Padraig is Mr Gay Newry

The 2010 Mr Gay Newry competition was held at Passion at the Brass Monkey at the weekend and was won by Newry man Padraig Lynch.

The hotly contested competition is run annually by the Newry Rainbow Community and is firstly a fun competition but with a serious message. It aims to raise awareness of the local gay community and by doing so contribute towards breaking the stigma attached to being gay still present in many peoples minds.

The competition also raises much needed funds for HIV and other charities. Brian Merriman, Director of the Mr Gay Ireland Competition and Jason Masterson, Former Mr Gay Ireland travelled from Dublin to judge the event along with locals Eva More and Blaine Whitley, the 2009 Mr Gay Newry winner. Probably the largest entry ever competed for the title, with worthy entrants from Lisburn and Louth competing against the locals.

Blaine now Chairman of the NRC said "Participation in the competition is even more important this year as it helps raise awareness of gay issues both within and outside of the LGBT community, as the Newry Rainbow Community move towards opening a dedicated Drop in Centre in the City in the next few weeks." "Thanks to all the Competitors who took part, the Judges Brian and Jason who travelled from Dublin and lastly the Brass Monkey for facilitating the hosting of the competition." "I believe Padraig is a perfect candidate to represent Newry in Dublin and I would hope that the entire Newry community would support him in the Mr Gay Ireland Final in October."

Padraig now goes forward to the Mr Gay Ireland Final at the end of October. For more information about the Newry Rainbow Community visit www.gaynewry.com