Race Against Breast Cancer

Racing Against Breast Cancer were: 1. Oliver & Stephanie Kelly; 2. Susie & Tina Koumarianos; 3. Charlene McKenna, Barry McKenna & his wife Anna McKenna. (Pics. Brian McEvoy).


The wet weather failed to dampen spirits on Sunday as a host of well known Irish personalities from the worlds of business, art, fashion, music and entertainment came together for Breast Cancer Ireland’s annual “RCSI/AIB Race Against Breast Cancer Day” at Leopardstown Pavilion.

The day, now in its fourth year, attracted over 730 people to a “Sell Out” event and raised in excess of €290,000 which will go towards funding vital breast cancer research aimed at speeding up discovery time and ultimately offering more effective and more personalised treatments for those diagnosed.

This year, to add a further sense of glamour and fun to an already super day, a number of well known personalities such as Irish actress Charlene McKenna; TV presenter Brendan Courtney; Clinic star Leigh Arnold; former Miss World Rosanna Davison and Ireland AM star Sinead Desmond who took on the role of Celebrity Totes dishing out their top racing tips to guests in attendance.

Other invited guests included Mary Kennedy, who was MC for the afternoon; TV3’s Aisling O’Loughlin, Wesley Quirke, model Sarah McGovern and golfer Suzanne Coyne. Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds was also there and had the pleasure of celebrating his birthday on the day.

Once again this year, the esteemed organising committee comprising Kathleen Reynolds; Pat Desmond; Ann Smurfit; and Ann Heffernan to mention just a few, really outdid themselves in these challenging times, by creating a fun filled, exciting and glamorous day at the races.

The piece de resistance however was a live (and impromptu) performance from Chris de Burgh, who entertained everyone with some of his greatest hits.

Party like a Rockstar (Tan)

Rockstar Tan party people: 1. Rachel Kavanagh & Amanda Brunker; 2. Catriona Hanly & Sonja Mohlich; 3. Triona McCarthy & Virginia Macari. (Pics. Brian McEvoy).

Irish girls sure do love to looked tanned and actress Rachel Kavanagh is about to revolutionise the tanning market with the official launch of her very own retail line of tanning products. Rockstar Tan is a luxurious new sunless tanning range about to hit stores nationwide. Although Rachel already has the Rockstar professional range in salons throughout the country, she wanted to extend the brand so that customers could also get the ‘Salon Look’ at home.

As guests arrived at the glitzy party at Residence private members club they were treated like rock stars with an ABSOLUT Rocks cocktail reception and with entertainment by top Indie Rock band Bipolar Empire.

Guests on Wednesday night included Amanda Brunker, Virginia Macari, models Ruth O'Neill and Louise Kavanagh, Cillian O Sullivan and jewellery designer Catriona Hanly to name but a few. No one left empty handed as there were fabulous Rockstar Tan goodie bags for all.

Working with a specialist in the field of self tan in the USA, Rachel created the Rockstar Tan Retail Range with the same unique formula that her salon solution is based on - boasting the most skin nurturing and Organic ingredients.

Go forth and tan ... www.rockstartan.ie

The Whispering Soul

At the event were: 1. Anne Doyle & Betty Cosgrave; 2. Grace Walsh & Adam Cosgrave; 3. Ellie & Lana Crawforth. (Pics. Brian McEvoy).


Anne Doyle officially launched ‘The Whispering Soul’ the new book by Betty Cosgrave this week at the Radisson St. Helens Hotel. ‘The Whispering Soul’ is a powerful combination of Betty’s extensive factual knowledge of established self-help techniques married with her own unique outlook on life, all set against a backdrop of her heart-rending and inspirational life story that makes Betty Cosgrave someone that we all need to meet, know….and read.

Betty Cosgrave, Life Coach and Personal Motivator, offers her wisdom as a beacon in the darkness. This book is bound to open many minds and hearts – it is the self-help book. Startling actual case histories combined with compelling autobiographical extracts makes this a unique and inspirational book.

In her speech Anne spoke openly and affectionately about Betty saying that, "Betty is a remarkable woman who we can all learn from. Betty is an inspiration to us all and someone we should all admire. Growing up in Ireland in the 50's was not easy but Betty has turned her life around in a positive and most effective way".

Krystle White Party

At Krystle: 1. Irma Mali & Angelica Salomao; 2. Noirin Kelly; 3. Breffny Morgan & Barry Crushell. (Pics. Richie Stokes).

After the huge success of the last White Party, Krystle gave everyone one more chance to show off their summer tans in style at a glitzy bash on Bank Holiday Sunday. Krystle’s luxurious surroundings and Mediterranean atmosphere made it the ideal venue for the Marbella White party.

The main Club, Penthouse 995, and Suite were transformed into a heaven of white and with top performances from Resident DJs Emir DaFunk and DJ GJ, as well as guest appearances from electric violinist, saxophone player, Drummers and energy dancers. Among the guests draped in white were Claudine Keane, Rosanna Davison, Baz Ashmawy, Brian Ormond and Pippa O’Connor.

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Vodafone GAA All Stars

At the ceremony: 1. Maura Howe & Sheena Keane; 2. Noel McGrath & Patricia Greed; 3. Grainne Seoige. (Pics. Brian McEvoy)

Kerry's All-Ireland success has also resulted in seven of this year's winning team named on the GAA All Stars sponsored by Vodafone. Beaten finalists Cork earned five places on the panel. The gala event was hosted by Grainne Seoige at Citywest Hotel.

The honourees were: Goalkeeper Diarmuid Murphy (Kerry); Full Backs Karl Lacey (Donegal), Michael Shields (Cork) and Tom O'Sullivan (Kerry). Half Backs Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry), Graham Canty (Cork) and John Miskella (Cork). Midfielders Dermot Early (Kildare) and Seamus Scanlon (Kerry). Half Forwards Paul Galvin (Kerry), Pearse O'Neill (Cork) and Tadhg Kennelly (Kerry). Full Forwards Daniel Goulding (Cork), Declan O'Sullivan (Kerry) and Stephen O'Neill (Tyrone).

The hurling All-Stars were also announced with Kilkenny's Tommy Walsh named as hurler of the year, while Tipperary's Noel McGrath was named young hurler of the year.

McKenna Collection

At the McKenna Collection: 1. Agnieszka Talay & Katie Lowe; 2. Martina Dunne & Anne Marie McGrath; 3. Caroline Byrne & Mark Morgan. (Pics. Brian McEvoy)

The McKenna Collection of wines from Chile was launched today by the Chilean Ambassador to Ireland, Cecilia McKenna at a celebration of Chilean wine and food at The Fire Restaurant in Dublin.

Ambassador McKenna is a direct descendant of Juan McKenna, after whom the wines are named. “I am delighted and honoured that my family name has been recognised in Ireland in such a manner. Chilean wine exports to Ireland are a very important part of the Chilean economy. Juan McKenna, along with others, helped us on our journey towards independence. This association is aptly remembered by the slogan on this wine – Chilean Wine Irish Heritage”.

McKenna left Ireland in 1771 to join the Spanish army. He trained as a military engineer and distinguished himself fighting against French forces. In 1776 he travelled across South America and through a series of fascinating adventure he befriended the founder of modern Chile, Bernardo O’Higgins. Together they fought off Spanish forces and in 1801 the new Chilean government appointed McKenna Commandant General of the new Chilean army.

Following a coup d’etat, and a subsequent duel on the streets of Buenos Aires, Juan McKenna from Co Tyrone died in 1814. He is remembered as a true hero, and a fighting Irishman, who brought freedom and stability to his adopted country.

Leading distributors Comans represents Undurraga, the producers of The McKenna Collection, on the Irish market.

Annie & Barbie Forever

At the Barbie and Annie Forever party: 1. Valerie Roe & Helen O’Dwyer; 2. Keith & Lisa Duffy; 3. Andrea Hayes & Andrew Byrne. (Pics. Brian McEvoy).


Recently Make Up For Ever celebrated 25 years as a premium make-up brand worldwide whilst the illustrious Annie Gribbin celebrated her 50th birthday with an iconic Barbie themed party to launch her glittering new 2,500 square foot Make UP For Ever Boutique at 38 Clarendon Street.

Make Up For Ever founders Dany Sanz and Jacques Waneph also jetted into Dublin to celebrate with Annie as part of a world tour of 25 year celebrations for Make Up for Ever which is now available in 54 countries around the world. The Barbie themed party featured a huge Barbie cake made by Twink, pink champagne and light bites from SABA.

Stunning girls with Make Up For Ever signature body paint welcomed guests and provoked some curious glances as the Host with the most, Annie Gribbin arrived in a pink Barbie car along with her daughter Niamh.

Among the celebrity and VIP guests who graced the pink carpet to join Annie Gribbin and Make Up For Ever founders Dany Sanz and Jacques Waneph were Keith Duffy with wife Lisa, Irish entertainer Twink, Bernie and Lorezno Cafolla and many more.

Manville

At the album launch were: 1. Martha Christie; 2. Isabella Chudsicka and Debi Flynn; 3. Justin Manville and Chloe Arnold. (Pics. Brian McEvoy).

After making Dublin his home for the last ten years, Justin Manville was delighted this week to team up with Dublin’s most exclusive venue, Residence Members Club to celebrate the release of his first commerial single, “Temptation” on the eve of its release. The single is the first to be taken from Justin’s second album which is pencilled for release in 2010.

The theme for the evening was intimate. Close friends and industry colleagues gathered to sip on their drink of choice from the basement bar and enjoy listening to an acoustic set on the club’s terrace by the Justin and some of his band. The evening also saw the first public screening of the video for “Temptation”, which was shot in Paul Fitzpatrick’s beautiful Morgan Hotel by UK based video director & photographer Jamie Morgan (Verve, Sugarbabes, Kate Moss).

Helping Justin celebrate on the night were, Leigh Arnold (The Clinic), who also made a special appearance in the video, ubber successful songwriter/producer Martin Glover (Youth) who has worked with Depeche Mode, U2, Paul McCarthney, Take That & Anastacia and too many others to mention! Youth also co-wrote “Temptation” with Justin.

Also enjoying themselves at the intimate event were Glenda Gilson, Sarah Mossissey, Michelle McGrath, Declan Forde of POD Concerts, RTE’s Shane Byrne and Royseven’s Paul Walsh amongst others.

www.myspace.com/justinmanville

Santa Rita 120

At the Santa Rita event: 1. Mchael Hayes & Ailbhe Lee; 2. Cris Tobal Fernandez & Lorraine McGrath; 3. Catherine Kelly & Caitriona Gaffney. (Pics. Mark Steadman / Photocall).


The National Wax Museum, Foster Place, a building full of heroes (albeit in wax!) was the place to be on Tuesday evening as the Santa Rita 120 Local Hero Campaign was launched.

Familiar faces at the event were RTE’s Vivienne Traynor one of the judges of the Santa Rita 120 Local Hero Campaign, who earlier this year donated one of her kidneys to her nephew, actor Michael Hayes, singer Keith Cullen, Catherine Kelly, Jen Hickey and Dublin City Sheriff Brendan Walsh.

The Santa Rita 120 Local Hero campaign is looking for people to nominate someone who, in their eyes is a true Local Hero. The winning hero and the nominator (both be over 18 please!) will both win a trip of a lifetime for 2 to Chile with the hero winning €10,000 for his or her nominated piece of community activity.

To enter the Santa Rita 120 Local Hero campaign nomination forms can be found in pubs and off licenses around the country where Santa Rita is stocked or by logging into facebook.com/santarita120.

Aria AW show

At the Aria show were: 1. Tara Logan & Amanda Gallagher; 2. Brendan Rogers & Rosanna Davision; 3. Paula Malone, Mary Greene & Susie Gleeson. (Pics. Brian McEvoy).

This week a host of female fashionista’s descended upon the Village at Lyons for the Aria Boutique Autumn/Winter show 2009 in aid of Jack & Jill children’s Foundation. The event was hosted by Rosanna Davidson and styled by Cathy O’Connor. Guests arrived and were greeted by a Jacobs Creek sparkling reception before they took their front row seats to watch Assets models take to the catwalk.

Aria Boutique in Naas has already become the favourite stop for any fashion conscious woman and the who’s who in Ireland including Karen Koster, Leigh Arnold, Gillian Quinn, Nina Carberry to the store each season. So successful has it been that Aria Boutique has just opened a second shop in Saggart, Co. Dublin.

Citi Bar & Club Citi

At Citi Bar & Club Citi: 1. Triona McCarthy & Jody Latham; 2. Andrew Rudd & Romy Carroll; 3. Carol Hayes & Lisa Brady. Pics. Richie Stokes.

All paths lead to Dame Street as the party posse descended on the new Citi Bar and Club Citi, which celebrated its re-launch party. Housed in one of the most impressive buildings in central Dublin the bar has been upgraded after months of careful renovation work. The popular nightclub has also been given a major facelift and now boasts state of the art sound and lighting.

Actor Jody Latham, from Shameless and Hell’s Kitchen fame, attended the party with some friends. Jody is currently filming with The Tudors at Ardmore Studios. Alan Hughes, who celebrated 10 years of Ireland AM the previous week, was also there. Actress Virginia Macari took time out of her busy Podge & Rodge rehearsals to attend the party with her pal Maria Fusco.

Also among the guests were beauty guru Triona McCarthy, FM104 presenter Louise Jordan, SJ Wai from rock band the Dirty Epics, RTE’s Darren Kennedy, model Ally Garvey, stylist Sonja Mohlich and professional golfer Suzanne Coyne.

Always known for great food, Citi Bar has introduced a delicious new Irish-style tapas menu, with breakfast, lunch and dinner catered for. Inspired by General Manager Miguel Orrico, who decided to bring Spanish tapas and Irish cuisine together, the extensive menu is one of the most innovative in Dublin.

The bar also features the famous “Pour Your Own Pint” tables from Guinness. This is a unique experience where customers can pour their own pint of Guinness at specially designed serving tables. Open late Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and with a wide range of entertainment mid-week, Citi Bar and Club Citi has something for everyone.

Zuku by K.S.O.

At the Zuku by K.S.O. event: 1. Emma Ledden; 2. Mary Greene & Liz Murphy; 3. Roxanne Parker & Caroline Murphy. Pics.: Conor McCabe / Jason Clarke Photography


Fashionistas get ready as Downtown Dublin gets a slice of Downtown L.A Style with the arrival of Zuku by K.S.O in the Attic @ Awear Henry Street. Founded by Kate Scully Owens, Zuku wholesale has introduced Ireland to hot L.A brands such as Voom by Joy Han and is now opening its very first retail space within the Attic @ Awear.

Customers will be treated to cool and unusual U.S. brands such as BB Dakota, Aryn K and Collective Clothing. Zuku by K.S.O will be a one-stop destination for all your favourite celebrity labels, giving you a Little L.A in the heart of Dublin.



Celebrity fans of BB Dakota include, Rhianna, Pink, Miley Cyrus and Kirsten Steward of Twilight fame. Collective Clothing has been spotted on Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie while exciting new L.A label Aryn K (launched in 2008) already has some serious fashion fans including style queen Alexa Chung.



The Attic @ Awear Henry St was launched in spring ‘09and is a space committed to offering the Irish customer something a little different to what they would usually find on the high street. From young student designers to exclusive one off pieces, the attic was designed with the urban cool customer in mind, the girl who likes to seek out boutiques off the beaten track.

The evening was hosted by Karen Koster and among the guests were actress Ciara O'Callaghan, Noirin Kelly of Big Brother, stylist Corina Gaffney, fashion photog Lili Forberg, Paul Davy of Toni & Guy and TV presenter Emma Ledden.

Tommy Hilfiger evening

At the Tommy Hilfiger evening: 1. Anna Daly & Samina Zia; 2. Niamh Gaffney & Byron Kumbola; 3. Tara O’Leary & Virginia Macari. Pix: Brian McEvoy.


Tommy Hilfiger hosted a private customer reception on Wednesday evening in the flagship store on Grafton Street to launch the Runway and Tailored collections for Autumn 09. Customers were treated to a wine reception by Jacob's Creek, and entertainment from soloist Rebecca Nelson and DJ Mikki Dee.

The evening included two fashion showings introduced by TV3's Anna Daly, who was also modelling a gorgeous piece from the collection. Guests included Brendan O'Connor, Tara Leniston and Andrew Fowler, Virginia Macari, Samina Zia and Nadia Ford.

Miss Ireland 2009

Pictured at Miss Ireland were: 1. Mr Ireland Kamal Ibrahim & outgoing Miss Ireland Sinead Noonan; 2. Michelle Heaton & Louise Osborne; 3. Winner of Miss Ireland 2009 Laura Patterson & Miss Ireland pageant Chairman, Krishna Naidoo. Pics. Joe Keogh.


All hail the Queen! Laura Patterson, 19, who became Miss Derry only one month ago, was crowned Miss Ireland on Saturday night at an electric gala in the luxurious surroundings of the Royal Marine Hotel in Dublin. The newly crowned Miss Ireland will travel to South Africa to represent her country. No stranger to that continent however, Laura once trekked across the Sahara Desert.

In a tightly contested competition of beauty and brains, the law and accounting student of University Ulster edged ahead of runners up Tania Zorilla (Miss Dublin East) and Terrie McEvoy (Miss University) on the strength of her answers and shining personality.

Total Xposure contestants Daniella Moyles and Stuart McQuitty, two inexperienced presenters, were on MC duty for the evening. Unfortunately they both seemed more nervous that the girls they were interviewing and demonstrated why neither of them bagged the Xpose presenting gig.

Make A Wish

Among those at the lunch were: 1. Victoria Smurfit & Taryn Casey; 2. Sarah Williams & Gaelle Lassabliere; 3. Carol Moffit, Kevin Dundon & Marie Durkan. Pics. Richie Stokes.


Make-A-Wish Foundation hosted its annual ladies lunch on last Friday at The Restaurant at Donnybrook Fair. Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon held a cooking demonstration for over 60 ladies and afterwards they proceeded to the dining room for a tasty lunch, compèred by beautiful actress Victoria Smurfit.

Ireland’s premiere swing and lounge band “Velvet Lounge Band” entertained the ladies throughout the afternoon. All the glam guests such as Laura Bermingham, Triona McCarthy and Caroline Harrington left the event with a jam packed goodie bag.

Much need funds were raised and as a result a few more wishes will come through!

Ireland AM is 10!

Pictured at the Ireland AM party were: 1. Sinead Desmond, Adrienne Campion & Mark Cagney; 2. Amanda Byram & Alan Hughes; 3. Cathy O’Connor, Ann Marie Gannon & Laura Bermingham. Pics. Brian McEvoy.

Ireland's favourite TV Show - Ireland AM - celebrated its 10th birthday this week with presenters past and present, along with some well known faces who have contributed to the show throughout the years.

A gala episode to mark the 10th anniversary aired with a glamorous breakfast garden party held at TV3 studios. All the regular hosts were there was a special appearance by the first lady to ever anchor the show - Amanda Byram – who was also back on the sofa!

This special anniversary show gave a unique look behind the scenes of Ireland AM, and viewers got the chance to see the faces behind the desks and behind the cameras who help to bring the show to their screens five days a week.

Irish TV viewers have been waking up to Ireland AM since September 1999 and since its launch the show has enjoyed phenomenal growth and popularity as Ireland's first live television breakfast show and is now firmly established as a favourite with families throughout the country.

The shows' popularity was demonstrated when Ireland AM was voted 'Ireland's Favourite TV show' at both the 2008 and 2009 TV Now Awards. Over its 10 year lifetime, Ireland AM has grown from an audience of 6,000 viewers in 1999 to a current high of 170,000 viewers every day.

Stephen's Green charity lunch

At the Stephen’s Green charity lunch: 1. Paul Harrington & Karen Koster; 2. Mairead Egan & Alana Sheehan; 3. Elaine Prendeville. Pics. Brian McEvoy.


Glamorous Xpose presenter Karen Koster and drag queen Miss Candy hosted the Annual Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre International Charity Lunch and Fashion Show in aid of The Rape Crisis Centre last week in Wilde – The Restaurant at The Westbury Hotel.

Now in its 14th year, and a firm fixture in Dublin’s social calendar, the event was sponsored by top style destination Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre this year. Over 120 of the “who’s who” of the social scene were served an exquisite five course lunch along with fine wines.

The event commenced with a champagne reception in the Marble Bar, before guests entered Wilde which was a floral masterpiece, created by Dublin’s leading floral stylists Appassionata Flowers. The fashion show featured Autumn/Winter collections from leading labels at the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, styled by Elaine Prendeville, Editor of Irish Tatler magazine.

Musician & Songwriter Paul Harrington and Bill Shanley entertained guests into the afternoon while attendees were treated to a goody bag worth over €250 each, including a bottle of Jameson reserve. The event raised in excess of €30,000 for The Rape Crisis Centre.

Caroline Desmond, designer Dawn Fitzgerald, Niall O’Farrell, Haley Rock, Jenny Lee Masterson and Morah Ryan were among the guests.