Malibu RED

Smooth: 1. Steven Bateson and Tania Zorillo; 2. Ne-Yo and Michael Wright; 3. Harry McCreery and Lisa Nolan. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

International performer Ne-Yo officially launched Malibu RED in Ireland – the drink that combines the smooth coconut flavour of Malibu rum with a fiery Mexican Tequila – with a show stopping performance at an exclusive launch party at The Wright Venue, Dublin.

Highlights on the night included performances by fire-breathers, aerial acrobats, stilt walkers and hoop dancers, culminating in a spectacular live performance from the acclaimed Grammy Award winner himself.  Guests were treated to an intimate performance which included some of Ne-Yo’s greatest hits including Closer, Let Me Love You, Burning Up and Because of You.

Among those at the launch were Deric Hartigan of 3e, Lisa Flanagan, fmi Emma Waldron, fashion blogger Rosemary McCabe and model Faith Barnett.  A few lucky guests even got to hang-out with Ne-Yo backstage following his performance, a red letter opportunity for sure.

World Snow Day

Let It Snow: 1. Nicola Hughes and Kerrie Nicole Blanc; 2. Fiona Wall and Michaela Kenny; 3. Kazia  Kryozton and Toni Wall. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

We may have missed the show drifts that Met Eireann promised this week but it certainly looks like a white weekend ahead in Kilternan, Co Dublin.  Irish World Snow Day takes place this Sunday (January 20^th) at Kilternan Ski Club and the whole family can experience the joy of snow with a day of free-style ski jumping, Norwegian Ski Hill tubing and free styling.

Kilternan is one of 72 locations across the world that will celebrate World Snow Day. Here skiers of all abilities are invited to test their nerves on Ireland’s only ski jump followed by some tubing down the new state of the art ski slope.  You can also test your strengths on Ireland’s highest climbing wall while you’re at it.

You don't have to know anything about skiing or snowboarding to participate - just bring an open mind and the willingness to have a great time. There will even be free admission and parking on the day.

Ski Club President Robert Norwood is delighted that Ireland is involved with such an important day: "We want to communicate that winter sports are something for everyone. We wish to encourage young children to take to the snow for the first time and hope to foster a future generation of snow lovers."

 

Liz's Lunch

Best Supporting: 1. Ali Hewson, Liz O Donnell and Adi Roche; 2. Siobhan Carnegie and Aisling Kilduff. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Over 170 supporters of Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children International (CCI) came out in force, to support an annual fundraising event organised by and director of Chernobyl Children International (and former Minister of State for Overseas Development) Liz O’Donnell at the Westbury Hotel, Dublin.

Along with Adi Roche, founder & CEO of CCI, and Ali Hewson fellow board member Liz greeted the many guests who represented the arts and culture, government and commercial sectors.  The monies raised from ‘Liz’s Lunch’ will go to support CCI’s Medical Care Programme, including life-saving cardiac surgeries for children on critical waiting lists in the Chernobyl regions.

A glittering array of raffle items on offer included an exquisite Chloe Townsend piece of jewellery, kindly donated by Loulerie Jewellers, a shearling collar piece donated by the well-known designer Yasmin Velloza, Dr Dre Beats generously donated by Ali Hewson, luxurious weekend breaks as well as several sets of hot concert tickets courtesy of Caroline Desmond of MCD.

Speaking at the event, Liz O’Donnell said, “The effects of Chernobyl are still being felt in the form of high levels of genetic birth defects, in particular the rise of the heart defect, commonly known as ‘Chernobyl Heart’. Waiting lists for urgent surgeries are growing and we need to help even more children.”

Les Misérables

Les Fizz: 1. Alison Canavan; 2. Aisling Rice and John O'Malley; 3. Karen Koster. (Pix. Anthony Woods)

There was no place for misery at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield last week, the venue for the premiere of the much anticipated feature film “Les Misérables”.  Hosted by Universal Pictures, in association with Moët & Chandon, the screening was the first time that the widely acclaimed film adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation was shown in Ireland.

The world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale.  The film includes international superstars and beloved songs including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”.

Set against the backdrop of 19^th-century France, “Les Misérables” tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption — a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.  Hugh Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after he breaks parole.  When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Anne Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Guests on the night included TV personalities Brendan Courtney from RTE’s Off the Rails and TV3’s Karen Koster. Also enjoying the champagne reception were Caroline Sleiman, top Irish model Alison Canavan along with Noel Sutton from GAZE Film Festival.

Always playing a glamorous role in the history of film, both on and off screen, Moët and “Les Misérables” made for a perfect fit and a memorable evening.  Santé!

Rugby Lunch

Sunshine: 1. Vinny Gough and Dr. Sean Rowland; 2. Aileen and David Wallace. (Pix. Paul Sherwood)

The annual Rugby Lunch took place at The Shelbourne again this year, in aid of the Laura Lynn Children’s Sunshine Home charity.  Risteard Cooper and Brent Pope were hosts on the day with much needed funds raised for this most worthy cause.  The hospice supports children with life limiting conditions and their families by providing high quality transitional care, home support, respite, crisis and end-of-life care.

http://www.lauralynn.ie/