While the start of each season of Love Island is always a big event for many, there will be an extra layer of intrigue around the latest edition due to the presence of a certain Galway footballer.

Seán Fitzgerald stepped away from the panel in recent weeks in order to pursue an opportunity on the ITV reality show, also putting his career as a teacher on hold.

The GAA star made quite the impression during the first episode, with his use of Irish slang a talking point in the villa. However, he was also forced to call out a lazy Irish stereotype on a couple of occasions.

READ ALSO: Here’s The Draw For Round Two Of The All-Ireland Championship

READ ALSO: All-Ireland SFC Power Rankings After Dramatic Opening Round

Galway Star Calls Out Irish Stereotype On ‘Love Island’

As the only Irishman in a villa consisting largely of Brits, Seán Fitzgerald’s nationality was always likely to be highlighted on Love Island.

Recommended

It came during the first episode, where fellow islander Lorenzo started the day with a ‘top of the mornin to ya’ comment. The Galway man’s reaction spoke volumes.

Lorenzo: Top of the mornin’ to ya!

Sean: Oh for f**k sake.

Ope: Do people say that in Ireland? They don’t do they?

Sean: Nobody says it like.

Lorenzo: Alright, I’ll cross that one off the list.

Galway footballer Seán Fitzgerald was quick to call out an Irish stereotype during the first episode of the new season of Love Island 👀 pic.twitter.com/e33JgyVWWp

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 2, 2026

That was not the only time the phrase was used.

When Seán was speaking to Lola, the girl he coupled up with on the opening night, he perhaps foolishly asked her to do an impression of his accent. It did not go well.

 

Sean: When is your birthday?

Lola: 17th of March. St Patrick’s Day, oh my god.

Sean: Damn, you must love the Irish.

Lola: They’re alright.

Sean: Do my accent there, I want to hear what you say.

Lola: Alright let me lock in. ‘Well I’ll be focked, top of the mornin to ya’.

Sean: That’s not even it, that’s Northern Ireland.

Lola: Is that Northern Ireland? I tell people it’s from Dublin whenever they ask.

Sean: It’s kind of like ‘I’m from Donegal sir’. That is not Dublin.

Not great.

With a long summer ahead for the Galway man, you get the sense we could see a few more incidents such as these on Love Island this summer.

SEE ALSO: Galway Star’s Use Of Irish Slang Is Already Causing Confusion On ‘Love Island’