Lexus Chase at Leopardstown

The highlight of the festive season of racing at Leopardstown was undoubtedly the feature race of the Lexus Chase. Many friends and supporters of the luxury car brand were there and Mark Teevan and Aidan Conolly of Lexus Ireland were on hand to greet the large number of guests invited for a special luncheon. Among them were rugby player Brian O’Driscoll and his actress girlfriend Amy Huberman and top model Roz Lipsett, who returns to New York this week. TV news anchors Elaine Crowley and Anne Doyle were also there and enjoyed tips from sports presenter Shane O’Donoghue.

Dr. Tim O’Mahony, Chairman of Lexus Ireland mingled amongst the crowd and chatted to H.E. Keiichi Hayashi, Japanese Ambassador to Ireland. They reflected on a magnificent year, one which saw the 50th anniversary of relations between Ireland and Japan.

Style queen Lisa Fitzpatrick was in great form and was looking forward to spending the New Year in Dromoland Castle with her husband Paul and their two children. She also had the tough task of selecting the Best Dressed Lady on the day. After selecting a large group of fashionable fillies she whittled it down to Michelle Murphy-Lawless from Galway who was a vision in a black and cream ensemble.

With many guests delighted at having backed the winning horse, Denman, it was off to the nearby Beacon Hotel and further a field to the Four Seasons to celebrate.

Lancome Festive Season party

Luxury beauty and cosmetic company Lancôme recently hosted a festive champagne soirée in the beautiful surrounds of the library at the Royal College of Physicians on Kildare Street. International brand ambassador Yota Filpoulou flew in especially for the event to showcase her talents as a top make-up artist.

MD Trevor Tye welcomed guests and bestowed seasons greeting on all in a warm speech. Among the guests on the evening were fashionista Bairbre Power, Triona McCarthy and Hugh Hanley, Isabel Hayes and Sarah McInerney (who is busy with writing a new book), stylist Cathy O’Connor and Anne Boylan, who was fresh from her recent meeting with HSH Prince Albert of Monaco in New York.

Pictured at the party were: 1. Debbie McVicar, Trevor Tye, Yota Filopoulou and Helen Fealy; 2. Leanne De Cerbo, Sandra Bothwell; 3. Marthaline Wer and Yota Filpoulou; 4. Wayne Cronin Sarah McInerney.

Jameson 60 Second Film

Jameson Dublin International Film Festival last week launched the Jameson 60 Second Competition at a special event in Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, followed by a screening of It's A Wonderful Life. The competition invites film fans to create their own 60 second Jameson trailer with the strap-line, Jameson – Great Taste in Film. Entrants must use two props, a green director’s chair and a bottle of Jameson - more details at www.jamesonfilm.ie.

Enjoying the festive cheer were: 1. Mitzy Dunne and Dave Coffey; 2. Ciara McDonald and Sonia Harris; 3. Louise McDermott and Roz Lipsett; 4. Norman Pratt and Karena Graham; 5. Juile Devine and Daniella Moyles.

Go racing!

Pictured at the launch of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival were: 1. Sandra Byrne and Nadine Wai - O'Flynn; 2. Mark Teevan, Marietta Doran and Andrew Nasskau; 3. Dee Breen and Joe McVeigh; 4. Kathryn Thomas, Eamon Dunphy and Tamso Doyle; 5. Trina Cooke.

Leopardstown Christmas Festival

The racing set were out in force on Tuesday night as Horse Racing Ireland & Leopardstown racecourse held a reception to launch the largest racing festival of the winter season - The Leopardstown Christmas Festival. This year is shaping up to be bigger and better then ever and judging by the large crowd at the launch, people are gearing up for the event already.


Amongst the horse loving crowd were Eamon Dunphy who made a heart warming speech on how proud he is to be Irish and how our trainers and jockeys are the best in the world. National Hunt jockey’s Davy Russell, Paul Carberry and Grand National winner Robert Power were there along with trainer Tony Martin, HRI Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh, Paddy Power, Lexus Ireland’s Mark Teevan, Clio O’Gara of Bewleys Hotels and HRI’s Michael O’Rourke all enjoyed the Christmas songs that were performed by Owen Brady on the night.


Regular Ladies Day attendee Faith Almond looked fabulous in a Moschino coat and was chatting to Horse Racing Irelands own Tamso Doyle (who was wearing this seasons black – a Jenny Packham dress) about what she will wear at the The Lexus Chase, on December 28th. The prize value on the day is €15,000, making it the richest Ladies Day prize in winter racing. The ‘Best Dressed Lady’ will win luxury Lexus chauffeur transfers to the five-star Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt, where they will stay in the ultra-exclusive Presidential Suite for two nights, enjoying dinner for two at Gordon Ramsay, luxury ESPA Pampering, plus a €2,000 voucher for Brown Thomas - worth fighting for, I think you'll agree.


Others eager to find out more about the Ladies Day prize were socialites Nadine-Wai O’Flynn, Sandra Byrne, Emily O’Donell and jewellery designer Rebecca Davis who came along with her sister Emma. Liam Durkan came with his brother Neil and father Bill. The Durkans will be sponsoring the opening day of the festival and the feature race the Grade 1 Durkan New homes Novice Chase with a prize fund of €324,000.


Horse Racing Ireland Fashion Ambassador Kathryn Thomas looked stunning after just stepping off a flight, having been travelling in Asia and Australia for 5 weeks, she was chatting to author Marisa Mackle and actress Rachel Kavanagh. At the launch Tom Burke, Manager of Leopardstown Racecourse, said “The National Hunt Festival at Leopardstown is the highlight of the Christmas calendar and we expect attendance to exceed last years record numbers. The overall prize-money of €1.3 million will attract the best horses providing top class racing to entertain the crowd.”


Go racing!

Bee Movie premiere

It was all about black and yellow last week as a swarm of well known faces gathered for the Irish premiere of 'Bee Movie'. The animated flick takes a closer look at the world of bees through the eyes of one in particular - Barry B. Benson (voiced by Jerry Seinfeld) - who gets himself into all sorts of trouble when he breaks away from his hive.

Pictured at the premiere screening and party were: 1. Valerie Roe and her son Josh; 2. Actress Emma Bolger and Sarah Bolger; 3. Brian Ormond and his daughter Chloe; 4. Sinead Coffey and Amy Murphy; 5. Aoife Desales.

Katy French

It has been such a rollercoaster of a week in which, ultimately, Katy French lost her battle for life. I was shocked and deeply saddened by her death, as were most of the people in Ireland.

I knew Katy a few years, we were not close nor were we very good friends, but we would meet at various parties and social gatherings and chat briefly. She always had a smile on her face and an interesting story to tell. She was bright, clever and engaging and anyone who ever met her will attest to that. Never taking herself too seriously, and with her great sense of humour (and distinctive husky laugh!), Katy was always great company.

In her short life she managed to accomplish a great deal, perhaps more that most. She utilised her celebrity status to raise mush needed funds for charity, a favourite of hers being GOAL. I remember after she returned from a humanitarian mission to Calcutta a few months ago she was full of empathy, sincerity and hope for the people she met there. Touched by her experience, Katy was full of news and had, I’m sure, a lot more work planned to do.

In an article in the Sunday Independent she wrote: “Importantly, my journey to Calcutta helped me build on my own sense of self-worth. I realised that we are all here under the eyes of God to help each other and that He doesn't require us to succeed, only to try. In so doing, little by little, bit by bit, perhaps each one of us will reach our Goal.”

The last time I met Katy was at her 24th birthday party. She looked amazing and was the belle of the ball. That’s how I will remember her. It’s still unbelievable that a week later she was gone and only a few days ago I was paying my last respects at her funeral. So much more than a model and socialite, Katy French was one of the brightest sparks in Ireland and I’m delighted to have known her.

Sadly missed, but fondly remembered.

S&P Top 50

Social & Personal magazine, Ireland's society bible, recently hosted its annual Christmas bash where they revealed the 50 Most Invite people in Ireland. Topping the list was style icon Celia Holman - Lee, who looked amazing, as always, on the evening. Pictured at the party were: 1. Rachel Montahue; 2. Celia Holma - Lee and Carmel O'Sullivan; 3. Becky Sutherland and Jessica Morris; 4. Lynne Kelly and Melissa McDermott; 5. Carmel O'Sullivan, editor PJ Gibbons and Rosanna Davison.

Corban Walker

Internationally renowned Irish artist Corban Walker recently hosted a solo exhibition in the Green on Red Gallery, his first in Ireland for many years, in association with Veuve Cliquot. With his glass sculptures of intricate construction, Walker has amassed critical acclaim and a core following of art aficionados over the years. Now based in New York, he flew in especially to meet and greet many friends and fans alike, including singer Maria Doyle Kennedy, RTE's Barbara McCarthy, artist Louis Le Broquoy and his wife Anne Madden and Nobel winner Seamus Heaney.

This opening night also marked the end of a series of premium art events that Veuve Clicquot has sponsored this year including Tacita Dean solo show at the Hugh Lane Gallery, Sean Scully exhibition at the Kerlin Gallery, the RHA Annual Exhibition at the Royal Hibernian Academy, Gerhard Richter exhibition at the Glucksman Gallery in Cork and The Eternal Now: Warhol and the Factory at the Model Art and Niland Gallery in Sligo.

Pictured above on the evening were: 1. Fergus Martin, Jerome O'Drisceoil and Daniela Sabatini; 2. Freda Woolfe and Fredrick Souty; 3. Seamus Heaney; 4. Harry and Alison Crosbie; 5. Molly Mishkas .

Irish Tatler Women of the Year Awards

The recent Irish Tatler Women of the Year Awards in the Mansion House honoured women who have made significant contributions to society. Publisher Norah Casey and Brian Dobson were the dynamic duo who MC'd on the evening, while some of the guests included Irish Tatler editor Elaine Prendeville, Michael O'Doherty, stylist Sonja Mohlich and Alan Bruton, Debbie O'Donnell of TV3 and Sarah Keating of L'Oreal Luxury Products. The main accolade of Woman of the Year was won by Baroness May Blood, who has worked tirelessly for peace in Northern Ireland. Among the other winners were Nina Carbery (Sports), singer Luan Perle (Music), Deborah Veale (Fashion) and Mary Finan (Public Life) and Lorraine Keane (Entertainment).

Pictured above are: 1. Roz and Sarah Lipsett; 2. Liz O'Donnell and Susan Callery; 3. Colette Fitzpatrick and Neil McDermott; 4. Laura Bermingham; 5. Helen Fealy of Lancome with Woman of the Year Baroness May Blood and Trevor Tye (CEO Lancome) with Elaine Geraghty, Media Woman of the Year.

IDÔL Vodka Cocktail Party

Indulging in the IDÔL Vodka cocktails on the night were: 1. Rebecca Davies and Avila Lipsett; 2. Dillon McGrath and Triona McCarthy; 3. Andrew Rudd and Camilla Goulding; 4. Niall O'Dywer congratulates the winner Gareth Lambe; 5. Ben Bringer and Liz Giltinane.

Gareth Lambe is the new cocktail IDÔL

The party posse were out en masse to kick off the week in style at the IDÔL Vodka Cocktail Challenge which was hosted in Eddie Irvine’s Cocoon bar on an otherwise quiet Monday night. Representatives from 10 of Dublin’s top bars displayed their mixing talents to compete in the contest, which saw a very high standard of entries.

The judging panel (consisting of socialite and Life Magazine columnist Triona McCarthy, Alan Chambers of Comans Wholesale, chef Dillon McGrath of Mint restaurant and mixing expert Michael Foggarty of The Celtic Whiskey Store) had a difficult task in deciding a winner but in the end it was Gareth Lambe of Venu Brasserie who secured the top place. His innovative entry was made up of 3 parts - a shot with specially made IDÔL vanilla ice-cream, a main cocktail which included IDÔL, plum jam and oregano and the finale of a canapé which had an IDÔL infused whole grape.

Among the large crowd in Cocoon last night were actor Dave Coffey of Dan & Becs fame, who is looking forward to the much anticipated release of the popular series on DVD. Barbara McCarthy was with her pal Ben Bringer, she's on the crest of a wave with her new RTE show Highly Recommended, which also features Ben Dunne. David Chawke (son of publican Charlie) and Michael McNamara (son of Shelbourne Hotel owner Bernard) were impressed with the cocktails and enjoyed sampling the various entries.

Samantha McGarry and her friend Ruth Connolly flew in from Ghent for the party, which was also attended by Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, Emily O’Donnell and Andrew Rudd of Ireland AM. Richard Holder, of the fashion brand Tom Tailor, took time out of his hectic schedule to attend. He is busy working on the roll-out of 8 new Tom Tailor stores across the country over the next 3 months. Interior designer Judith Giltinane was there with her sister Liz, she’s just finished decorating the new Churchfields development in Ashbourne. Meanwhile Dr. Marco Lombardi, deputy head of the Italian Embassy, founder of Blacktie Niall O’Farrell, jewellery designer Rebecca Davies, PR gurus Sinead Ryan and Puffin Moynihan and entertainer Alan Amsby also enjoyed the evening.

Apart from the cocktails, the big hit of the party was Avila Lipsett, the MC, who had the guests roaring with laughter throughout the contest. Despite it being her first live performance gig she proved to be hugely popular with her witty banter which kept everyone entertained.

Second place in the contest went to Paul Lambert of Saba and third place to Zibi Kolodey of Krystle. The winner, Garth Lambe of Venu, will now be jetting off, with a friend, to New York where he will enjoy 4 nights in the trendy W Hotel.

eircom broadband frenzy

As part of Eircom Broadband Week, a celebrity head-to-head Xbox Pro Soccer Evolution ‘game off’ took part, which saw GAA All Star Alan Brogan triumph with 2 to 0 against International Rugby Star Malcolm O’Kelly. The event followed the kick off to Eircom Broadband Week, an online media briefing hosted by the beautiful UK presenter Jayne Middlemiss.

Among those at the X-Box Live Centre were: 1. Tara McClumisky and Jamie Heaslip; 2. Malcolm O'Kelly and Jenny Buckley; 3. Rachel Kavanagh and Virginia Macari; 4. Izabella Chudzka, Tara O'Leary, Jenny Buckley and Virginia Macari.

Cocktail Hour

Enjoying the Bombay Sapphire cocktail party at the launch of Design Week were: 1. Sandra Byrne and Nadine Wai - O'Flynn; 2. Karim Rashid and Leighton Wall; 3. Joanne Peat and Liz Dolan; 4. Richard Harris and Siobhan Bucanan - Johnston; 5. Claire Jennings and Shauna Cullen; 6. Kevin and Helen Behan.

Design Week 2007

The elite of Ireland’s design community turned out in their hoards to see the biggest design event of the year, the launch of Design Week 2007 in Association with Bombay Sapphire. Karim Rashid, internationally acclaimed designer and leading figure in the fields of product, interior, fashion art, furniture and lighting design, made his first exclusive visit to Ireland to launch this prestigious week long series of design focused events, exhibitions and showcases. What promised to be the biggest design coup of the year, the launch of Design Week 2007 did not disappoint!





Hosted by Bombay Sapphire in the impressive Banking Hall of the Westin Dublin Hotel, the night was a huge success with designers, celebrities and socialites alike! Those who attended to see the world renowned Karim Rashid included Triona McCarthy, Sandra Byrne, Nadine Wai-O’Flynn and Norman Pratt. Faces from the world of interiors and design, including Alexander Fitzgerald, Alanna Gallagher and Amanda Cochrane hung on to the every word of Karim Rashid while sipping the stylish Bombay Sapphire Appletinis and Bombay Sapphire Rose cocktails.





Also present for this exclusive talk by Karim Rashid were John Pearson of Edward Dillon and Company, Enda Mullin, General Manager of the Westin Dublin and Area Manager of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, socialites Avila Lipsett, Frances Winston and Andrew Rudd.





All those attending on the night were eager to meet with Karim Rashid, who is best known for designing for an impressive array of clients incuding Alessi, Geor Jensen, Umbra, Prada, Miyake and Method. After just publishing his new guide to living “Design Your Self”, Karim was delighted to help launch Design Week 2007 in Association with Bombay Sapphire.

houseworks launch

Pictured at the launch of the new houseworks showromms are: 1. Brian O' Driscoll and Mark Shortt; 2. Ciara and David Ryan; 3. Suzanne Arbuthnott, Melissa Walsh and Sarah Shortt; 4. Suzanne Arbuthnott, Melissa Walsh and Sarah Shortt.

There was a great turn out for the interiors event of the year last night - the unveiling of the €1.5 million new houseworks ltd. showrooms in Erne Street. Irish Rugby Captain Brian O’Driscoll, Cullen Allen and Colum O’Sullivan Of Cully and Sully, Kathy Hoffman from City Channel, Arthur Duff of Duff Tisdal and Tom Kennedy of Alias Tom were among the high society guests who travelled from near and far to the landmark launch.



The ever-charming Mark and Rosie Shortt, husband and wife owners hosted a fabulous Wolf Blass Chardonnay Semillon reception and guests enjoyed a range of Sheridan's cheeses while admiring the fabulous interiors of the premium kitchen and furniture showroom. Siematic Moebelwerke Chief Executive Mr. Ulrich Siekmann, Dieter Muehlenweg also from Siematic as well as Rolf Benz Chief Executive Mr. Frieder Loehrer all jetted into Dublin for the celebrations at the 14,000 sq ft. showrooms.

Heeeee's here...

Sile Seoige pictured with Dustin and Santa Claus at Dundrum Town Centre.

It was bright lights and jingle bells as Santa Claus arrived at Dundrum Town Centre last week and performed the official turning on of the Christmas Lights, where over a million starlight bulbs were set to illuminate the centre and the smiling faces of all the children. Now, I know it's still November and trust me, I do think it's too early for ANYTHING remotely connected to Chirstmas to be seen or heard but, hey, it's for the kids. Yes, the lights on Grafton Street are pretty impressive and the windows at BT have thankfully reverted back to a more festive theme (remember last year's creation?) but if I were in charge (more's the pity I'm not) I would place an embargo on all Christmas marketing until, say, December 10th. That way we all wouldn't be so sick of it come the 23rd.



Anyhoo, on arrival at Dundrum, the merry man in red was accompanied by special guests Dustin the Turkey, Sile Seoige and Aidan Power from the hit TV show Class Act, along with some of the show’s finalists who performed during the evening. After turning on the lights, he (Santa that is, not Aidan Power) made his way to his spectacular Dundrum based Winter Workshop, which is located on The Mill Pond, in Town Square, where he met the crowd who were eagerly awaiting his arrival.


And they'll be even more eager by the time the 25th of December rocks around!

Club! Man...

At the spectacular Mini Clubman launch were: 1. Izabela Chudzicka and Jenny Buckley; 2. Mary O'Keeffe and Emer White; 3. Nicola Bissett; 4. DJ Arveene; 5. David Brittain, Avila Lipsett and Nick Thomas.