Garden Party

After the L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards (party of the year, etc.) I just had to take some time off dear readers. I know you don’t begrudge me a little break so I won’t bore you with the details, least to say a great time was had by all.

One recent break I will tell you about though is one I had a couple of weeks ago. I retreated to the country and the hospitality of my good friend Andrew Rudd and his family. Their home is a beautiful big old country pile called Busherstown House, near Roscrea in Co. Tipperary, where one can get up to all sorts of country pursuits.

After a stress free drive from Dublin (it pays to leave just after lunch before the mass Friday evening exodus), there was just enough time for a few gin and tonics before we awaited the arrival of the other guests. Twelve for dinner no less (followed by a late night).

We were all up early on Saturday morning, however, to participate in a photo shoot for Image magazine. Editor Melanie Morris travelled from Dublin with a photographer to capture us enjoying the delights of a summer garden party and croquet on the front lawn, the results of which can be seen in the August edition. You’d be a fool to miss it.

Some of the aforementioned guests included Lizzy Aders of Circa magazine and barrister Will Hamilton, David Staines, Harry Whelehan and his wife Rachel Meagher with their children Lily and Harry, Malachy Geelan and PR guru Sinead Ryan, entertainment agent Naoise Nunn, his wife Ashley and their sons Dylan and Jude, Ross Robertson and Naomi Carroll, Richie Stokes, Dave Drumm and Tanya Myles.

Incidentally, you too can enjoy a weekend at Busherstown. I can’t promise you’ll be appearing in a glossy magazine spread, but The Belfry (an annex off the main house) can be rented throughout the year. For details click here.

Speaking of garden parties and country pursuits, don’t miss the action this coming weekend at Ballinlough Castle in Athboy, Co. Meath. The Garden Party is the first big outdoor music event of the season and will definitely attract the beautiful people.

A bit clubby, a bit reggae, some dub and electronica, some of the artists featuring are Asian Dub Foundation, 2 Many DJs, Groove Armada's Andy Cato, The Orb, Aim, Tony Humphries, Carl Craig, Booka Shade, Buck 65, Superdiscount live, Fat Freddy's Drop, SoulJazz Soundsystem, Alexander Robotnik, DJ Marky, Spank Rock, Cartoon, Neosupervital, Bodytonic Soundsystem and lots more.

Akin to the excellent Electric Picnic there will be loads of extra-curricular entertainment. Just what bank holiday weekends were made for. Check out www.pod.ie for more info and I'll see you there.