The return of matchmakers: Why daters are swiping left on the apps and embracing a human touch

Finding a love match based initially on personality isn’t a new concept, despite what Netflix’s Love is Blind might have you think. But choosing to have humans rather than algorithms find your Mr or Ms Right is a growing trend. Amanda Cassidy goes down the rabbit hole of matchmaking.

For generations, people have turned to a third party to find a suitable partner, often 'blind,' and without having any background or context. 

Ned Coughlan was fed up of traditional dating when he decided to hand over the reins to someone else in his search for love. 

The 52-year-old welder from Co Limerick, spotted an ad for a matchmaker in his local paper, and in a fit of YOLO, picked up the phone.