Table of Contents
Eric Roberts, a native of Downings, County Donegal, has been named Ireland’s Best Social Media Star at the gossies 2025. Roberts, who boasts over 1.1 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, received the prestigious award at a ceremony held at the RDS in Dublin. the Gossies,an annual event by Goss.ie, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, bringing together stars from television, radio, music, and social media.Roberts not only accepted the award but also took on the role of host, entertaining the audience with his humor and charm.
The Gossies 2025 recognized outstanding achievements across 19 categories, highlighting the diverse talent within the Irish entertainment industry. The event, held at the RDS in Dublin, has become a staple in the Irish showbiz calendar, drawing celebrities and influencers from across the country.

A Night of Celebration and Entertainment
The RDS Concert Hall buzzed with excitement as eric Roberts guided the evening, delivering jokes and engaging with the audience. A memorable moment occurred when Roberts coaxed Nicky Byrne of Westlife to revisit his boyband past, much to the delight of the attendees.The evening was a blend of awards, entertainment, and socializing.
The Gossies 2025 offered a complete entertainment experience. The evening began with a drinks reception hosted by Black twist Irish Coffee Liqueur in the RDS Library. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal before the awards ceremony,which featured a performance from The 1 agency,choreographed by Brendan Marc Scully and John Nolan. Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere, X Factor star Mary Byrne delivered a surprise performance, reprising her act from the very first Gossies in 2016.

Donegal Stars Shine at the Gossies
Eric Roberts’ victory was not the only Donegal presence at the Gossies. Othre notable attendees from the county included Buncrana model and businesswoman Lauren McDonagh, Newstalk presenter Andrea Gilligan from Ballyshannon, and social media personality Micheál Brennan, known as ‘Donegal Daddy’ from Glenties. Their presence highlighted the growing influence of Donegal natives in the Irish entertainment and media landscape.

Roberts’ Recent Successes
The award marks a successful period for Roberts. He and his wife, Niamh Emmett, welcomed a new baby on New Year’s Day. Just a week before the Gossies, Roberts appeared on the IFTA red carpet, where he conducted interviews for social media, mingling with some of Ireland’s most celebrated actors. His recent achievements underscore his rising profile in the irish entertainment scene.
For the Great Gatsby-themed Gossies bash, Roberts looked dapper in a tuxedo from McElhinney’s, adding a touch of classic Hollywood glamour to the evening.The choice of attire reflected the elegance and sophistication of the event.
The Gossies 2025 attracted a star-studded guest list, including Michelle Heaton, Katie Price and her MAFS star boyfriend JJ Slater, Love Is Blind UK’s Sabrina Vittoria, and Love Islanders such as Anton Danyluk, Liberty Poole, Will Young, and Jessie Wynter. Other celebrity guests included Lucy Kennedy, Kathryn Thomas, Brian Dowling, Katja Mia, Suzanne Jackson, Terrie McEvoy, Deric Hartigan, Sarah McInerney, Andrea Gilligan, and Lisa McGowan.The diverse guest list highlighted the broad appeal of the Gossies and its significance within the Irish entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Eric Roberts’ win as Ireland’s Best Social Media Star at the Gossies 2025 is a testament to his talent, hard work, and engaging online presence. From hosting the awards show to winning the top social media prize,Roberts shone brightly,solidifying his place as a leading figure in the Irish entertainment landscape. His success, along with the presence of other Donegal stars, made the Gossies 2025 a night to remember for the county and the entire nation.
Did you know that a relatively small Irish county is rapidly becoming a powerhouse in the nation’s entertainment industry? This interview delves into the surprising rise of Donegal personalities and the broader implications for Ireland’s evolving social media landscape, as highlighted by the recent Gossies awards.
Interviewer: Dr. Aoife O’Malley, a leading expert in Irish media studies and digital culture, welcome to World-Today-News.com. The Gossies 2025 awarded Eric Roberts, a Donegal native, the title of ireland’s Best Social media Star.Can you tell us why this win is important beyond just individual achievement?
dr. O’Malley: Absolutely. Eric Roberts’ win signifies a engaging shift in Ireland’s media landscape. His success, coupled with the strong presence of other Donegal personalities at the Gossies, highlights the growing influence of regional talent in the national – and even international – digital sphere. It speaks to the democratizing power of social media, allowing individuals from all corners of the country to build ample followings and impact the broader cultural conversation. this isn’t just about increased visibility; it reflects changing attitudes toward regional depiction and talent identification within the entertainment industry. Ireland’s talent pool is no longer solely concentrated in urban centers.
Interviewer: You mentioned the “democratizing power” of social media. How has this impacted the traditional irish entertainment industry,and what are some of the challenges it presents?
Dr. O’malley: The rise of social media influencers has undeniably disrupted traditional media hierarchies. Where previously, success was heavily reliant on established gatekeepers like television networks and record labels, now, individuals can directly cultivate their personal brand and build substantial audiences organically. this presents both opportunities and challenges. Opportunities involve greater diversity of voices and content, reaching audiences untouched by conventional media. Challenges include the need for increased media literacy among consumers to differentiate authentic engagement from paid promotion and the intense competitiveness within the influencer market. Many aspiring social media stars face difficulties in monetizing their content and building enduring careers.
Interviewer: The article mentions several other Donegal individuals making waves at the Gossies. What are the factors that might contribute to this seemingly disproportionate representation?
Dr. O’Malley: Several factors likely contribute to Donegal’s prominence.While we need further research to confirm any causal links,possible contributing factors could include: strong community bonds fostering collaborative efforts; increased broadband access in recent years facilitating content creation; a growth in entrepreneurial spirit amongst young people; and a rise in creative industries training and opportunities within the county.The success of one individual can indeed inspire and empower others, creating a positive feedback loop. it’s crucial to examine the specific cultural and socioeconomic factors within Donegal to fully understand this phenomenon and learn from its success.
Interviewer: Are there any broader implications of this “Donegal effect” for other regions in Ireland and internationally? What lessons can other regions learn?
Dr.O’Malley: The “Donegal effect” offers valuable lessons for other regions aspiring to increase their visibility within the digital space. It emphasizes the importance of community support, investment in digital infrastructure, and focus on harnessing local talent and storytelling. This isn’t just about leveraging social media for individual gain; it’s about building a collective brand for regional pride and economic development. Other regions and countries can learn from Donegal’s success by fostering digital literacy programs, providing grants or incentives for local content creators and entrepreneurs, and encouraging collaborations between traditional media and social media influencers to amplify regional stories on a global scale.
Interviewer: What predictions can you make about the future impact of regional social media influencers on the broader Irish entertainment industry?
Dr. O’Malley: I anticipate a continued blurring of lines between traditional and digital media, with regional social media stars gaining even greater prominence in national and international markets. We will probably see more significant collaborations between regional talents and established production companies, possibly leading to more authentic storytelling and enriched content that better reflects the diversity of Irish experiences. The success of individuals like Eric Roberts will pave the path for more regional personalities, inspiring others and building a more inclusive and representative Irish entertainment industry.
interviewer: Thank you, Dr. O’Malley, for providing such valuable insights into this fascinating trend.
dr. O’Malley: My pleasure. It’s an exciting time for Irish media and the societal and economic impact of this development is something which continues to be worth monitoring.
Final Thoughts: The rise of Donegal influencers highlights the democratizing potential of social media and how regional communities can leverage digital platforms for broader cultural and economic impact. The success of Eric Roberts and others serves as a powerful example of how traditional media landscapes are evolving and the increased visibility of formerly underrepresented regions. Share yoru thoughts in the comments below – what does the future hold for regional social media stars?