Mr World Kamal is topped by pizza maestro in Limerick's Sexiest Men list
HE may be Mr World - and admired by women all over the planet - but Kamal Ibrahim has failed to top the list of Limerick's Sexiest Men.
The Thomondgate native has had a meteoric rise, evidenced by the fact that as a relative unknown this time last year he wasn't even listed in the top 50 for 2009 named by the Limerick Chronicle, sister paper of the Limerick Leader. This year, he made it to the top five - moving ahead of last year's winner David Wallace.
Instead, we have a new winner - chosen by our panel of judges and by readers. The gorgeous Bruno Coppola from La Cucina restaurant in Castletroy was a clear winner with both the public and the judging panel.
"Bruno is as tasty as his delicious pizzas," said panel member Laura Ryan of the Limerick Co-ordination office.
"He has the whole package - sex appeal and a great personality."
Bruno's partner, Lorraine, has been keeping readers of her food blog up to date on Bruno's nomination.
"It feels wonderful, although I've been getting non-stop slagging over it - and it will get worse now," Bruno said.
On hearing that he had made the top five this time around, Mr World Kamal Ibrahim, said he was "speechless".
"I'm flattered to be considered. It's great to be so highly regarded by my own people in Limerick," he laughed.
Kamal's failure to make the top 50 last year was the source of much comment following his victory in Mr World, particularly when he appeared on RTE's Podge and Rodge show.
Over the past number of weeks, the Chronicle has counted down the list of Limerick's sexiest men. After the top ten was published last week, in no particular order, the paper was inundated with nominations for the number one slot by text, email and on Facebook.
Last year's winner, David Wallace, dropped down to number seven.
"The judges had a difficult task in selecting the top ten, but the great response we got from members of the public helped us in making the right decision," said Lynsey McCoy - another member of the judging panel.
Here's a rundown of our top 10 in ranking order ... see the picture gallery to match the faces to the names.
No1: Bruno Coppola
The new king of the sexy men! His parents have been operating La Piccola Italia in the city centre for over 30 years, but of late Bruno has been cooking up a storm of his own with the successful La Cucina in Castletroy. However, it's his tasty looks that have the ladies of Limerick in a tizzy.
No 2: Emmet O'Brien
Another survivor from last year's top ten, could he go one better next year? Emmet is one of the youngest members of the Bar Council serving out of Limerick. A past pupil of UCC, this dashing legal eagle is a keen athlete and plays GAA with his native Pallaskenry.
No 3: Andy Lee
THE Daly's Cross boxer has packed out the UL arena on two separate occasions in the past year, winning both bouts impressively. Currently based in the United States, this unassuming 26-year-old is a huge hit among his female fans.
No 4: Mike Gaffney
Another well-known figure around town, Mike Gaffney has brought his marketing and PR expertise to several ventures, including Tuscany Bistro. Looks like he's got the ladies of Limerick in a spin too.
No 5: Kamal Ibrahim
Thomondgate native Kamal shot to international fame this year when he became Mr World. Since then, this popular guy has been busy, attending glamorous events all over the world, doing charity work and modelling. But he has still managed to keep a high profile in his hometown, presenting shows in ilovelimerick.com and co-writing a column for the Chronicle.
No 6: John Galvin
A dominant presence in midfield for the Limerick footballers, John Galvin has an equally strong effect on the ladies. He showed some pretty nifty moves in last year's charity Lords and Ladies of the Dance too, sending the female half of the audience in hysterics when he whipped off his shirt before cartwheeling across the stage. How will he rank in the top ten?
No 7: David Wallace
David was last year's clear choice as Limerick's sexiest men – driven in large part by THAT picture of him emerging from the sea wearing only a pair of rugby shorts. A true gentleman, he continues to do Limerick proud.
No 8: Alan Quinlan
The second Munster star in our top ten, 'Quinny', as he is better known, may be technically from Tipperary but Limerick has long since claimed him as one of its own. He is a stalwart of the Shannon club as well as a resident of Newtown, Annacotty.
No 9: Rocky O'Shea
A newcomer to the top ten this year, Rocky O'Shea has made quite a mark in the nightclub scene in Limerick over the past couple of years. As one of the main men behind Trinity Rooms, he has helped cement the city's reputation as one of the best party towns in Ireland.
No 10: Aidan Brooks
A regular fixture on lists of Ireland's richest men during the Celtic Tiger years, Aidan Brooks made a succession of spectacularly successful property deals throughout the world. The property market may be in a downturn right now but it will take more than that to keep this good man down.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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