University of Galway’s holds First ‘Performative Male Competition’

Performative masculinity took centre stage at the University of Galway’s first ever ‘Performative Male Competition.’

The viral social media trend – which pokes fun at men performing a certain way to appeal to the female gaze – made its Galway debut after successful runs in UCD and UCC.  

The light-hearted competition showcased a range of humorous and exaggerated performances, with participants embracing everything from monologues about feminism to iced matcha. The event also offered a space for students to unwind mid semester, bringing together a diverse audience.

The event was hosted and organised by Paddy Marnane, 2025/26 Vice President/Welfare and equality officer, and Seán de Búrca, 2025/26 Vice President/Education officer.

During an interview with Galway Pulse, after the successful event, Marnane said:

“We had seen the trend online for a long time and we noticed that it took off well in other colleges, so we wanted to do it here on campus.”

The viral trend did not fall short at the University of Galway, as the event attracted massive crowds – audience members and participants – into the Student Union Bar and Venue. 

“Galway is full of performative men, we have no shortage of them,” laughed Marnane.

“This was the spot to do it, we wanted to do it in our own student bar in Sult to get students in – and it worked.”

The University of Galway’s Performative Male Contest winner, Quinn reflected on the preparation for the competition:

“I had to drink a lot of matcha (…) and celebrate the women who made the matcha. I watched a lot of documentaries on women (…) and prepared my research essay for all the ladies in here today.”

Quinn explained, “I think the other performative males like to call themselves ‘performative males,’ I just like to call myself a deep thinker (…) I am very, very, very sympathetic.”

De Búrca said “It was a great turnout, we’re really glad we did it – and we have more events coming up”

For further information on upcoming events, you can visit the Student Union website or the Student Union Instagram.