Leitrim narrowly misses out as Ciaran Clarke from Rosemount wins Westmeath Bachelor 2023

The Westmeath Bachelor 2023 occurred on Saturday night, July 29, in Mullingar. With style and showmanship in abundance, six eligible Bachelors battled it out before the celebrity judging panel of Louis Walsh, Anne Doyle, Pippa O'Connor, and Brian Ormond finally decided on Ciaran Clarke (29) from Rosemount, Co Westmeath as the 2023 winner.

James Doyle, Leitrim Tik Tok influencer, narrowly missed out on this year's Festival title. There was no stage fright as James took to the stage for his performance piece as he belted out the Joe Dolan hit –'You're Such a good looking woman'. 

The audience went wild despite his slightly off-key performance. The judges also loved his performance and confidence; all were unanimous; however, his singing voice left a little to be desired. Louis Walsh acknowledged, "You picked a brilliant song, you have great confidence, but singing is not for you".  

Pippa O'Connor Ormond said, "I am never going to forget tonight. Particularly that performance, I admire you for the ability to be yourself".

The Westmeath man Ciaran Clarke was crowned the winner after impressing the judges and wowing the audience with his self-penned song, which he performed on guitar and harmonica. 

Despite the intense competition, the judges were unanimous in their choice of the winner, who won them over with his charismatic personality and captivating performance, and he was an equally popular choice with the audience, who couldn't get enough of him.

"Ciaran was the person I wanted to see again. He will be a great role model. I loved his honesty and his likeability and just what I expected from a great Irish guy, a very worthy winner", said Louis. 

After being crowned Westmeath Bachelor 2023, Ciaran said: "I'm delighted to have won. I wrote my own song, so it was hard-earned too! I'm over the moon, and kudos to everyone who took part! I love all the lads, it's been a fantastic experience, and there's more to come over the next year!"

Along with the title of Westmeath Bachelor, the winner receives an all-inclusive holiday. This new wardrobe would envy James Bond himself and a cash donation to his chosen charity.

Each of the six bachelors was not only entertaining but also embodied the modern Irish man, unafraid to show vulnerability and talk about personal struggles, encouraging other men to ask for help if needed. There was plenty of craic, too, from lip-syncing to Grease songs to a rousing rendition of Joe Dolan's 'You're Such A Good Looking Woman'.

Shane Barkey and Sarah Jane Foster presented the evening. Country star Cliona Hagan entertained the audience as the judges spent time deliberating on this year's winner behind closed doors.

The Westmeath Bachelor Festival and the Lakeland Session have also announced the Biggest Disco will be coming to the Westmeath Bachelor Festival Dome on September 9, featuring 2 Unlimited, Mark McCabe, Cappella, Rozalla, Urban Cookie Collective and Dario G. 

Tickets are on sale from www.biggestdisco.com.