Night to remember

Slane Castle, by way of Ashbourne, was the place to be on Saturday night last. A group of the “IT” crowd travelled to the Royal County to celebrate the launch of an exciting new development in the music and entertainment industry.

Our hosts for the evening were James Hyland and Lee Walsh, the two bright young things behind the new home of Pro Audio Images, the state of the art digital studios in Ashbourne. This was the first port of call for the guests, who enjoyed a champagne reception and tour of the new multi-million euro facilities.

Going under the name of Pro Audio Images, Hyland and Walsh have already established themselves as one of the most successful commercial production houses in Ireland, and indeed Europe. Apart from being the enviable age of 22, the dynamic duo already have extensive experience under their collective belts.

Hyland started working in the industry at a young age. I know he’s only 22, but he started early – 12 to be precise! At 16 he started organising and promoting concerts and has worked with Atomic Kitten, Coolio and Boyzone to name but a few. Two years ago he moved Pro Audio Images to Dublin, teamed up with partner Lee Walsh and setup an entertainment based production house for radio and TV commercials. The rest, as they say, is history. Or rather, where this pair is concerned, the future.

Making a special appearance was veteran actress Hilda Braid, who played the popular character of Nana Moon in Eastenders. Looking every inch the little old dear, she was accompanied by her on-screen grandson, Spencer, a.k.a. actor Chris Parker.

With no time to waste, guests were driven to Slane Castle, where the main celebrations of the evening were taking place. Having played host to international acts such as Madonna, U2, Robbie Williams, David Bowie and REM, the castle was the perfect setting for such a private and exclusive gig. And secret, I should add, as none of the guests knew who the band was to be.

I spotted Sean Montague and Brendan Scully with actor Kevin J. Ryan, who is just back from L.A. where he was shooting the Fast & Furious 3 and appearing in the hugely popular HBO show Entourage. He expects to be spending much more time Stateside during the course of the year.

Also there, and looking stunning as always, were the Tripletz, a.k.a. Allison, Laura and Nicola Crimmins. Three other sisters looking great were Roz, Avila and Sarah Lipsett, who were with their pals Killian O’Sullivan of Fair City and model Rachel Kavanagh.

Also among the who’s who on the night were Lord Henry Mount Charles and his wife Lady Iona, who sported a rather fetching musical themed jumper. Hollyoaks star Andy Newton Lee, Norman Pratt with Yvonne Cosgrave and Richard Stokes, legendary voice over artist Mitch Johnson and Julie Peacock of Vicar Street.

After being entertained by top Irish group Relish the party posse returned to Dublin, suitably impressed by what was definitely a proper audio experience.