CROSS Rugby Ball

At the Rugby Ball were: 1. Jackie Rafter and Amy Martin; 2. Ruth McMahon and Brent Pope; 3. Joanna Galvin and Emma Cullen.

The 2nd Annual Rugby Ball, raising funds for CROSS (Cancer Research of the Oesophagus and Stomach), took place last weekend in the Four Seasons attended by over 350 people. On arrival, guests enjoyed Mickey Finns Appletinis before making their way into the rugby themed room where they were welcomed by rugby pundits George Hook and Brent Pope.

After a five course meal, David Agar from Profile Properties took to the stage and, in keeping with the theme, the lots under the gavel were ‘must-have’ items for any rugby fanatic including training sessions with Felipe Contepomi and the Argentina team, a premium package to the 2009 Heineken Cup Final with signed Munster Jersey from the 2008 tournament donated by Ireland Coach Declan Kidney alongside a ‘Pumas’ Package donated by Felipe Contepomi that includes his match boots from the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

With over €100,000 raised on the night for the charity, guests partied until the small hours with The Party Kings, before making their way home laden down with their goody bags. Gentlemen at the event were presented with a DVD collection of the ‘Best Ever Rugby Matches’ while the ladies were presented with an Apple iPod.

Among those at the event supporting the charity were RHA Artist Laura Cronin, Michael O’Boyle from Absolute Events, Sonny Knowles, Paul Wallace, rugby player, John Baker, Marie & Conor Headon, John Coman, Maurice Healy and Patrick Coyle, General Manager of the Gresham Hotel.

Tim Ryan SS 09

At the show were: 1. Sonya Lennon and Tim Ryan; 2. Brendan Courtney and Ruth O’Connor; 3. Valeria Kiyko and Claire O’Sullivan.

Irish knitwear designer Tim Ryan showed his Spring / Summer 2009 collection a few days ago at Tripod nightclub as part of Motorola Dublin Fashion Week. This was Tim's first standalone show in Ireland since he moved to London in 2005 to expand his business, and he was thrilled to be able to return to his native soil to unveil this exciting collection.

Guests were treated to a 'rosé on the rocks' drinks reception on arrival, kindly sponsored by Gallo wine, before getting a first glimpse at Tim's Spring Summer collection. Far from the expected, Tim's designs turn knitwear on its head as they are modern, vibrant and challenge our perceptions of how traditional knits look and feel. The collection captivated the audience with a fleet of stunning and desirable summer knits that are sure to turn heads and are perfect for the confident, style savvy woman that he designs for.

The show, which was produced by Sonya Lennon, the new presenter of Off The Rails, gave Fashion Week attendees a taste of something totally different with models appearing as part of an innovative light box fashion installation.

Commenting on the show, Tim said, "I am really pleased with the response from the audience at the show last night and the feedback on the collection has been brilliant. I only hope that this was the start of many shows to come."

Guests in attendance on the night included John Rocha, his wife Odette and daughter Simone, shoe designer Eileen Shields, who is also Tim's main Dublin stockist in her boutique 5 Scarlet Row, textile designers Helen James and Stephanie Slone and designers Lucy Downes, Joanne Hynes and Eilis Boyle. Also present were Brendan Courtney, new presenter of Off The Rails, Elaine Curtis, Tim's main stockist in her boutique in Carlow, Laura Gannon, who jetted in from London especially, stylist Cathy O' Connor, Harvey Nichols’ Dee Breen, and the founder of Dublin Fashion Week, Sonia Reynolds.

After the show, a select few guests, including handbag designer Pauric Sweeney, continued the celebrations at the luxury Conrad Hotel in Earlsfort Terrace for an intimate after party, where the champagne flowed and guests partied until the small hours.

Tim Ryan was the 2008 recipient of the prestigious John Rocha Bursary in association with Motorola Dublin Fashion Week, which provides an opportunity for designers to receive both financial benefits and the endorsement of John Rocha, one of the most renowned and respected designers in the world. The John Rocha Bursary is highly sought after and it is Tim Ryan's unique ability to create inspirational and wearable designs that has led to this achievement.

Tattersalls Millions launch

Horse Racing Ireland hosted the launch party for the Tattersalls Millions race in Krystle recently. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception and fashion show from House of Fraser. Pictured at the party were: 1. Sandra Byrne and Nadine Wai - O'Flynn; 2. Marisa Mackle and Sarah Kavanagh; 3. Rebecca Davies and Grace McAleese.

Seapoint

Enjoying the party were: 1. Johnny and Debbie Cooke; 2. Catriona Hanly and Triona McCarthy; 3. Justine Luyks and Dave O’Driscoll.

Seapoint is surely one of the finest restaurants to open in Monkstown in many a year. Those in the know are aware that the area is about to rediscover the reputation for fine dining it enjoyed in past times and Seapoint café, bar and restaurant is setting the trend. The new bistro located in the heart of Monkstown offers some amazing variety for local foodies.

Last week Shane Kenny and chef du jour Nick Clapham launched the new venture with an evening of cocktails, crisp wines and equally tantalizing canapés. The place was heaving with a mix of local foodies, politicians, business people and socialites enjoying what this little gem has to offer…

Among the crowd hosted by Shane Kenny and his wife Audrey and Nick and Margaret Clapham were David and Siobhan Harvey, Michael and Maureen Heffernan, Ryan Tubridy, Michelin starred chef Derry Clarke and his charming wife Sallyanne, Barrister Barney Quirke, rugby player Paul Wallace and Triona McCarthy, Norma Smurfit, Peter Devlin and Lorraine Keane.

Seapoint is the ideal spot for an early evening dinner after a relaxing walk on the pier, great for a girls night out or a romantic meal for two. The perfect location, great menu and ambience are certain to make Seapoint the new talking point in (Monks)town.

Bellini Black

Also at the Bellini Bar party were: 1. Michelle Heaton; 2. Tara Synnott and Nadine Wai - O'Flynn; 3. Rosanna Davison.

Bellini Bar

At the opening party for bellini Bar were: 1. Susan Pratt, Norman Pratt and Roisin Tierney - Crowe; 2. Susan Gray and Katie Jane Goldin; 3. Caitriona O'Connor and Ann Marie O'Neill.

The Burlington was booming as the new Bellini’s Bar was officially launched recently (after much anticipation) to the D4 set. A host of VIP guests were treated to an extravagant end of summer party in the stylish, contemporary bar and it was agreed that after the long, wet season it was exactly what was needed.

The bar and lobby area have been completely modernised and refurbished to a very high standard, with the bar designed to an ‘Asia de Cuba’ theme (so it was very apt that the Cuban All Stars entertained on the evening). Bongo players and fire eaters greeted guests on arrival. DJ Mo Kelly got the party started and with the expert European cocktail flairers flown in especially for the night it was clear from that get go that no expense was spared on this lavish soiree.

The atmosphere was electric and as the champagne and Cuban cocktails flowed it was clear that the Burlington is enjoying a new era. The place was packed to the rafters with a few English soaps stars holding court! Also in attendance were Rosanna Davidson and Wes Quirke, Conor Buckley and Brian O’Malley of Krystle, Brian Ormond and Pippa O’Connor, Rachel Kavanagh, Lisa Murphy and Gerald Kean, Glenda Gilson and her Xpose crew…. and for the lucky ladies that were there - the dashingly handsome Queensland Super 14’s Rugby team - who are staying in the hotel while they are playing the Irish rugby provinces.

Inchydoney Ladies Polo

Also at the final of the Inchydoney Island & Spa Ladies Polo were: 1. Abby Comyn and Melissa Jones; 2. Suzanne Deegan and Darina Larkin; 3. Nicole Mitchell.

Inchydoney Ladies Polo

Pictured were: 1. Fiona Egan and Pauline Cullen; 2. Glenda Gilson; 3. Mehran Miramahdi and Wendy Herbs.

On a day filled with unexpected sunshine, over 200 people attended one of the final social events of the Summer 2008 calendar last weekend at the final of the Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa Ladies International Polo Tournament at Polo Wicklow with funds going towards the Bubble Gum Club.

Organised by Polo Wicklow and in its ninth year, the glamorous event attracts the top Irish, UK, French, South African, American and Argentinean players to challenge for the Inchydoney Island Cup in the picturesque setting of Co. Wicklow. Due to recent weather conditions, the event was re-located from Ballyhenry in Ashford to the all weather arena at Polo Wicklow to ensure that this much anticipated event went ahead. After two days of qualifying, two Irish teams, Lamorlaye and Deloitte, met in a thrilling final that ended in a 16-12 victory to Lamorlaye captained by Siobhan Herbst.

Among the players taking part in the event were Nicola Foley, Jasmine Mirahmadi and Denise Power from Ireland, Caroline Arnier from France, Kim Kailing and Oda Diepold from Germany, Amber Clutton Brock, Whitney Vogt, Julia de Angelis, Eileen Flint and Martha Brown from the USA and Amy Gace, Candice Kane Berman and Beth Shaw from South Africa.

For the third year, the Ladies International Polo Tournament was sponsored by Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, West Cork’s award winning hotel and spa. Guests were welcomed by TV3’s Sinead Desmond before enjoying a champagne reception, lunch and glamorous fashion show from Misamu before the final took place. After all the excitement of the polo, Pat O’Neill oversaw the auction, which included a divine diamond encrusted ring donated by the exclusive jewellery specialists, Boodles. Beautifully titled “Tropical Castaway”, the 18 carat white gold ring was set in diamonds and complimented by three exotic stones: aquamarine, peridot and hot pink tourmaline.

Des O’Dowd, proprietor of Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, together with his wife Ann, congratulated all of the teams and presented the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa Cup to Siobhan Herbst and the Lamorlaye Team. Celebrations continued through the evening as guests enjoyed a traditional Argentine Asado BBQ followed by dancing through the night with hot new band, Keywest.

Hosted by Jackie Rafter from the Bubble Gum Club, the event was a huge success and raised in excess of €20,000 for the charity that will go towards bringing 65 sick children and their medics from around the country on a once in a lifetime trip.