A wholesome round-up, for the day that’s in it.
Ireland’s Cutest Dad is the kind of pageant we could all get on board with. Just think of the categories; fastest at changing the batteries in the remote, most well-ironed shirt, and of course, best Dad Joke 2023.
While we’re still putting the finishing touches on the Fathers of Tralee pageant over here, you can enjoy this Father’s Day inspired homage to some of the Irish dads who’ve warmed our hearts in recent years, from radio legends to TikTok stars. Angels, all.
Marty Whelan
Marty is so beloved by the people of Ireland that one fan got a detailed portrait of the presenter tattooed in his leg. His OOTDs on Twitter are the stuff of legend and his smooth sultry tones on Lyric FM keep us going every morning like no one else can.
Aren’t birthdays great? pic.twitter.com/a3n3GMj1Xs
— Marty Whelan (@martylyricfm) June 7, 2023
James Kavanagh’s Dad
Every time James Kavanagh shares a video featuring his dad in any capacity, our hearts sing. Here he is with his pronunciation guide of designer brands – shoutout to Verski in particular.
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Derry Fleming
Derry Fleming was thrust into the spotlight when his son rose to TikTok fame over the pandemic, and stardom definitely suits the Kerry farmer. We recommend a deep dive of his vast and varied portfolio of iconic online moments for the day that’s in it.
@tadhgfleming Wedding seating plans made easy by Derry ?☘️?? #irish #wedding #hack #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Tadhg Fleming
The Dad who couldn’t stop laughing
One of the biggest online gems to come out of Ireland’s various lockdowns, you may remember this Mayo dad attempting to record a video for his son in Australia and being unable to get past “hello” without laughing. One of those rare clips that gets funnier the more times you watch it, and something of a time capsule for life in Ireland during the pandemic.
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Roy Keane
The short lived golden age of Roy Keane’s now deleted Instagram offered us an insight to the footballing legends’ home life, confirming that even his grandchildren aren’t safe from his dry, razor-sharp wit. However, it also revealed that Roy was willing to dress up as Chase from Paw Patrol, so we know he’s a softie underneath it all.
Jack Keating
It’s been a big year for nepo baby Jack Keating – he enjoyed a short-lived stint in Love Island’s Casa Amor villa, and luckily made it home in plenty of time for the birth of his daughter in March. While the timelines could be considered confusing to some, we decided Jack still deserved a shoutout this Father’s Day for navigating life (which is, of course, a rollercoaster) as a dad.
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Sing and Step with Padraig
He’s Ireland’s favourite vegan and is also some man for a song, a dance and the bit of lilting. If you haven’t followed Padraig’s journey, back in 2021 he decided to go vegan for 21 days for health reasons, and with the help of his daughter he documented his experience online. Since then he’s stolen the hearts of almost 70k followers as he shares his healthy dinner prep, music skills and even the odd model pic inspired by the Zara website. A true national treasure.
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Drag Race Dad from Tiktok
If you’re a Ru Paul’s Drag Race fan you might remember this cutie, who used to watch every episode with his daughters and provide top-drawer off-the-cuff-commentary of each queen’s runway looks and challenge performances. We haven’t heard his thoughts on All Stars 8 just yet, but hope he’ll make a return to our small screens one day soon.
@annabellastewartm Drag Dad’s first double shantay😜😏 #rupaul #rupaulseason13 #rpdr @denalifoxx @thekandymuse @gottmik @rupaulsdragrace @uticaqueen @the_symone
Granda Joe
The only fictional Dad on the list, but it’d be remiss not to include the man, the myth, the legendary Granda Joe of Derry Girls fame. Known for putting his son-in-law in his place with cutting remarks and thinly veiled disgust and sharing countless wholesome moments with his grandchildren, we could all do with a Da like Joe.
Did we miss out your favourite Irish dad? Let us know, in between the time you spend celebrating your own this Father’s Day of course.
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