Love Island has proven to be a hit with TV audiences in Ireland and the UK four years since it’s revamp leading to the creation of an American version which now stars a Clare man.

Cormac Murphy of Ballybeg, Ennis joined the cast of the first season of the USA version on Wednesday which premiered on July 9th.

Since 2016 he has lived in New York City working as a male model and also with The Greene Room, a promotion and events agency based in the Big Apple founded by Sligo native Patrick Greene.

Prior to the States, Murphy lived in Australia for two years and previously admitted New York “stood out” as he attempted to make his mark in the male modelling industry, one in which he felt opportunities in Ireland especially Ennis were quite limited.

Contestants have already coupled up but the twenty six year old had not been at the Fiji villa for this part of the show.

For the duration of the show, Cormac like other cast members will not have access to social media, a post on his Instagram account yesterday said, “The cat is out of the bag. Our boy has entered the villa. Get ready for some of that famous Irish charm”.

During his brief cameo on Tuesday’s show, the promoter and former St Munchins student said, “If I went to college I’d have a degree in women, I don’t think they know what’s coming, I’m going to turn some heads, I’m here on Love Island and I’m ready for love”.

From a rugby background, Murphy has four brothers and one sister, his brother Liam Óg has been capped for the USA having previously played for Young Munster.

In the latest UK series, Longford’s Maura Higgins has received widespread acclaim for viewers with a massive increase in her social media following with several opportunities awaiting her when her time at the Spain villa comes to an end.

Such an outcome would be very positive for Cormac. Love Island USA is broadcast on CBS to millions of viewers and will run until August 7th, it will also air on Virgin Media Two in Ireland and ITVBe in the UK.

Men’s fashion photographer, Brian Jamie once referred to Murphy as the “Irish Zac Efron”.

Related News

john gibbons 1-2
Data centres employ less than Woodie's but use a fifth of Ireland's electricity - Gibbons issues stark warning on 'catastrophic changes'
gary brennan donal cahir 1
Clare sporting great Brennan appointed deputy principal of St Flannan's College
us air force 1
'Shannon Airport cannot be used in illegal war'
save ennis town 10-10-23 abbey street car park
Abbey Street, Harvey's Quay & Post Office Field projects removed from Ennis 2040 strategy
Latest News
14-Clare Handball_Feb_27_2026_45
Clare represented in eleven grades for All-Ireland handball semi-finals
gary brennan donal cahir 1
Clare sporting great Brennan appointed deputy principal of St Flannan's College
tulla utd v bridge utd 09-11-25 fiachra hale 1
Tulla through to Clare Cup last eight at Tage's expense
us air force 1
'Shannon Airport cannot be used in illegal war'
save ennis town 10-10-23 abbey street car park
Abbey Street, Harvey's Quay & Post Office Field projects removed from Ennis 2040 strategy
Premium
Tulla through to Clare Cup last eight at Tage's expense
'Shannon Airport cannot be used in illegal war'
Abbey Street, Harvey's Quay & Post Office Field projects removed from Ennis 2040 strategy
'Put down the microphone' - Clare TD Crowe told 'sit down & don't speak' at health meeting
Brendy repaying management's belief with fine Rouine of form

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.