Today Domino’s announced Paul Ryder as the first recipient of the Domino’s All-Star Award. The cheeky twist on the famed GAA gong – launched by the pizza-maker last year – rewards people for extraordinary services to sport, entertainment and humankind with free pizza for a year. The big cheeses at Domino’s have awarded the TV star for his outstanding services to entertainment in Ireland.

The 30 year-old drag performer, choreographer and dance teacher has been treading the boards for over a decade before conquering the Ireland’s Got Talent stage and capturing the hearts of the nation. Described by Louis Walsh as an ‘inspiration to so many people’, Paul was eliminated from the competition in the final stages, much to the shock of US judge Michelle Visage and to viewers at home.

Domino’s surprised Paul with the award, created by the official GAA All Stars medal-maker Jarlath Daly when they went behind the scenes at an exclusive photo shoot with Evan Doherty for Stellar Magazine. TV3 Presenter Alan Hughes and Writer/Producer Karl Broderick, who has worked with Paul since he was 16, teamed up with Domino’s to deliver the award and surprise Paul with an emotional reveal. The specially designed medal entitles Paul, his entourage, friends and family to a year’s supply of freshly handmade Domino’s pizza.

It’s been a busy start to the year for Paul Ryder, following his success on Ireland’s Got Talent he has been in demand to perform regularly and is currently preparing to choreograph Grease in The Helix and will be Creative Director and Choreographer of Snow White this Christmas at The Tivoli Theatre.

Commenting upon receiving his Domino’s All-Star Award, Paul Ryder said:

“I am so completely overwhelmed to receive this All-Star award and to be recognised by Domino’s like this. It’s always been my dream to entertain the nation and I’m so grateful for the opportunities Ireland’s Got Talent has created for me. I love my work, I work so hard every day and to be recognised for my contribution to entertainment in Ireland is just the best feeling. Needless to say, I’m going to celebrate with a great big pizza party!”

An international LGBT+ boycott on Domino’s was found to be unjustified. The boycott was called amid rumours that the organisation donated money to anti-gay and anti-choice groups. This myth has been debunked by fact checking site Snopes.

It is thought to originate from the fact that the now retired founder of Domino’s Thomas Monaghan is a prominent anti-choice activist who donates a large sum of his earnings to anti-choice organisations.

Members of the public can still nominate anyone who they believe deserves to be recognised for extraordinary services to sport, entertainment or humankind. People simply need to tell Domino’s why their nominated recipient is deserving of the All-Star by emailing [email protected]