Businessman flies the Limerick flag at Irish Takeaway Awards

THE OWNER of a business in Glin is cooking up a storm after his firm was named the only Limerick winner at this year’s Irish Takeaway Awards.

Shekeel Hamad, who owns Glin Grub in the village’s Main Street, was left “in shock” after landing two prizes at the ceremony in Sligo.

The shop - which serves cuisine from around the world - won Munster’s Kebab of the Year prize, and followed this up with winning the Pizza of the Year title for the province.

Shekeel explained how he had put his business forward for the award late last year.

A number of weeks later, the award organisers contacted him to let him know he had made the final shortlist.

Then it was over to his loyal customer base to vote for him through social media.

“It means a lot to win this, especially as it’s a public vote,” he explained.

Shekeel, who hails from Pakistan, came to Glin 15 years ago, after a spell working in Dublin.

He set up the business after friends of his based in Askeaton, recommended the area.

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Shekeel paid a special tribute to his wife Fatima for all her help.

“It means a lot to win these awards, especially as it is a public vote. I’m feeling very proud. I feel like I’ve won something for Glin and the local community,” he said.

He described the village’s community as “unreal”, adding: “They are very friendly, very supportive”.

Mexican restaurant Zambrero, which has a number of branches nationally including in Castletroy, was highly commended in the category of Takeaway Team of the Year.