Despite the not so summery weather prevailing throughout the country this week, it did not stop our much loved party people getting out and about for what was a busy week in terms of the social calendar. Last Thursday, Kildare was the place to be for the launch of the latest Kildare paper to hit the stands, the Kildare Voice and Naas Voice.
Over 500 people attended the big bash in the Osprey Hotel, Naas, to celebrate the launch with well known faces from the world’s of sports, music, media and fashion among those in attendance. Greeted by fire eaters, stilt walkers and a range of entertainment, guests enjoyed a champagne reception before MC for the evening Gerry Ryan got proceedings underway. Celebrations went on well into the night with entertainment from renowned pianist and singer Paul Harrington. Among those in attendance were Kildare Voice contributors Tracey Piggot, Valerie Roe and Gillian Quinn as well as Irish rugby stars Denis Hickie and Shane Horgan and GAA’s John Doyle.
Valerie, who many of you will know from her time at the helm of Lillies Bordello, will pen the social diary for the K4 set (K4 being the Kildare version of Dublin's D4). Still no official word on where she will open her new nightclub, which is rumoured to be in association with Ronan Ryan of Town Bar & Grill. A few places mentioned include a location on Barrow Street (too far from town I think) and the old Georges Bistro on Baggot St. (although I've noticed no work being carried out there). Another possibility is the former McGrattans pub, also on Baggot Street. Extensive refurbishment has been undertaken on the upper floors lately (with a ubiquitous convenience store just opened on the ground store). All will soon be revealed , no doubt.
Among the other guests were Irish footballing legend Niall Quinn, who was joined by Renault Ireland Chairman (soon to be former) Bill Cullen and his partner Jackie Lavin. Raising the fashion stakes at the event were chart topper Samantha Mumba, Oona Doyle of Newbridge Silverware and Bubble Hits presenter Glenda Gilson with fellow top Irish models Andrea Roche and Katy French.
