Eastern promise in store at matchmaking festival

Ireland’s last traditional matchmaker has become an unlikely hit in the Far East, as hordes of curious Chinese singletons seek out his old-fashioned services.

Cupid Willie Daly said 12 Chinese nationals who he’s paired up with Irish partners have subsequently walked down the aisle over the past year.

The third-generation matchmaker said the surge in interest from China, which is mostly from women hoping to marry Irish farmers, has resulted in one of his busiest periods for years.