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

m18 traffic 08-04-26 2
Teenager in TUSLA care a 'social admission' to hospital as Gardaí unable to transfer 14 year old to Dublin with motorway protests
wes browne avenue utd 07-04-26 3
Ex Manchester Utd defender Wes Brown links up with Avenue Utd's U13s
m18 traffic 08-04-26 3
'Widespread damage' to Clare economy with ongoing fuel protests say Ennis Chamber
timmy dooley 1
Dooley to lead talks in efforts to end fuel protests but says view Government has profited on excise duty is 'lovely simplistic argument'
Latest News
newmarket celtic v bridge utd 07-12-25 alan john mulready 1
Three Clare sides in FAI Junior Cup action with Newmarket & Bridge to face off
seamus mcmahon kieran molloy 1
Young Cooraclare owner prevails in race named after Galway boxer Molloy
hearse m18 protest 11-04-26 1
'Driven to the grave by fuel prices' - hearse joins M18 road blockade
clare vs dublin 05-04-26 shane o'donnell 2
PLAYER RATINGS: Shane O'Donnell & Mark Rodgers turn in top performances to help Clare capture league title
m18 traffic 08-04-26 2
Teenager in TUSLA care a 'social admission' to hospital as Gardaí unable to transfer 14 year old to Dublin with motorway protests
Premium
Hayes hails improvement in Clare's workrate, shooting efficiency & kickout retention
Dooley to lead talks in efforts to end fuel protests but says view Government has profited on excise duty is 'lovely simplistic argument'
Kilker's strike sends Tulla through to third round of FAI Junior Cup
Lissycasey leap to top of Cusack Cup with third win on the trot
'Blockades must be removed as matter of critical urgency' says Crowe following meeting with protestors

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.