The Bertie Cronin Memorial Cup
I had the great pleasure of presenting the Bertie Cronin Memorial Cup last night. In memory of my late father, the golfing trophy was played for at Crover House, and the ceremony took place in The Kesh Bar, which is run by my uncle Cathal Cronin.
Congrats to Frankie Lovett who won this year (Frankie and my cousin Tina recently became first time parents to little Daragh).
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Christmas cheer
One of my favourite places in Dublin, and especially so at this time of the year, is The Shelbourne Hotel on St. Stephens Green. It olde world charm is something unique that you just don't get elsewhere.
I met up with my old pal Jason O'Callaghan, former gossip journalist turned Rat Pack singer. He has just completed the sale on his new apartment in Cannes and will be spending new year there with his lovely girlfriend Etain Boyd. We were later joined by publisher of Social & Personal PJ. Gibbons and ledgendary socialite Richard Kavanagh. Discussing plans for the season PJ informed me that he will be spending time in his native Mayo, while Richard will be ensconsed in Foxrock.
Speaking of the surname Kavanagh, I bumped into the gorgeous Sarah Devitt (sister of Jane) who informed me that Sarah Kavanagh is now engaged! Well, diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Later in the night I also met Paddy Bollard, business partner of the talented designer Louise Kennedy. Paddy, who has recently set up his own event management firm, was looking relaxed and full of festive cheer.
Question of the week: Which celebrity couple broke off their relationship a number of weeks ago? However, the girl denies that she is now single, while the boy is playing the field!
One of my favourite places in Dublin, and especially so at this time of the year, is The Shelbourne Hotel on St. Stephens Green. It olde world charm is something unique that you just don't get elsewhere.
I met up with my old pal Jason O'Callaghan, former gossip journalist turned Rat Pack singer. He has just completed the sale on his new apartment in Cannes and will be spending new year there with his lovely girlfriend Etain Boyd. We were later joined by publisher of Social & Personal PJ. Gibbons and ledgendary socialite Richard Kavanagh. Discussing plans for the season PJ informed me that he will be spending time in his native Mayo, while Richard will be ensconsed in Foxrock.
Speaking of the surname Kavanagh, I bumped into the gorgeous Sarah Devitt (sister of Jane) who informed me that Sarah Kavanagh is now engaged! Well, diamonds are a girl's best friend.
Later in the night I also met Paddy Bollard, business partner of the talented designer Louise Kennedy. Paddy, who has recently set up his own event management firm, was looking relaxed and full of festive cheer.
Question of the week: Which celebrity couple broke off their relationship a number of weeks ago? However, the girl denies that she is now single, while the boy is playing the field!
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
The party season
I hosted a small drinks soiree a chez moi on Sunday. The perfect opportunity to meet friends before the holiday break. Wonderful to see Geraldine Mahony before she heads off to Australia to visit the gorgeous Elke Pascoe, who is now resident there with her fiancé Nick McDonagh.
Also present were Bronagh Dorian, who is set to blaze a trail through the recruitment industry when she starts her new job in January, Ciaran Colemen and RTE journalist John O'Driscoll.
Last night I met up with my very good friend Sinead Ryan, or 'PR guru' as she is referred to as in the press. After drinks in Maguires of Baggot Street (which has the best smoking area in the city), Sinead bought me dinner and we bumped into TV presenter David McWilliams and he lovely wife Sian. Abrakebabra Baggot Street is where it's at.
Rounding off the night with Irish Coffees in the Shelbourne and O'Donoghues, we were wise and went home. Nonetheless my head still hurts today.
I hosted a small drinks soiree a chez moi on Sunday. The perfect opportunity to meet friends before the holiday break. Wonderful to see Geraldine Mahony before she heads off to Australia to visit the gorgeous Elke Pascoe, who is now resident there with her fiancé Nick McDonagh.
Also present were Bronagh Dorian, who is set to blaze a trail through the recruitment industry when she starts her new job in January, Ciaran Colemen and RTE journalist John O'Driscoll.
Last night I met up with my very good friend Sinead Ryan, or 'PR guru' as she is referred to as in the press. After drinks in Maguires of Baggot Street (which has the best smoking area in the city), Sinead bought me dinner and we bumped into TV presenter David McWilliams and he lovely wife Sian. Abrakebabra Baggot Street is where it's at.
Rounding off the night with Irish Coffees in the Shelbourne and O'Donoghues, we were wise and went home. Nonetheless my head still hurts today.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Recovery
So, on Wednesday night the 6 strong crew of The Juice, FM104's top entertainment show, hit the town for a Christmas shindig. Sexy presenter Taragh Loughry - Grant, stylish fashion and beauty correspondent Gillian Hyland, the sultry Penny Gray of TV Now, the devilish Daryl Moorhouse, good time Games Guru John Walsh and yours truly went mad.
Kicking off the night with some party startin' cocktails, we had a scrumptious dinner in the Stokes Twins new hip and trendy bar, The Clarendon. After much wine was consumed we continued on to SPY where Cheeky Monkeys and Monkey Magic were consumed. By the end of the second one we were calling them Blue Monkeys, a much better name I think you'll agree.
No party is complete without dancing, so we decended the stairs and boogied on down in Wax. Oh what a night....
So, on Wednesday night the 6 strong crew of The Juice, FM104's top entertainment show, hit the town for a Christmas shindig. Sexy presenter Taragh Loughry - Grant, stylish fashion and beauty correspondent Gillian Hyland, the sultry Penny Gray of TV Now, the devilish Daryl Moorhouse, good time Games Guru John Walsh and yours truly went mad.
Kicking off the night with some party startin' cocktails, we had a scrumptious dinner in the Stokes Twins new hip and trendy bar, The Clarendon. After much wine was consumed we continued on to SPY where Cheeky Monkeys and Monkey Magic were consumed. By the end of the second one we were calling them Blue Monkeys, a much better name I think you'll agree.
No party is complete without dancing, so we decended the stairs and boogied on down in Wax. Oh what a night....
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Model behavior
Beautiful models converged on Lillies Bordello last night (what's new?), for the Christmas party of John Compton's Compton Model Agency. John, who is my agent, and friend, really knoes how to party. Somehow I don't think he was in his office today.
Beautiful models converged on Lillies Bordello last night (what's new?), for the Christmas party of John Compton's Compton Model Agency. John, who is my agent, and friend, really knoes how to party. Somehow I don't think he was in his office today.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
First and foremost
Last night saw the launch of a very important book, called Sport and the Law, the latest offering from First Law publishing. Written by Dr. Neville Cox and Alex Schuster, the book is the first of its kind in Ireland written on this industry and should interest all engaged in sport, whether a participant, sponsor, insurer, lawyer or property owner.
The much anticipated new book was launched in association with law firm, A&L Goodbody, and was held in their headquarters in the IFSC, where the guest speaker for the evening was President of the GAA, Mr. Sean Kelly.
Among those enjoying the evening were RTÉ newscaster Aengus MacGrianna, publisher Bart D. Daly and Senior Counsel and former boxer Mel Christle. Many family and friends also turned out to lend support and all enjoyed speeches by the authors, Sean Kelly and Head of Sport Law at A&L Goodbody, Eoin MacNeill.
Last night saw the launch of a very important book, called Sport and the Law, the latest offering from First Law publishing. Written by Dr. Neville Cox and Alex Schuster, the book is the first of its kind in Ireland written on this industry and should interest all engaged in sport, whether a participant, sponsor, insurer, lawyer or property owner.
The much anticipated new book was launched in association with law firm, A&L Goodbody, and was held in their headquarters in the IFSC, where the guest speaker for the evening was President of the GAA, Mr. Sean Kelly.
Among those enjoying the evening were RTÉ newscaster Aengus MacGrianna, publisher Bart D. Daly and Senior Counsel and former boxer Mel Christle. Many family and friends also turned out to lend support and all enjoyed speeches by the authors, Sean Kelly and Head of Sport Law at A&L Goodbody, Eoin MacNeill.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Le Weekend
Saturday night I ventured down to 12ten, a club night at The Legal Eagle. I went along to hear the mixing skills of two friends Mark Woods and Hugh Durkin. Hugh is the brains behind Fashion.ie, the popular portal for everything stylish in the country. The boy's got talent. anyway, 12ten, a quality night of house, a house with a quality crowd, as a radio advert proclaims correctly.
I spent my Sunday in the wilds of Wicklow with friends Micheal Burke, Ross Golden - Bannon and Mary Kate O'Flanagan, whos most recent appearance was in the hit Irish movie Inside I'm Dancing. We had the pleasure of driving to The Brook Lodge for lunch, which Ross was reviewing for his restaurant critic column in The Sunday Business Post. While he never reveals the identities of his fellow diners, Ross has been known to make use of this carte blanche when it comes to regaling the culinary occasions. I await his writings with anticipation!
From Brook Lodge, which, incidently was lovely, we visited Mary Kates abode, which is on the sprawling parkland of the Mount John estate. A fine lunch, walks in the country and champagne with Trivial Pursuit, it's what Sundays are for.
Saturday night I ventured down to 12ten, a club night at The Legal Eagle. I went along to hear the mixing skills of two friends Mark Woods and Hugh Durkin. Hugh is the brains behind Fashion.ie, the popular portal for everything stylish in the country. The boy's got talent. anyway, 12ten, a quality night of house, a house with a quality crowd, as a radio advert proclaims correctly.
I spent my Sunday in the wilds of Wicklow with friends Micheal Burke, Ross Golden - Bannon and Mary Kate O'Flanagan, whos most recent appearance was in the hit Irish movie Inside I'm Dancing. We had the pleasure of driving to The Brook Lodge for lunch, which Ross was reviewing for his restaurant critic column in The Sunday Business Post. While he never reveals the identities of his fellow diners, Ross has been known to make use of this carte blanche when it comes to regaling the culinary occasions. I await his writings with anticipation!
From Brook Lodge, which, incidently was lovely, we visited Mary Kates abode, which is on the sprawling parkland of the Mount John estate. A fine lunch, walks in the country and champagne with Trivial Pursuit, it's what Sundays are for.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Fashionable ladies who lunch
I had the great pleasure yesterday of being the compere / MC for the fashion lunch in aid of Our Ladies Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin, which was held in the swish Herbert Park Hotel. The fabulous clothes from Clery's looked amazing and the show was a complete success.
Minister Mary Hanafin T.D., PR Marika MacCarvill and Tomasina Costello of OLH were among those glamourous girls at the lunch. The fashion show was produced by the lovely Trish Fallon of 1st Option and styled by the very talanted Graham Cruz.
Incidently Clery's have just completed a €20million revamp and is looking wonderful. The place to shop.
I had the great pleasure yesterday of being the compere / MC for the fashion lunch in aid of Our Ladies Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin, which was held in the swish Herbert Park Hotel. The fabulous clothes from Clery's looked amazing and the show was a complete success.
Minister Mary Hanafin T.D., PR Marika MacCarvill and Tomasina Costello of OLH were among those glamourous girls at the lunch. The fashion show was produced by the lovely Trish Fallon of 1st Option and styled by the very talanted Graham Cruz.
Incidently Clery's have just completed a €20million revamp and is looking wonderful. The place to shop.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
A marriage made in heaven
I knew as soon as I receivd the invitation who I would bring as my guest. It was the launch of SimplyWeddings.com, and as my fab friend, radio presenter Bronagh Dorian, is getting married in Italy next year, I just knew she would love the party. She and fiancé Nathan Timmons will tie the knot after a whirlwind romance, which was cemented earlier this year with a big rock from Paul Sheeran. Well, diamonds are a girls best friend.
So anyway, we went down the Conrad Hotel where we were greeted by a buzz of excitement as the assembled guests got a glimpse of the new website. Colette O'Loughlin is the editor, and along with Ciara Langan (Liam Lawlor's daughter), there's nothing these gals don't know about weddings.
Enjoying the pink champagne were gorgeous models Glenda Gilson and Katy French (Katy is currently dating Glenda's brother Damien), PR gal Jane McDaid (who just got married this year) and wedding planner extraordinaire Tara Fay, who was responsible for, among others, Nicky Byrne and Georgina Ahern's nuptuals in France last year.
Later in the evening we went along to trendy bar SamSara for the launch of the fabulous new Mandala spa in La Stampa Hotel. This place really is a haven within the hustle bustle of the city centre and well worth a visit.
More pink champagne was consumed (is it the new in drink?) and I spotted Evening Herald fashion editor Bairbre Power, former Rose of Tralee Tamara Gervasoni, stunning model Astrid Brennan and knitwear designer Tim Ryan.
Accross the road in the Round Room of the Mansion House, fashion designer Synan O'Mahony was hosting his first couture show, which was in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation. I hear the night was a roaring success, but unfortunately I didn't make it in time.
It's getting very busy on the social scene!
I knew as soon as I receivd the invitation who I would bring as my guest. It was the launch of SimplyWeddings.com, and as my fab friend, radio presenter Bronagh Dorian, is getting married in Italy next year, I just knew she would love the party. She and fiancé Nathan Timmons will tie the knot after a whirlwind romance, which was cemented earlier this year with a big rock from Paul Sheeran. Well, diamonds are a girls best friend.
So anyway, we went down the Conrad Hotel where we were greeted by a buzz of excitement as the assembled guests got a glimpse of the new website. Colette O'Loughlin is the editor, and along with Ciara Langan (Liam Lawlor's daughter), there's nothing these gals don't know about weddings.
Enjoying the pink champagne were gorgeous models Glenda Gilson and Katy French (Katy is currently dating Glenda's brother Damien), PR gal Jane McDaid (who just got married this year) and wedding planner extraordinaire Tara Fay, who was responsible for, among others, Nicky Byrne and Georgina Ahern's nuptuals in France last year.
Later in the evening we went along to trendy bar SamSara for the launch of the fabulous new Mandala spa in La Stampa Hotel. This place really is a haven within the hustle bustle of the city centre and well worth a visit.
More pink champagne was consumed (is it the new in drink?) and I spotted Evening Herald fashion editor Bairbre Power, former Rose of Tralee Tamara Gervasoni, stunning model Astrid Brennan and knitwear designer Tim Ryan.
Accross the road in the Round Room of the Mansion House, fashion designer Synan O'Mahony was hosting his first couture show, which was in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation. I hear the night was a roaring success, but unfortunately I didn't make it in time.
It's getting very busy on the social scene!
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Broadcasting in Public Life
Author John Horgan launched his book, 'Broadcasting in Public Life', last night in Buswells Hotel. In association with RTE, the publication chronicles the history of broadcasting in Ireland and features many familiar names throughout.
The Minister of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D., was the guest of honour and delivered a warming speech. Among those in attendance were restaurant critic, and now NewsTalk broadcaster Ross Golden - Bannon, RTE newscaster Brian Dobson and Sherin Wilde of The Clarence Hotel.
Later on in the evening I popped in to Life Bar, where Lucy Bowen, editor of the Life magazine in the Irish Independent, was hosting a Christmas drinks party. Life Bar / Life magazine - geddit? A good night had by all, though I don't know how many of the guests are feeling lively today.
Author John Horgan launched his book, 'Broadcasting in Public Life', last night in Buswells Hotel. In association with RTE, the publication chronicles the history of broadcasting in Ireland and features many familiar names throughout.
The Minister of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D., was the guest of honour and delivered a warming speech. Among those in attendance were restaurant critic, and now NewsTalk broadcaster Ross Golden - Bannon, RTE newscaster Brian Dobson and Sherin Wilde of The Clarence Hotel.
Later on in the evening I popped in to Life Bar, where Lucy Bowen, editor of the Life magazine in the Irish Independent, was hosting a Christmas drinks party. Life Bar / Life magazine - geddit? A good night had by all, though I don't know how many of the guests are feeling lively today.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Rosanna Davison, pictured with my trusty Nokia fone, at this years Newbridge Silverware 70th birthday celebrations.
Congrats Rosanna
I almost forgot to mention the Miss World final, which was held over the weekend in China. Well done to Miss Peru, Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia, who was crowned Miss World 2004.
Congrats also to our very own Rosanna Davison, now forever known as 'Former Miss World'. I have met her many times, the first being in 2003 shortly after she was crowned Miss Ireland (a coveted title itself). She was making one of her first appearances at a special preview of Magee's A/W 04 collection at a champagne brunch in The Clarance. I recall her telling me about her iminent plans to travel to China for the Miss World finals. She was the same down to earth, pleasant and well mannered girl then, as she is now.
The last time we met we were in the Newbridge Silverware showrooms once again, for a special reception with the 2004 finalists for the Rose of Tralee. Rosanna was telling me all about a recent trip to a 3rd World country, where she was part of a chartible deligation, far from the glitz and glam of Miss World.
She has been an amazing world ambassador for Ireland - and no doubt, will continue to be, in whatever she decides to do. For now though, I hear that she has gone back to UCD to complete her studies. Go girl!
Friday, December 03, 2004
Par-tay People
Congratulations to the gorgeous Caroline Morahan who was bestowed with the honour of being Social & Personal Top Party Person of the year. At a reception last night, sponsored by Jameson, in Dakota bar, the bold and the beautiful assembled to have a look at the 100 list. The host, PJ Gibbons (who was unfortunately walking with the aide of a crutch after a recent fall), once again threw a great party.
Caroline was accompanied by her handsome boyfriend Jordan Lee McGrath, and the two caused a stir as the paparazzi clicked away outside the venue. Inside, the assembled guests included jewellery princess Cathriona Hanly, Ferrarri prince Trevor Musgrave, style queen Leann De Cerbo and night club king Robbie Fox. Party people are next to royalty.
Joining Caroline in the Top 5 positions are Bono, model Glenda Gilson, Niall McCrudden of InSight Opticians and music mogul Louis Walsh. Some others making this years list are writer Cecelia Ahern, rugby player Ronan O'Gara, PR Joanne Byrne, agent Celia Holman Lee, TV presenter Amanda Byram, Colin Farrell and brother Eamonn.
Congratulations to the gorgeous Caroline Morahan who was bestowed with the honour of being Social & Personal Top Party Person of the year. At a reception last night, sponsored by Jameson, in Dakota bar, the bold and the beautiful assembled to have a look at the 100 list. The host, PJ Gibbons (who was unfortunately walking with the aide of a crutch after a recent fall), once again threw a great party.
Caroline was accompanied by her handsome boyfriend Jordan Lee McGrath, and the two caused a stir as the paparazzi clicked away outside the venue. Inside, the assembled guests included jewellery princess Cathriona Hanly, Ferrarri prince Trevor Musgrave, style queen Leann De Cerbo and night club king Robbie Fox. Party people are next to royalty.
Joining Caroline in the Top 5 positions are Bono, model Glenda Gilson, Niall McCrudden of InSight Opticians and music mogul Louis Walsh. Some others making this years list are writer Cecelia Ahern, rugby player Ronan O'Gara, PR Joanne Byrne, agent Celia Holman Lee, TV presenter Amanda Byram, Colin Farrell and brother Eamonn.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
~H2Opening
When I arrived for opening party of the brand spanking new H2O+ store on Grafton Street, I thought I was mad late, such was the crowd of people inside. Passing by party organisers Emma Kelly and Mary Crawford of Elevate, I took refuge upstairs. It was as crowded there too though, obviously a great sign of the stores popularity.
Interestingly, the skin care specialists have branches in New York, L.A., Sydney and Hong Kong, among others, but no outlet in the U.K. Quelle surprise! It is a rare occasion that we get something as exciting before the trend setting streets of London.
Quaffing down the champagne were Lucy Bowen of Life magazine, stylist and designer Triona McCarthy, best selling author Marisa Mackle and the gorgeous Caroline Morahan, who officially opened the store.
Arriving late were poacher turned game-keeper, sorry I mean socialite turned gossip columnist Gavin Lambe - Murphy and his party pal Richard Kavanagh. Feeling hot under the collar (or maybe it was just my black trilby) I slipped away into the cold night, but I'll certainly be back to stock up on Christmas goodies.
Question of the night: Which beautiful party girl recently damaged her mobile after jumping, fully clothed, into a swimming pool during some after dark partying?
When I arrived for opening party of the brand spanking new H2O+ store on Grafton Street, I thought I was mad late, such was the crowd of people inside. Passing by party organisers Emma Kelly and Mary Crawford of Elevate, I took refuge upstairs. It was as crowded there too though, obviously a great sign of the stores popularity.
Interestingly, the skin care specialists have branches in New York, L.A., Sydney and Hong Kong, among others, but no outlet in the U.K. Quelle surprise! It is a rare occasion that we get something as exciting before the trend setting streets of London.
Quaffing down the champagne were Lucy Bowen of Life magazine, stylist and designer Triona McCarthy, best selling author Marisa Mackle and the gorgeous Caroline Morahan, who officially opened the store.
Arriving late were poacher turned game-keeper, sorry I mean socialite turned gossip columnist Gavin Lambe - Murphy and his party pal Richard Kavanagh. Feeling hot under the collar (or maybe it was just my black trilby) I slipped away into the cold night, but I'll certainly be back to stock up on Christmas goodies.
Question of the night: Which beautiful party girl recently damaged her mobile after jumping, fully clothed, into a swimming pool during some after dark partying?
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Floating down to Monstown
Last night saw the launch party of Dublin's newest holistic centre. Float was the venue for a glamourous well attended party, where bubbles and baloons were the order of the evening.
Andrea Rochford, who owns Float, played the perfect hostess to the likes of Sarah McInerney, writer and broadcaster Quentin Fottrell and stunning New Yorker Tracey Fleming (who is the spitting image of Sarah Jessica Parker).
Providing, amongst other things, therepy and massage, ear-coning, life coaching and colour therepy, Float would be the perfect way to unwind before, and indeed after, Christmas.
Last night I also dined at The Clarendon, the new cafe bar owned by the sauve Stokes twins, Christian and Simon (or as Gayle Killilea calls them 'the Bang Twins', on account of their mother being interior designer and retailer Pia Bang). Beautiful food, stylish surrounds, great staff. The place to be.
Last night saw the launch party of Dublin's newest holistic centre. Float was the venue for a glamourous well attended party, where bubbles and baloons were the order of the evening.
Andrea Rochford, who owns Float, played the perfect hostess to the likes of Sarah McInerney, writer and broadcaster Quentin Fottrell and stunning New Yorker Tracey Fleming (who is the spitting image of Sarah Jessica Parker).
Providing, amongst other things, therepy and massage, ear-coning, life coaching and colour therepy, Float would be the perfect way to unwind before, and indeed after, Christmas.
Last night I also dined at The Clarendon, the new cafe bar owned by the sauve Stokes twins, Christian and Simon (or as Gayle Killilea calls them 'the Bang Twins', on account of their mother being interior designer and retailer Pia Bang). Beautiful food, stylish surrounds, great staff. The place to be.