A DERRYBEG man named as Mr Gay Newry admits it was something he never thought would happen.
Padraig Lynch only told family and friends about his sexuality in 2006 and says it was a big step for him to even enter the competition.
“I’ve always known I was gay but I only told them four years ago. I am what I am and my family accepts it and are supportive,” he said.
“But if you had have said to me five years ago, I’d be named Mr Gay Newry I’d never have believed it!”
Out of 11 competitors, Padraig was one of the oldest at 45 but he’s determined to fly the flag for older gay men.
“I am more mature and I hope that shows that older men can stand up for themselves to be seen as a person and not just as a gay man.”
The annual competition was held at Passion at the Brass Monkey on Saturday night and seeks to be a fun competition with a serious message.
Padraig, a plasterer by trade, has been a member of Newry Rainbow Community (NRC) for 18 months and seeks to support other gay people who are struggling to profess their sexuality.
“It’s very, very important to get them to open up and admit to their parents,” he said.
“As a gay person, you have to stand up for yourself. The suicide rates are high for gay people as they do struggle with who they are but Newry Rainbow Community does great work and is a source of great support.”
Padraig is a keen runner and triathlon enthusiast. However, a horrific accident on the Dublin Road in 1984 almost put paid to his passion for exercise.
“I was knocked off my bike by a car and broke by tibia and fibula in two places, spending six months in plaster,” he revealed.
“It completely changed my life and I still have scars, but in a year, I was back on my bike.”
Now a member of Newry Triathlon Club and Newry Cyclers, Padraig once represented Ireland in the European Triathlon Championships.
But his next challenge will be in Dublin in October when he represents Newry in the Mr Gay Ireland final.