Munster man crowned winner of Paul Mescal lookalike competition ...
It was Mescal madness at Smithfield Square in Dublin at lunchtime today as a crowd gathered for the first Paul Mescal lookalike competition ahead of the premiere of Gladiator II this evening.
Inspired by a similar event in New York for actor Timothée Chalamet at the end of October, an image advertising the competition was shared online in recent days. Many of those who showed up today weren't even sure it was real, but were curious as to whether the actor would make an appearance.
A number of hopefuls threw their O’Neills shorts into the ring, hoping to win the prestigious prize of three pints or €20.
MC for the event, DJ and content creator Marcus O’Laoire, said: “What a turnout. What a day. Clearly there is a lot of people who really have a deep love and a deep affection for Paul Mescal.
“He embodies everything about modern Irish masculinity.”
Each Mescal brought their own flare to the competition — including a 'tall Mescal' and a woman who O’Laoire christened 'she-Mescal' — and were asked to give their best impression of the Kildare actor.
Munster man Jack Wall O’Reilly was crowned winner of the competition and showed up wearing a grey hoodie, white O’Neills GAA shorts and wire headphones. To complete the look, he brought along a packet of Denny sausages, as an ode to Mescal’s famous “Ballyhaunis” television advert.
Speaking before he was crowned winner by public vote, he said: “If I’m a lucky boy, I’ll come out €20 richer and [have] a pack of sausages.”
The Clare man told The Irish Examiner: “I think even if I didn’t [look like Mescal] I’d have no choice to think I look like him. I just get sent it all the time, particularly in the men’s jacks for some reason. Lads will come up and stop me, I’ll be at the urinal and they’ll be like side-eying me and ask me [am I him].
“It’s a bit of craic, it’s a bit of fun.”
The real Mescal will attend the premiere of Gladiator II this evening in the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield. The red carpet for tonight’s event was being set up while the competition was underway and features posters and Roman-style columns.
The Irish actor stars in Gladiator II alongside Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, and has been confirmed for next week’s Late Late Show. Fans have been encouraged to apply for tickets for the RTÉ show by emailing [email protected] with 'Paul Mescal' in the subject line.
