First Dates Ireland review: Shane and Avril prove true love really does exist

Social distancing was observed, but one couple's happy-ever-after moment was the good news we all needed to hear.  Another pair bonded over their love of a cuppa, and we even got a bit of nostalgia for a place with 'miles and miles of sausage'... 

Avril and Shane took a chance by entering the dating scene after long absences and immediately hit it off.

There are eight words that can sum up the average Irish person’s attitude to the pandemic, and they were uttered on First Dates Ireland this evening: “I’d give ya a hug, but sure look.” That’s right, we’ve entered the dating realm in the Covid-19 era and Mateo and his charming team are welcoming those seeking love to the First Dates restaurant once more.

“As you can see, we have a few changes this year,” Mateo says with suggestive eyebrows over his mask, before channelling his inner Tyra Banks. “SMILE WITH YOUR EYES!” he yells, brandishing a garish pink two-metre-long stick that shows how far each couple must sit from each other. It’s just like going to a dance in a convent school and getting a smidge closer to a boy than you should be.