The 2013 Aisling Irish Center Bachelor of the Year title was bestowed upon Brian Downey who was sponsored by Kelly Ryan’s Bar and Grill in Riverdale. Downey, a ruggedly handsome firefighter from the Bronx, was thrilled with the honor as he accepted the title. Ryan Logue was runner up and Brian McCarthy most entertaining.

On Sunday afternoon, still partying from the night before, told IrishCentral he “is still in shock and overwhelmed by the support.”

Downey, who is in his mid-thirties, wanted to dedicate his win to the man who inspired him the most; his dad, who passed away a few years ago.

The Aisling Irish Center once again pulled out all the stops to organize one of the best fundraisers the Bronx has ever seen. Held at Gaelic Park, over 800 locals turned up to support the bachelors and enjoy a night out with a difference.

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As guests entered the hall volunteers handed out beautiful roses to the ladies and on the door a green yellow or red badge was given out to show if you were single, complicated or taken. There was a lot of fun had on the night, some potential romances blossomed too.

In the end it was standing room only and when Irish television personality and presenter of the Rose of Tralee, Daithi O’Se entered the room there was rapturous applause.

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As the night got off to a start Daithi interviewed (and did so very successfully) each of the bachelors. He pulled out all the stops and even caught out a few of the lads. The night was filled with fun and laughter and some of the party pieces were fantastic, some even added their own words to well-known songs. Downey recited a poem last night he made up himself about the Bronx, the competition and Kelly Ryan's.

2012 New York Rose of Tralee Ann Marie Lynch introduced all the bachelors and was more than able for the lippy men.

The style from those attending was fantastic and the band on the evening was fantastic. Each of the bachelors didn’t let their nerves get to them and showed great confidence and craic. Their personalities shone through.

Downey received great support from his sponsors, his friends and family. Most of them wore green shirts on the night with the words ‘Brian Downey 2013 Bachelor of the Year’ written across them.