Proud Shane is top Dub

DIE-HARD Dubs fan Bobby-Shane Gillece was rewarded for his dedication to club and county last week when he walked away with the

‘Best Dub’ gong from the 98FM Best of Dublin Awards.

The Dublin GAA fanatic and community volunteer has never missed a Dublin game in Croke Park and spends his Saturdays training youths at St Vincent’s GAA Club.

The 23-year-old from Marino grew up on the Cloniffe Road, within shouting distance of Croker, and plays a real part in his local community.

Speaking after being presented with his award, Bobby-Shane said:

“I can’t believe I won, I genuinely am the proudest Dub there is, so to be recognised in this way is such a massive honour.

“I’m delighted that my community and everyone in Vinnie’s GAA Club nominated me and got behind me – I’m truly in shock!

“I’d like to thank the team at 98FM for giving me this opportunity – I can now say I’m officially the proudest Dub!

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Bobby-Shane is such a dedicated Dub that his whole arm is covered in tattoos depicting all of the city’s most famous landmarks including Molly Malone, the GPO, the Four Courts and The Ha’penny Bridge.

He also never lets the weather get in the way of his training duties, turning out in rain, hail and snow for the youngsters at St Vincent’s.

The 98FM Best of Dublin Awards took place at Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar last Thursday (July 10) when over 300 people turned out to see the city’s best hidden gems, people and businesses rewarded for their contribution to the capital.

Speaking at the ceremony Presenter Adrian Kennedy, who co-hosted the event with Jeremy Dixon, said it was a great night for Dublin and for 98FM.

“Myself and Jeremy speak to Dubs everyday on

‘Dublin Talks’ and regularly hear stories about people and businesses doing great things in their community so it’s fantastic to see many of them celebrated,

? he added.

“The staggering amount of votes the station received from listeners really conveys how much pride people have in their city and I want to congratulate all the winners and finalists tonight.

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Over 300,000 98FM listeners voted in 21 award categories including parks, gig venues, family spots and people who make big and small contributions to the city.

Guests on the night included Jedward and Billy McGuinness from Aslan. The venue was themed as a mini Dublin with images of the fair city dotted around the room and guests were treated to drinks from one of Dublin’s hottest bars, No. 37, and music by Chris Engel.

Notable winners on the night included: Dublin band KeyWest for

‘Best Busker’; Dublin Zoo for

‘Best Family Spot’ and

‘Best Date Place’; Phoenix Park for

‘Best Park’; and The Ha’Penny Bridge for

‘Best Landmark’.

Northside winners included McGowans in Phibsboro for

‘Best Night Out’; The Confession Box, Marlborough Street, for

‘Best Pint’ and Dionne Curtis at Kealys, Old Airport Road for

‘Best Bartender’.

Clever Buys in Finglas won

‘Best Shop’, Marco’s on Liffey Street scooped

‘Best Chipper’ and

‘Pose and Pout’ in Blanchardstown was deemed

‘Best Barber/Hairdresser’.