Well, we are back a while now so we supposed we had better fill you in, so to speak, on recent happenings.

Wednesday 28th August - The seasoned (no, we don’t mean old!) Marbella clique were out in force for the 17th Birthday bash of Pasta Fresca, Dublin’s Chatham Street. Owned and operated by the respected restauranteur Mai Frisby, Pasta Fresca is certainly a popular place judging by the number of guests in attendance.

Despite the rain, the guests included Corrie star and former Boyzoner Keith Duffy, fellow restauranteur Christian ‘Bang’ Stokes, producer Cathy O’Connor, model Julian Pearson and ‘rock chick’ Philomena Lynott, mother of the late Phil (who had the misfortume of having red wine spilt over her lovely linen suit).

The abundance of cocktails on the evening were of the Belini, Cosmopolitan, and Long Island Iced Tea variety with good old Champagne making a welcome appearance also.

Meanwhile over in the Guinness Storehouse, comedian Paddy Kielty was hosting his show, Patrick Kielty Almost Live. His guests included the dishy Rupert Evertt.



Thursday 29th – An early start after a late night….don’t you just hate them! Luckily the Moet was flowing at the unveiling of the Autunm / Winter collection from Magee, the traditional Donegal menswear designers. Although perhaps ‘traditional’ is not a very appropriate word to describe Magee these days. With cord and moleskin suits in a variety of colours from blood red to moss green, they are certainly laying claim to the competitive menswear market.

Among those in attendance were TV’s hottest duo, Caroline Morahan and Pamela Flood, the new faces of fashion programme Off The Rails. Other fashionistas included Fiona Byrne (who is leaving WHO magazine to join the new teen offering, Kiss as Fashion Editor), party girl Etain Boyd, model Andrea Roche and radio journalist Eileen Brophy.

On the boys team (who, we are sure, appreciated the free Magee shirt more than the girls) were TV3’s Alan Hughes, sport commentator Micheal Lister and model Lee Bradshaw.

Leaving together were diarist Jason O’Callaghan and PJ Gibbons of The Examiner. They were later seen having a leisurely coffee outside Bruxelles, Jason, no doubt, discussing plans for his Rat Pack Ball in The Four Seasons on the 21st of September.




Saturday 31st – We dispatched some of our younger team to Punchestown Racecourse for the day. Had it been a corporate day of hospitality we would have attended ourselves, alas it was the massive dance event known as Creamfields. 35,000 people, over 80 acts in 6 areas and the shining sun, ensured a great time was had by all. Among those spotted were international DJ’s Judge Jules, Mario Picotto and Sasha. Irish DJ’s included John Power of 2fm, Ben Carvosso and Johnny Moy. Also among the crowd in the VIP area were ex-MTV babe Emma Ledden and E4 presenter Melanie Hill (ex Big Brother 1 contestant).



Tuesday 3rd - The Wella / Design Centre Fashion Show for Autumn / Winter 2002 is always a much anticipated event. Held in the spectacular surrounds of Dublin’s City Hall, this years show kicked off with a Veurve Cliquot Champagne reception. Enjoying the chilled bubbly were designers Louise Kennedy, Jenny Pacham, Mary Grant and Helen Cody.

At the after party in the fashionable SPY in Powerscourt Townhouse were Richard Liu of Bennetton, funky gal Antonia Campbell – Hughes and Frances Winston of U Magazine.

Also at the show and the after party was It-Boy Gavin Lambe – Murphy. Seated in an area reserved for ‘PRESS’, we wondered: does he really warrant membership of the media group anymore? Having left both The Sunday Times and VIP Magazine, surely he should be made scramble for a seat with the regular invited guests. While we’re at it, is he still an It-Boy? Don’t know the official line, but we think, once an It-boy…. Always one!


Wednesday 4th – All the best parties happen on the same night. You’d think the PR’s would learn not to step on each other’s toes.

First off, we were down to the hip and happening Lobo at the Morrison Hotel for the relaunch of WHO Magazine, which is now called WHO Celebrity. Looking every inch the rival to established UK titles heat and NOW, we wish new Editor Aoife Byrne every success.

Quaffing Champagne and luxuriating over Tia Lusso were PR supremo Tara O’Connor, graphic designer Dylan Owens, newly appointed Social Editor Etain Boyd and the ever-glamorous Jane Devitt.


Meanwhile, on the southside, stylish men gathered in Brown Thomas to hear details of the new campaign, Tackle, cancer action for men, which was organised by The Irish Cancer Society, in association with BT’s.

Some of the handsome men rubbing shoulders included former Taioseach Albert Reynolds, hotelier John McGaughran, and models Alex Fitzgerald and Julian Pearson, who is sporting a floppy new hair-do.
Among those endorsing the campaign are journalist David McWilliams, TV presenter Brendan Courtney and comedian Des Bishop, who gave a hilarious, if slightly risque speech about his experience with cancer (We loved it…Not sure if Kathleen Reynolds did though!).
Attending both of the evenings functions were omni-present socialites Jason O’Callaghan and top choreographer Julian Benson.



Thursday 5th – Ah, time for a little culture. Off to the fancy environs of the National Gallery – the old part. The occasion was that of the Ulster Bank’s generosity, whereby it has loaned a portrait of Daniel O’Connell to the gallery.

In attendance was Minister for Arts and the Gaeltacht John O’Donohue who gave a lengthy but interesting speech on all things Kerry and historical.

Sorry we have not updated in weeks but we thought that you wouldn't much care for Marbella gossip, this being a Dublin website! (However, if you do want the low down on Marbella, may we suggest you pick up a copy of Angela Phelans excellent iStyle Marbella magazine).
They weather has been so-so....more so than so. Back soon. In the meantime we'll have a cosmopolitian for you and you have a G&T for us.

x

Now that we are here we may as well fill you in on the happenings of the Horse Show Ball, which was held in the Burlington on the 9th of August. In aid of Brainwave, it was MC'd by the lovely Emma Buckley and ex-Boyzoner, the lovely Mikey Graham (he is looking fine these days!). Among the patrons on the night were model Andrea Roche with her man PJ Mansfield, Lillies boss Valerie Roe, Koo Donnelly and Freddie Browne, the beautiful Etain Boyd of WHO Magazine and Gavin O'Reilly and his fab wife Ivana (not that Gavin sillies!). With all the free booze that was consumed, we were surprised people got home by 4. Another year of powerful fundraising.

Getting lazy again are we?! Getting over last week more like it!

Wednesday night saw the premiere of the much anticipated film Reign of Fire, which was shot on location in Wicklow. After the movie in the Savoy, all gathered in Gravity, Dublin's coolest bar in the Guinness Storehouse. Among those enjoying the festivities were Christian Bale and Izabella Scorupco. Also joining them were Irish actor Colm Meaney.

The following night we were shaking our booty down in Lillies for their summer party, where they turned the club in the ledgendary St. Tropez hangout, Le Club 55. Those in their summer chic were Caroline Morahan and Dara Conlon, Tara O'Connor and Koo Donnelly, It-boy Gavin Lambe -Murphy and Fair City's Jade Yourell. A night to remember!

Dublin was celeb packed last night for two classy premiers.

Down at the Point theatre the great and the good assembled for the Irish premiere of the smash hit Miss Saigon. Among those enjoying the pre drinks reception were Pat Kenny and his delishous wife Cathy (who was rather miffed when a photographer didn't know who she was!), pop king Louis Walsh with his clatter of girls from Six and Bellefire, joined by Popstars judges Bill Hughes and the stunning Linda Martin and former Boyzoner Stephen Gately (what is with that boy and hats - is he hiding something?!). Other RTE representatives were Maxi, Larry Gogan and Gerry Byrne of Fair City.

Forget having a stunning model on your arm - the new fab guest to bring is your mother....TV gal Caroline Morahan, singer Liam Brady, radio presenter Bronagh Dorian and yours truly all brought our mammies. At the after party in the swanky new bar The Vaults, the crowd enjoyed a constant flow of champagne and danced till the early hours.

Accross town, the Irish premier of Men in Black 2 was on in the Savoy. Guests included SM:TV hostess Tess Daly, Film buff Jonathan Ross with his wife, the flame haired Jane Goldman and their 3 children. At the post part in Lobo, in the Morisson, Big Brother evictee Adele DJed and Popstars reject Nadine Coyle was overheard saying that she thought that Six had no future. What about your future sweetie?

London, New York, Paris. Stylish men abound. Dublin? Of course! Last Thursday evening saw the awarding of the now annual Louis Latour Man of Style Awards in the luxurious confounds of the plush Merrion Hotel. Among those enjoying the lush Louis Latour wines were Gavin Lambe – Murphy, who was on his first outing after his departure from VIP magazine, buxom Amanda Brunker (boy she gets around!), Julian Benson, who was pretty in pink and PR mum Sonia Reynolds.

Rumours were abounding on the night. The winner was Derek Boyd, who coincidentally is friends with last years man o’ style, gallery owner Jerome O’Driscoll. Coincidentally indeed, as O’Driscoll was on the panel of judges. Also up for this years prize was coffee entrepreneur Brian Kennedy….as he was last year. C’mon guys smarten yourselves, we need new faces.


As the wine disappeared in the Merrion, the young and trendy were heading off to the launch of Dublin’s newest radio station, Spin 1038. Held in the uber-stylish venue, Spirit, the party kicked off early and by the time we arrived it was packed. VIP wristbands in place we were escorted up to the mezzanine area to enjoy the free bar and fab food.

Enjoying music by those funksters Hugh Scully and Shay Hannon, were U Magazine’s Frances Winston, former MTV babe turned Spin presenter Emma Ledden, TV gal Caroline Morahan and multi-millionaire Denis O’Brien. Also movin’ and shakin’ were Shane Byrne from Sony, PR chic Andrea Dillon – Horan and letting his hair down again GL-M with buddie Lee Bradshaw.

The great and the good all enjoyed a fantastic goodie bag on the way out. An event to remember thanks to Prior Communications who organised.


Also over the weekend was the Witnness music festival in Fairyhouse. We did venture down on the Sunday but it was all rather muddy and hot. Even the free Guinness in the VIP tent couldn’t tempt us to stay. Rock festivals are so last season sweetie.

It's been a week since the 4th July party....we thought around 450 guests....it was more like 2,000! Neil Diamond did play. Nothing else of note happened.

Last night there was an abundance of parties on....Trevor White launched his book of the top 100 restaurants in Dublin in the Westin Hotel.....Social & Personal threw an awards bash in the Morgan....and Coors Light launched their new draught product in Dakota. Among the coors Light throng were Francis Winston and Derek Foley, Amanda Brunker and her beau Keith Redmond, Jane Devitt, Sinead Ryan and Andrea Roche. Check out the beer guzzling guest at the Summer snaps part of the XSS website.

Spin fm are holding their first party tonight in Spirit and of course the Witnness music festival is on this weekend. We're sure a few music celebs are bound to surface in Lillies at some stage.

The crowd landed on Connolly Train Station en masse, for the recent launch of The Vaults, Dublin's latest addition to the already swelling number of drinking establishments. Among the great and the good were many politicos including newly elected Barry Andrews and his lovely partner Sinead McGrath (their first launch of many we think), and of course Taioseach Bertie Ahern. For international flavour there was the Mexican Ambassador Dr Agustin Basave and the Portuguese Ambassador JP da Silveire Carvalha. Regular socialites included rock chick Karla Elliott, designer Antonia Campbell - Hughes (double barrell names, we love 'em), Francis Winston (who was fresh from a relaxing time at some spa down the country), and a load of other beautiful people. Of course everyone was talking about the shenannigans of Dwight Yorke at the recent Budweiser Derby, where he apparently assaulted Mairead Egan, wife of Lillies owner Dave. Needless to say he is barred - for life.

Today being July 4th, things just wouldn't be right unless there were a multitude of USA themed parties going on. King of the crop surely must be US Ambassador HE Richard Egan's (nothing to do with Lillies) bash at his residence in Pheonix Park. Around 450 VIP guests are expected to be entertained by the likes of Neil Diamond and a firework display. Yee haaa!

Well it was certainly a wet and wind swept day for one of the major social events of the year, the Budweiser Irish Derby, at the Curragh racecourse. As expected, High Chapparral, the aidan O'Brien trained horse, romped home to win the Derby prize of €1,300,000. Also winning the Epsom Derby recently, he becomes the fiftheenth horse to complete the Epsom - Derby double win.

The other major event of the day was of course the prizes for best dressed ladies. Sponsored by Powerscourt Townhouse, the judging was assisted by stylist Sonia Molich. Pocketing vouchers worth €3,000 was Michelle Clifford from Cork, who wore a pink dress from Karen millen, with a feather in her hair. Tara O'Leary, also from Cork, came second place and Howth lady Chanelle McCarthy came third.

Among those drinking the endless supply of free Budweiser, wine and champagne were the BBC's Clare Balding, former Boyzone lads Keith Duffy and Stephen Gately, footballer Dwight Yorke and sundry politicians, models, media moguls and pr babes, a veritable who's who of Irish society. Entertained by David Cassidy it certainly was a day to remember.

In fact, one of the aforementioned was so drunk that he proceeded to man handle a few girls and was taken away by the Gardai after several complaints were made.

Off out to windy Bray, Co. Wicklow we were last Wednesday evening, for the re-launch of Barracuda. Why re-launch we hear you say? Well, everyones fav entertainment bon viveur, Robbie Fox, has taken the place over and put his mark on it. A few cosmetic changes - new curtains, new menu and the like - promises to boost the once flagging seaside eaterie.

Spotted on the night were all and sundry from Robbie's other haunt, Renards. They included Cindy Caffola, Amanda Brunker, that cool-cat Tony Fenton, TV3's Lorraine Keane and model Glenda Gilson, who was with Simon Arnold. No sign of Helen Cody though (Simon's ex).

Also on the same night was the opening of a door....sorry we mean another trendy bar in the capital. This time it's on Harcourt Street and it's imaginatly called d-two. Still waiting for our party people to come back with a report.....more anon.

While we're the social scene, SPY, our fav pitch-black-lodsa-candles den, was host to the Westlife (why does an Irish group have a .co.uk website??) chaps yesterday where they were shooting their latest video. Rather down heel venue for a pop video shoot we thought.

Has our steady advise been taken seriously? It seems that d'Side Magazine has not closed completely, but has in fact been taken over by that white knight publisher Mike Hogan of Hoson Publishing. Hogan, who already runs WHO Magazine and In Dublin, recently rescued G.I. (Gay ireland) from John Ryan. Hurrah for d'Side and all that is cool.

Unfortunately though, IQ Magazine has folded. The 'mystery investor' decided not to invest leaving many people out of jobs and owed money. Staff are said to be disgusted at the way in which they have been treated throughout the debacle.

Maybe Mike would like to lend a hand?

The weather has been so nice that we have been sitting in the sun during the day and cooling our sunburnt bodies by night.
However, some devastating news that reaches us is that....

a) d'side Magazine is no more. Editor Melanie Morris has decided to call it a day. Don't know about you, but it was the defining bible of all things cool that moulded us into the uber-stylish we are today. Take note...resurection would be a great business idea.

b) Wanderlust is no more. The ground breaking internet/dating/travel show is not getting another series here in Ireland. While the bidding war may still be going on to sell the format around the world, producers Tyrone seem to be tired of it here. Or perhaps a suitable presenter could not be found to fill Brendan Courtney's shoes? Now that he is off being the new male Cilla Black on ITV2's Blind Date (and with other offers from the BBC in the pipeline), Wanderlust is but a distant memory.

Yes, it has been confirmed that Tara Lee has left Bellefire. It has been claimed that she suffered terribly from homesickness and was also fed up with the tough schedule. We also hear that up to 6 record companies are courting the now threesome, with a deal being finalised in a couple of weeks time. The group and their management have decided not to replace Tara.

We had a plesant lunch in the newly opened Vaults bar / venue / place last week. Being touted as something new and never seen before - isn't every new place? Officially opened in July, it seems that everyones fav store, Brown Thomas, has already gotten in on the act. We hear they have booked the place well in advance for their Summer, Autumn and Winter collection shows.

On a different note, we hear that Tara Lee has decided to leave Bellefire, as a result of the band being dropped by their record label, Virgin. Look out for future updates.

A great deal of bad press for Dublin's celebrity hangout Lillies Bordello recently. The club were ordered to shellout over €27,000 to a couple after, what the press described as, a 'commando style attack' on an unsuspecting couple. Head of security Dino Vidan, who was to have instigated the assault, was keeping a low profile on Saturday night, despite the club being packed to capacity (the 'members lounge' seems to be open to any T, D or H these days). Ever glam club boss Valerie Roe was undeterred and put on a brave face. Oh well, life goes on in clubland.

Actually, while we're on the subject, heres a bit of a rant....Spy has had a makeover of sorts by its owner John Reynolds. The VIP lounge now resembles an old country house without electricity, such is the darkness and the multitude of cheep and tacky night light candles. Awful.

Staying in is the new going out - well, on a Saturday night anyway!

So it seems the rumours that the Sunday Independent's Gayle Killilea has been approached by Ireland on Sunday have been true. The journalist, who is going out with artist Graham Knuttel, famed for gossip has recently been trying to turn her hand at serious hard hitting interviews. We did hear that an offer of around 100,000 euro had been made to her but we dismissed this as pure fantasy. After all she is only 'The Blonde'. Or is she?

Last night we were present for the launch of what is truly a unique project. Situated within the West Wood gym complex, Barcode is the new breed of pub / restaurant / entertainment complex. A football themed night, what with World cup fever and all, it was hosted by that man with a fabulous face for radio, Gerry Ryan. Special guest was former Irish international John Aldridge.

It was a refreshing change not to see the same old faces and among the few we recognised were Mr. Ireland Padraig Hearns and his lovely girlfriend Melanie and East Coast FM radio presenter Bronagh Dorian.

We wish Barcode success - but can't help wonder if it's a little too big.

Have we fallen off the face of the earth? Have we drank ourselves to death? Are we suffering from the mother of all hangovers and are unable to work? Well, 2 out of 3 would be right! No updates since February....how awful. We apologise.

So what's been happening since? Well Liz Bonin has left Ireland and is now presenting the new Channel 4 breakfast show, RI:SE. Rumouir has it that TV3's Lorraine Keane is skipping over to the UK soon too. Talking about Liz, her ex. John Ryan has been having a run of bad luck these days too. Between now and our last social fix, John launched a publication called Stars on Sunday, which was pretty much pictures of the weeks social gatherings. Light graphics for those who don't like to strain their brains (although it did have an entertaining social column by Bryan Walsh). Anyway SoS closed as has John's other publication GI (which stands for Gay Ireland). His future plans are unknown, but Hoson publications have taken over GI so relax boys.

Meanwhile our good pal Gavin Lambe-Murphy has also been on a downward spiral. His column in The Sunday Times was axed some time ago and his has recently left VIP magazine. We believe he has decided to go travelling for a while, until he decides to re-brand himself as something else. Ditto for everyones fav chef, Conrad Gallagher. He is in a bit of strife with his former business partner Vince Power and his flagship restaurant, Conrad Gallagher, now has nothing to do with him. It is now called simply 179, for those of you interested.

That is the tip of the iceberg folks. There are a few others out there with less than rosey lives (that made you feel better!), but we'll not divulge for now.

Anyhoo, we're back and hopefully for a good while. Regular updates to follow but as they say, time flys when your drunk.

The weekend was like nothing I have ever experienced. Partying with S Club 7, Westlife, Hear'Say (sans Kim), Abs from 5 and Blue (among a host of others!).
I have to dash off to get ready for the premiere of Monters Inc. which is tonight.

I promise I will update you on all the goings on of Saturday 26th / Sunday 27th. In the meantime though check out the excellent coverage of events (with pics too!! - how spoiled you are) on ShowBiz Ireland (or the Celebrity Bible as I sometimes call it).

Well the Haunted House affair on Wednesday was indeed, haunting. Scary ogres parolled the crowd with blood oozing from their faces! Plenty of loud noise, eery smoke effects and even the Gardai turned up (police to our international readers!). Well done to Intrepid (Tara & Koo) for organising such a great launch. I also heard that in the region of €60,000 was raised for charity between Louis Maguire of Funny Stuff TV (makers of Haunted House), TV3 and Intrepid.

Milling around the haunted crowd were Ray Senior of ShowBizIreland, Caroline Morahan & Jordan Lee McDaid, Julian Benson, Sarah Devitt and Toni Wall. The party continued on to Club Anabel till the early hours, giving all 27 contestants a good chance to get to know one another.

My weekend was rounded off nicely on Sunday, with a trip out to Killiney to meet Ireland's newest pop group, winners of Irish Popstars, Six. Emma, Sarah, Sinead, Kyle, Andy and Liam are sure to hit the bigtime when their debut single is released on the 8th of February. I've already heard it and a catchy number it is. You can see them perform for the first time ever at the Childline Concert in the Point this coming Sunday.
And as if a line up including S Club 7, A1, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Blue isn't enough celebrity for you, then you better get down to Tolka Park on Saturday. Keith Duffy is holding his annual charity footie match - the Keith Duffy All Stars v Sky One's Dream Team.

Stay tuned for updates.....or if you can't wait, get your fix at ShowBizIreland.com

I'm just back from a most AMAZING snowboarding trip - thank you girls! Now I'm....ready to rock!!!

Last night I went along to the premiere of Vanilla Sky, which stars Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz. Quite a spectactular way to start the movie year. A very screwed up film that will get you thinking. Go see when it is released on the 25th of this month.


Off to club Anabel for the launch of TV3's Haunted House reality show. More tomorrow. Mah ha ha ha!!!!!

Happy New Year all.....updates forthwith.

And here we are! Flicking back through my 2001 diary, I can see there were quite a few good nights during December. Here are a few of the best....

Wright's Cafe & Bar in Swords - Yes, some will go to the opening of an envelope or the launch of a kite. When your host provides limo service though, there is no excuse not to attend! At the champagne fuelled party were Caroline Morahan & I, PJ Gibbons & Lisa Mitten, a few from B*Witched, Mr. Ireland Padraic Hearns and fashionista Liz Bonnin. The fun part of the night was the sight of Gavin Lambe - Murphy's limo parked along the motorway with a female passenger (who shall remain nameless - poor dear!) relieving herself up an embankment. Classy friends has our Gav!

Capital Lounge - Recently taken over by new management, the Capital on Wexford Street was the scene of another champagne flute clinking night. Among the throng were TV producer Louis Maguire, WHO magazines Etain Boyd, TV girl Caroline Morahan and singer / songwriter Naimee Coleman.

Corporate Evening - Christmas time is full of cheer and good will. And the corporates were out to impress us by providing a free bar in the Shelbourne. With a band in full swing and delish canapes doing the rounds, it was the perfect place to practice your seasons greetings. Sipping the mulled wine were PR duo Koo Donnolly and Tara O'Connor, Stephen Byrne (sans Louise Loughman) and Aishling Naughton.

To the movies - Final gig was the premiere of Behind Enemy Lines, starring Gene Hackman and Owen Wilson (who unfortunately couldn't make it to Parnell St.). Good film - go see (well according to ShowBizIreland.com). Popping popcorn were designer Helen Cody and boyf Simon Arnold and the wonderful Sonia Reynolds.


Up to date then and we have New Years Eve - the mother of all party nights or mother superior of the convent? I don't know about you but I had a lovely dinner in Tiger Becs on Dawson Street. On then to the WHO Glitterati Ball in Lillies. Glittering away were, Melissa Nelson, Nadine Wai - O'Flynn, model Lee Bradshaw, Kerry Katona and Nadine Smyth (a proper singer!).

On then to a mystery house party which I barely remember, but had a great time!!