Mayo’s Mule Master is taking on Europe and he needs your help

A Mayo man has found himself representing Ireland in an unusual event, the first ever Swiss Mullet Cup.

Trevor Hyland, 26, from Shrule, is in the running for first place in a competition celebrating Europe’s best mullets.

Sponsored by Mullet Hard Ice Tea, a brand Trevor jokes he’s the spitting image of, the contest promises lots of fun and serious prizes.

If successful, Trevor will not only win the title, but will also gain entry to the European Mullet Championships. In addition, the winner will receive a year’s supply of Mullet Hard Ice Tea.

He calls on the public to vote for him, but there’s a catch: voters must select five mules, including Trevor’s, to vote for.

In an interview with the Connaught Telegraph, Trevor explained how he found himself in this unexpected situation. “I was running a half marathon in Martigny, Visp, in May. At the time, I was wearing the mullet for fun, nothing serious.

After the race, a Swiss guy came running towards me, speaking French. I hadn’t spoken French since my final oral exam, so I told him, “I don’t understand French.” Luckily, his girlfriend translated for me.

He laughs as he recalls the man’s enthusiasm. “He said I was perfect for this mullet competition and that I looked exactly like the guy on the Mullet iced tea cans. I didn’t even know the competition existed!”

Trevor started growing out his mullet hair in March, but it wasn’t until May, after learning about the competition, that he fully committed. Having moved to Switzerland in August 2023, Trevor explained his reasons for choosing the country.

“I wanted to leave Ireland, but Australia was too far from home. Switzerland seemed like a good option, I’m surrounded by the Swiss Alps and I’m on the border with Italy. The summers are incredibly hot, reaching 30 degrees, and the winters are perfect for skiing, which I do every weekend.”

Although he is far from home, Trevor has not left the Irish community behind. “There are hundreds, maybe even more than a thousand Irish people working in Valais, the canton here.

“We are the biggest foreign band, believe it or not. I live on the German-speaking side, but the French side is only 10 minutes away by train. People here speak so many languages.”

Joining the local football team was also a fun experience. “When I joined Visp FC, the guys nicknamed me ‘Valtteri Bottas’, after the F1 driver who also has a mullet.

Now, with all the positive feedback, Trevor feels there’s no turning back. “I guess I’ll have to keep the mullet now! Ideally, I’d like to become the real face of Mullet Ice Tea – kind of like their Duff Man but for mullets.”

My favorite name so far is “The Prince of BelMullet.”

Before he finished, Trevor wanted to thank the man behind his iconic look. “A big thank you to my hairdresser and photographer, Ciaran Collopy. He was instrumental in making this all happen.”

With the competition fast approaching, all eyes are on Trevor and his beloved mullet as he carries the nation’s hopes into one of Europe’s most unusual competitions.

You can vote for Trevor Hyland and 4 other candidates to vote through this website here.