THE new Mr Cork, Adam Foley, aged 22, is from Killeens and just completed a bachelors degree in BIS at CIT. He works in Burnt Pizza Cork as a front of house supervisor.

Adam was named Mr Cork recently and goes on to represent Cork in the Mr Ireland competition, in September.

Here we catch up with him to chat about his wish to give the men of today a voice.

What made you enter Mr Cork?

I was very unsure as to whether or not I would enter Mr Cork, I entered because I think there is a need for men to have a voice and a platform to talk openly about everyday issues, and I’d like to be a voice for the men of today.

How did it feel winning Mr Cork?

It was a whirlwind, I was ecstatic — I was shocked, the competition was so strong!

When you say you feel men need a platform to speak openly about everyday issues,, what do you mean?

There’s a lot to talk about, for example I feel men need to discuss their sexual health more. I’m 22 and I know my peers, men my age, older and younger have no idea how to discuss and learn about their sexual health, nor do they have the confidence to do so.

This also applies to men and their mental wellbeing and of course their sexualities.

I think men feel a lot of pressure to be strong symbols of society and feel the need to always seem invincible and powerful, I want men to understand they can feel the pressures of everyday life and understand we can and will succeed!

You stand with the LGBTQ community a lot, why?

I’m straight and have never had to feel the pain of not being allowed to be who I am.

I think the LGBTQ community show a lot of pride, resilience, courage and strength. These are qualities that I admire and strive to have myself.

Whatever our sexuality or gender is, I think we all deserve to have a proud, joyful and positive life.

You’re in the Mr Ireland final, do you think you can bring the title home to Cork?

I think I can. If I start something, I start it with the mentality to go as far as I can possibly go.

The title has never been in Cork before, let’s hope that changes this year!

Did you always want to be a model?

Being a model is fun and I enjoy it, but I also have a degree in BIS from CIT as well as experience in hospitality management.

I always wanted to model but I want to do more than that, I want to make a change, work hard and build a brand!

Did you find being on ITV2’s show Ibiza Weekender tough?

No! I loved it, it was great fun and I got to experience it with my best friend.

I’d love to do more TV work. Around 956,000 people watched our episode — it was nerve wracking but great!

(Ibiza Weekender is a look at the life of reps working in Ibiza).

What’s next for you?

I want to learn how to drive and travel! My plans are to work hard and see the world.

What do you say to young men looking to get into TV or modelling?

Whether it’s modelling, TV, sport, education, whatever it is — set a goal, work hard and give yourself every support you need.

Look after yourself, look after your work and do your very best!

Best of luck with Mr Ireland, are you nervous?

Thank you! I am, nerves are healthy. I’m nervous but confident.

I hope to do my best and enjoy every bit of the experience.