The charming Cork native was quick to reassure his date

16:37, 17 Feb 2026Updated 16:48, 17 Feb 2026

Richie from Cork is paired up with Michaela from Dublin(Image: RTE)

A Cork man faced an awkward moment like a champ in the First Dates Ireland restaurant after his match couldn’t understand his accent.

Cork singleton Richie, 33, appears on this week’s episode of RTÉ‘s First Dates Ireland as he’s paired up with Michaela from Dublin. And within moment of meeting at the bar, there is a slight miscommunication when the pair discuss occupations.

In a hilarious moment, Richie, who works at a pharmaceutical plant in Cork, tells Michaela that he works in ‘pharma.’ But the Dubliner struggles to grasp what he says, and assumes he is a ‘farmer,’ prompting Richie to have to repeat himself twice before she understands.

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Richie is quick to clear up any confusion, and had a brilliant answer to Michaela not understanding what he said. The charming Cork native cheekily reassures his date she’ll pick up the Leeside accent in no time. He smiles as he tells her she will “get used to the accent after a while,” leading to giggles all round.

When the pair sit down for a chat, Richie explains that he is looking for love, as well as a plus one date to the numerous weddings he’s been invited to. In fact, he spills that he is actually attending a wedding the very next day… but viewers will have to tune in to see if competitive pole dancer Michaela makes his ideal match.

Also in the restaurant this week are site foreman James (23) from Clondalkin who matches with Fayth (21) from East Wall. Fayth always takes her mammy’s advice on men so ‘one bad vibe and there’s no going back’. James falls short of her 6ft height requirement but makes up for it with his ‘lethal’ personality. All of which leads to a VERY big surprise – and a first of its kind announcement for First Dates!

After six months single in Dublin, Itzel from Mexico is looking for a hot date with dark hair and blue eyes. She is paired up with super confident lioness Ciara from Kilkenny. They say you should avoid politics on a first date but the fiery combination of Itzel’s native American heritage and Ciara’s background in political science means that, suddenly, everything’s on the table.

Shy single dad and flirting newbie Martin (51) embarks on his first ever date with Linda (40) from Germany – a self-confessed ‘cheap date’ whose idea of a good night out is ping pong and two bottles of beer. When it comes to dating Martin describes himself as a ‘deer in the headlights’. Will love finally shine through?

First Dates Ireland continues Thursday February 19th on RTÉ2.