(photo by the highly talented Al Fartukh)
(Updated 10:
About hobbler
I am an Irish kinkster who has been involved on the scene in some way or another the last 10 years, although really only becoming more comfortable in myself in the last 3.
I'm member and maintain the website of Leathermen of Ireland and this year's Mr Dublin Leather 2025. I'm a proud member of Quälgeist Berlin, BLUF (4026), and Proteus Leather. I'm also a supporter and member of the Leather Archives & Museum and an advocate for documentation and preservation of our lived leather history.
I regularly attend leather socials locally and abroad, and also organise alternative socials outside of the regular bar meets – we've been on walking tours, outings to other clubs, and I run a yearly BBQ for members and our friends.
I've been on radio and online to speak on our scene in Ireland, with a particular focus on advocating for external empathy and kindness towards leatherfolk, who wear a heart under all that gear.
I've judged a few fetish contests, including Mr Bear Ireland, Mr Rubber Poland, and Mr Fetish Eagle.
I also set up and run Rópaí, a men's rope jam in Dublin. I envision a future where leathermen in Ireland will eventually have their own clubhouse rather than be at the mercy of hostile and profit-driven infrastructure.
Otherwise, I'm a pretty sociable guy – enjoy travelling to scenes abroad, meeting interesting people, and always looking for opportunities to make more space and connection locally.
I probably identify somewhere along the line of greysexual, make of that what you will.
What's your angle/platform?
From a public perspective, my mission as a Leatherman is to help people find the authentic truth in themselves, to encourage their confidence in their fetish identity. I basically don't want anyone starting off to go through the agonising self-doubt and long-winded path to inner acceptance that I did. The world is cruel – be kind, I say. I believe we're more than purely a list of desirable attributes as players & scene-goers. Anything I can do to break barriers down between each others and ourselves is my contribution to our weird little world.
Why do you call yourself hobbler?
When I was younger, I used to get shin splints whenever I walked more than a short distance, which would cause me to walk with a penguin-like limp. I don't have that problem any more, but it's hard to shake off a screen name.
Where do you live?
I live in Dublin, Ireland. There are likely no plans for that to change, but I'm always open to a medium-term adventure if someone has ideas.
What are you into?
I'm into so many things, but ultimately it all comes down to control in one form or another. I have special areas of interest in power dynamic, impact play, bondage, e-stim, hypnosis, and chastity. I'm becoming more comfortable switching, but it really comes down to what connection we have.
I'm a Leatherman in my heart, but a rubberman in the sheets.
Are you single?
No – I'm partnered, although play is okay. I really enjoy having friends who can clearly understand the separation of play and romance, and know where the line is drawn without me having to point to it. I don't handle clinginess so well.
Why have a website when there's (insert social media platform)?
Social media is great as a public town square but terrible as a custodian or stable home for thoughts. Having a website means I get to put whatever I want out there and be able to link it to people. People can read content and contact me, regardless of their feelings or usage of any given platform. The humble webpage blog still rules all as a simple and reliable information platform.
I want to contact you.
It's easy to find me on social media platforms, but I most prefer email. you can email me at write@hobbler.ie. It's also possible to find me on Recon, Instagram, Bluesky, and my handle is consistent on anything else I'm able to register it on.