, Willie - who’s a third-generation matchmaker who still uses a tatty 160-year-old love ledger to arrange his matches - insisted he’s no plans to retire.
He added: “There’s a magic about Lisdoonvarna which you don’t get anywhere else in the world, and being involved with it is the highlight of the year for me.
“I’m looking forward to making many more introductions, and hopefully seeing many fellas getting down on bended knees and proposing over the next few weeks.”
The Matchmaking Festival runs from August 30 to September 29.
Meanwhile, The Outing, the popular Co. Clare LGBT weekend, takes place on September 27 and 28.
For further information on both events, check out www.matchmakerireland.com and www.theouting.ie.
