And they're off.....

More horsey activity for me yesterday as I attended the launch of the 2005 Irish National Hunt Festival in the gorgeous Guinness Storehouse. All roads will be leading to Punchestown for this years festival which takes place from the 26th to the 29th of April.

Horse racing has always been a favourite social occasion of mine and Punchestown especially so. The racegoers go all out when it comes to the style stakes with the boys in their dapper pinstripes and the girls with their elegant head pieces. Last night's launch was no different.

At the champagne reception were Orla Doyle from Looks 1 PR, Minister Brian Lenihan TD, Elaine Collins, soon-to-be wife of Gold Cup winning trainer Tom Taaffe, General Manager of Punchestown Dick O'Sullivan, who gave a witty speech and Rory Sheridan of Diageo, who are major sponsors this year with the €225,000 Guinness Gold Cup. Also enjoying the evening was jockey Barry Geraghty, fresh from two wins at Cheltenham.

Also to look forward to this year is the Best Dressed Ladies competition which is in association with Newbridge Silverware and always attracts a great buzz.

Later on in the evening I had dinner in Café Bar Deli on Georges Street. I'm always the last to embrace subjects of popularity and this was my first ever visit to this gastro havan. I just might read The Da Vinci Code some time this year too.

Winner of The Dubliner Best Restaurant 2005, Café Bar Deli has been a beacon of good food at great prices for sometime now, and I'm just sorry I didn't make it there earlier. Chef Kian Brady really knows his stuff. I hear owners Eoin Foyle and Jay Bourke are taking over the premises previously occupied by Bewleys on Grafton Street and are opening another CBD there next month. The more the merrier I say.

Question of the day: Which famous Irish actor is currently being harrassed (dare I say stalked?) by his ex-girlfriend? The bunny boiler has gotten him into trouble before and now she just won't take no for an answer.

Au revoir

One of my favourite places in Dublin closed last week. The Shelbourne Hotel on St. Stephen's Green is being refurbished and will not be open to the public for at least 18 months. The Marriott Hotel group is set to spend €40 million on the project, which include additional bedrooms and a cosmetic facelift. I guess The Shelbourne is a bit like Joan Rivers - it needs a bit of work now and then to keep running with the young ones.

I had intended to call in last week, but with one thing and another I forgot. The last time I was there was sometime around Christmas when I met up with my old pal Jason O'Callaghan, the former gossip columnist turned singer. As I downed the delicious Cosmopolitan cocktails in the Lord Mayor's Lounge, we were joined by Richard Kavanagh and publisher PJ Gibbons, who were busy discussing festive plans. I recall superb service from manager Elizabeth O'Neill, as always.

Apparently both The Shelbourne and Horseshoe Bars will remain intact, further to requests from regulars. I've always preferred the larger, brighter Shelbourne Bar to the pokey, uncomfortable Horseshoe - although many would disagree, I know.

With former guests such as John F. Kennedy, Princess Grace of Monaco, the Duke of Westminister and James Cagney, it was the kind of place you could bump into anyone, and often did. Millionaires mixed with musicians, politicians rubbed shoulders with gangsters. I hope The Marriott group have the good sense to retain as much of it's old charm as possible.

Be a donor

I was at a luncheon today in the beautiful Mansion House, home of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, to mark the official launch of the Irish Kidney Association's Donor Awareness Week. A vital fundraising effort, Donor Week has long been a pivotal campaign in the IKA's annual calendar.

An Taniste, and Minister for Health, Mary Harney TD was on hand and delivered an inspiring speech to the assembled guests, who included broadcaster and patron of the association Miriam O'Callaghan, John Curran TD and Jim Morahan of The Examiner.

Donor week runs from the 2nd to the 9th of April and can be supported by the purchase of the Forget-Me-Not flower, key ring and badge.

Winner alright, winner alright

My holiday weekend was quieter than I would have like, due to a dreadful cold which I have been suffering with. Thankfully ScreenClick.com, the online DVD rental company, ensured that it wasn't a complete bore fest.

After the requisite recuperation, I made it to Fairyhouse racecourse for the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National, which was won by Numbersixvalverde, ridden by Ruby Walsh and backed by me!

Among the 16,000 odd punters were An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Minister Mary Coughlan TD, EU Commissioner and racing fan Charlie McCreevy and his lovely wife Noleen, billionaire businessman Sean Quinn, Chairman of Irish Distillers Richard Burrows and Tamso Doyle of Horse Racing Ireland.

Upon arrival I was a guest of Mary FitzGerald, who is responsible for PR at Fairyhouse. Those of you in your twenties will surely remember Mary from her days as a children's TV presenter on RTE. Thanks to Mary and her show, How Do You Do?, I knew what to do with leftover cereal boxes. These days she has swapped her tools of glitter and glue for a successful career as a marketing and PR consultant, and doesn't look a day older.

Congratulations to Vivienne Dowd from Naas, who scooped the Best Dressed Lady prize of a €1000 Carl Scarpa voucher and a €4000 trip to New York. Happy shopping Vivienne.

"George Hook", aka Jamie Plenderleith, after dinner last night.

Hooked on Timberland

I made my second trip to the new Dundrum Shopping Centre last night and was surprised at how beautiful the place is. On my last visit there were hundreds of builders and about an inch of dust everywhere. It's nice to have a 'before' and 'after' memory.

I was back for the opening party of the fab new Timberland store on the ground floor. The night had a rugby theme to it, with RTE pundits George Hook and Brent Pope and Irish international Denis Hickie discussing the highlights of the 6 Nations tournament.

The first time I met George Hook was at the launch of the La Vallee property development in Bray, Co. Wicklow a couple of years ago. He was guest speaker at the event and entertained the guests with his witty repartee. There's more to George than rugby.

Among the assembled guests last night were presenter of The Den, Francis Boylan, model Peter Loyd, agency boss Trish Fallon and publicist Amy Buckeridge. Also there were SD favourite Kathryn Thomas and former Lansdowne rugby player Brian O'Mahony, who is off to New York soon to take up a VP position with a private bank.

Beer, hotdogs, rugby and a special 25% discount off Timberland gear - some guys didn't want to leave.

I later called into the Rubicon restaurant and met with Fergal Breen, Barry Paterson of IT Talent, colmunist Frances Winston and Jamie Plenderleith, some of who had been ensconced since lunchtime. That's what I call a boozy lunch.

Jamie and I continued on to Renards and concluded the night in Lillies, where I spotted former owner Dave Egan enjoying himself. Checking out the competition or just for old time sake?

Question of the day: Who was the female celebrity with actor George McMahon when the recent incident occured?

Tea or Coffee madam?

I met TV presenter Kathryn Thomas on my travels yesterday. Kathryn, who presents travel show No Frontiers, is everywhere these days! A regular on TV show The Panel and fronting the ad campaign for eircom broadband the girl from Carlow is rarely off our screens. And if you're a frequent flyer out of Dublin Airport she's rarely out of your ears either - she voices the welcome advise message at the boarding gate.

We were at the opening of Barnie's, a new concept to the world of coffee (and tea) in Ireland. The flagship store is located on Dublin's Westmorland Street and is owned and operated by Lorraine Sweeney, who brought us Beshoffs. You just know she's in the know. I highly recommend the Coffee Freezers. They go down faster than Paris Hilton.

Anyhoo, Kathryn, who has amazing eyes, is eagerly awaiting the green light for the next series of No Frontiers, which I'm sure she'll get. When it comes to that girl's TV career there really should be no frontiers.

Mondo-gate

It must have been a really slow news day yesterday. Front page of a scuzzy tabloid screamed about actor George McMahon, aka Mondo from Fair City, commiting a lewd act with the bonnet of a jeep. Apparently the couple driving said vehicle were shocked and distressed when the actor leapt up on their bonnet and proceeded to gyrate. I smell a hicks-ville couple selling a story.

The 'story' emerged in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, where George was starring in a theatre production of Conor McPherson's 'This Lime Tree Bower'. What was, in fact, a playful joke turned into a tabloid-fest and subsequently is being broadcast on radio news bulletins today. I mean, really, what about the reconciliation of society darlings Gerald and Clodagh Kean? Surely the Irish public are on tenterhooks about that story.

I know George, and I know the kind of fun-loving guy he is. His high-jinx hilarity shouldn't be confused for anything else. Keep it up George.

That Friday Feeling

I've just had a long leisurely lunch with the lovely Amy Buckeridge and her colleague Lorraine Murphy in Cooke's on South William Street. Perfect for the post-Patrick's Day tenderness. Amy runs her own PR firm and looks after big brands such as Magee, Timberland and The Body Clinic. The news and gossip was in full flow, much of it too salacious to repeat, and that was just me talking. Delicious food too - it's great to see Johnny Cooke back cooking up a storm (please, excuse the pun).

Another gorgeous lunch I had last week was in the fabulous No.10 Ormonde Quay, hosted by P&G Beauty. Among the guests at my table were Brent Miller, international spokesman for P&G. As we discussed the latest in skincare, and more to the point how to combat premature ageing, Brent filled us in on tips and advice. Apparently the latest thing is to use haemorrhoid cream to maintain a youthful fizog. Who knew! I think I'll stick to Olay.

One person who is looking younger everyday is Dolores O'Riordan, lead singer with The Cranberries. She was recently spotted having lunch in Acqua restaurant in Howth. Heavily pregnant with her second child the star was positively blooming.

Right, it's Friday, and I'm off. Have a great weekend y'all.

Question of the week: Which well known socialite has announced that he has a new boyfriend? After years of speculation he has come out of the closet and is now a regular on the gay scene. Now all we want to know is the boyfriend's name!

Joanne Byrne and Louis Walsh leaving the O2 BlackBerry party last night.

O2 at Cocoon last night

Positive attitude

The fashion cognoscenti and music lovers were out in force last night for two kick ass parties. First port of call was the stylish club SPY for the the launch of @ttitude, a funky new take on bringing fashion to the masses. Starting in April, the @ttitude roadshow will visit Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford, Limerick and Naas, bringing a mixture of fashion, music, gaming and fun to a nightclub near you. One part I'm excited about is the use of professional dancers as opposed to models. I like a bit of @ttitude.

Enjoying the Corona (and fish and chips) were producer Cathy O'Connor, diarist Gavin Lambe - Murphy, publisher PJ Gibbons and model Astrid Brennan. I also bumped into Brendan Scully who is the choreographer for the @ttitude ensemblé and fashion girl-about-town Triona McCarthy, who is off to New Orleans on Monday to interview Britney Spears! @ttitude kicks of on April 6th.

Over at trendy bar Cocoon, O2 and BlackBerry hosted a party to showcase the latest BlackBerry handsets. Main attraction for the evening were G4, the X-Factor finalists who are blazing a trail through the music world.
Performing several songs from their album, the boys belted out the vocals to an enthralled audience.

Sipping on the delicious blackberry cocktails were TV presenters Blathnaid Ní Chofaigh and Alan Hughes, Hugh Scully, columnist France Winston and Romy Carroll, who is the new PR for Cocoon, Jamie Plenderleith and UIP's Anna Lavery. As I left I ran into Joanne Byrne and Louis Walsh (pictured) who were going for dinner with the G4 boys later in the evening.

I also bumped into TV star Brendan Courtney who was looking fresh and in town for a 24-hour flying visit.

My night was rounded off with a trip to Renards for the going away party of Rob Atkinson, who has left his position as Commercial director with Ireland on Sunday. He is going back to the U.K. to take up the position of Sales Director with advertising giant AdShel. Among the crew wishing him bon voyage were socialite Niall McCrudden of Insight Opticians and Paul Trainer of The Dubliner magazine.

FMIs

Being a Former Miss Ireland, or FMI as I like to shorten it to, can be a ticket to success. I met Vivienne Doyle, who was Miss Ireland in 1998, last Saturday night in Lillies. She and her husband, pilot Kevin Quinn, gave birth to baby Daniel 5 months ago and are finding the experience to be a big, but rewarding, change to their lives.

A model for many years with Celia Holman - Lee's agency, Vivienne may go back to the catwalk, but ultimately wishes to open her own fashion boutique and is currently looking into possibilities.

This got me thinking about the other FMIs that I know. Amanda Brunker won in 1991 and went ton to model and set up her own greeting card business. She is now a social diarist with the Sunday World newspaper and has sucessfully pursued a TV career, recently presenting her own show, The Dinner Party.

Pamela Flood won Miss Ireland in 1993. A highly successfull model, Pamela went on to become a continuity announcer with Network 2. She went on to become a TV presenter with many UK channels is now co-presenter of one of RTE's top entertainment shows, Off The Rails.

Miss Ireland in 1997, the year before Vivienne, was Andrea Roche. She has since become one of Ireland's top models and regularly appears as a fashion presenter on Ireland AM. She also now owns the Miss Ireland franchise with Mags Humphries, and together they are responsible for holding the Finalé every year in the City West Hotel.

Our most famous FMI is, of course Rosanna Davison, who went on to scoop the ultimate prize of being crowned Miss World last year. She is now the countries most in-demand model and attracts attention wherever she goes. However, not one to let the fame go to her head (it helps having Chris de Burgh as her father), Rosanna has since returned to her studies and intends on graduating from college.

I guess it depends how an FMI capitalises on her success. They are regularly written about in the gissip columns and social diaries, and with that amount of press interest it should be easier to sustain a lucrative career after the crown has been handed back. Whether that career be a vacuous Paris Hiltonesque one or a Mother Teresa help-the-children one, it doesn't matter. Winning Miss Ireland is a fantastic spring board to bigger and better things.

Alternative Miss Ireland 2005

The annual extravaganza that is the Alternative Miss Ireland exploded on the the stage in full technicolour fabulousness at the Olympia Theatre last night. This not-to-be-missed event is a mish mash of the sane, the talented and the down right crazy getting together to raise much needed funds for worthy charities.

Over the last number of years in excess of €110,000 has been raised for Open Heart House and Cairde, two great AIDS organisations. Hosted by the inimitable Panti, who wore a show stopping creation by designer Jurgen, and the Dyin' For It Sisters, the evening was a resounding success, supported by a varity of organisations including ~H20+, The Front Lounge and KLM.

Reigning supreme as Alternative Miss Ireland 2005 is Miss Heidi Konnt, who put on an amazing show with her Von Tramp family. The audience went wild for her original and hilarious performance. Taking a close second place was Miss Gringo, who won the crowd with her comical rendition of Lionel Richie's Hello. Snapping at her heels in third position was Miss Davina Devine, who was Barbie personified.

Among those enjoying the show were RTEs Aengus MacGrianna, Gary Kavanagh and Michael Doyle of Peter Mark (Michael has just bought a swish new apartment in Dublin 8), designer Cyan Kingston and stylist Graham Cruz. There were more after parties than Elizabeth Taylor has diamonds, but I ventured down to Spirit where DJ Karen whipped the crowd up into a frenzy. Bopping along were TV presenter Pamela Flood, producer/director Traolach O'Buchalla and man-about-town Michael Taylor, who looked great in a funky Paul Smith jacket.

Another year, another Queen. Well done to all concerned.

Saturday Night Live(ly)

Narrowly defeated in yesterday's rugby match (Irl 19 - Fra 26), the natives were out in force last night to drown their collective sorrows. The French were celebrating no doubt, but it seemed they decided to keep a low profile. My good friend Judith Giltinane and I hit the town last night in search of .... well, a good time I guess.

We kicked off proceedings in Cocoon, the bar owned by former F1 driver Eddie Irvine (although I hear that his former business partner John Foley is still pursuing him in the courts over ownership). I bumped in Michael Hayes, one of the presenters of new TV show How Low Can You Go? on RTE 2. I congratulated him on a job well done but he didn't take my praise too well, telling me that he wasn't too happy about the way in which the show was edited. I reminded him that we'd only seen the first of six and left him with the hope that things improve.

En route to Rush, we called into the newly revamped AKA off Grafton Street. The place is looking uber stylish, resembling a trendy Manhatten bar. We probably should have stayed in AKA, so busy was the crowd in Rush, the South William Street bar owned by Johnny Rush. Every nights a party night in Johnny's, where he can usually be found in the DJ booth spinning the discs.

We happened upon Bryan McDonald, the former Evening Herald journalist, who is now living in London and moving on to Geneva. He proudly informed us that he recently married his girlfriend, stunning model Gurana, in Vienna. I was more surprised than Lindsey Lohan at a pioneer disco. He's a dark horse.

On then to Lillies Bordello where I spotted the lovely Ciara Carroll, FMI Vivienne Doyle and Paul and Ian Davey, who own the wonderful Toni&Guy salon on Dame Street.

The real party, however, was over at Renards. En route we passed a forlorn Shane Byrne, who had obviously had enough of the sorrow drowning. Inside I spotted many of the Irish team, including Brian O'Driscoll, who was the recipient of a rather loving embrace from ex-girlfriend, top model Glenda Gilson. Also patying the night away were publisher PJ Gibbons, Today FM presenter Tony Fenton, rugby pundit Brent Pope, Formula 1 boss Eddie Jordan and artist Guggi.

The floating BMW pavillion at the IFSC. The structure will remain there for the next number of months as a gift to the DDDA from BMW.

Yours truely and Pat Kenny at the BMW launch last night.

The heli-sphere entertainment at the BMW 3-series launch last night.

Model bahavior: FMI Andrea Roche, FMW Rosanna Davison and model Glenda Gilson at the launch party for The Third Stop at the Hilton Hotel.

Vroooom.....

Last night was a busy one, traversing the town for two big parties. We kicked off proceedings with the launch of The Third Stop, the new bar in the Hilton Hotel on Charlemont Place. It's a stylish joint, vastly improved from what was there before. Former Miss World Rosanna Davison was there, looking ravishing as always.

Down then to the IFSC for the launch of the swanky new 3 Series BMW. A champagne reception in the Harbourmaster Bar was followed by the dramatic unveiling of the ever popular voiture. Among the guests were singer Ronan Keating and his beautiful wife Yvonne, both of whom are delighted to be expecting their third child, TV presenter Alan Hughes, RTE sports presenter Des Cahill and former Rose of Tralee Tamara Gervasoni, who is now motoring correspondent with Social & Personal magazine and is also working on a new movie.

We all adjourned back to the Harbourmaster for a delicious dinner, where I spotted TV star Pat Kenny, model Jenny Lee Masterson, society event organiser Geraldine Mahony and producer Karl Broderick, who is riding high on the success of his song winning the You're A Star contest.

Anyhoo, the pictures tell it all. Have a good weekend y'all and come back on Monday, where you can read all about the fabulous event that is the Alternative Miss Ireland.

Question of the night: Which high profile couple were recently spotted having an on-street blazing row in the early hours of the morning?

Shock! Horror!

I went along to a special screening of the new Keau Reeves movie, Constantine, last night at the Savoy. The main feature was preceeded by a quirky new short film called The Wonderful World of Kelvin Kind, starring Bern Deegan. It tells the story of a hapless and lonely guy who falls for a new girl who moves in to his building. She doesn't even know he exsists though. It's cute. I spotted the producer Mcdara Kelleher and actor John Kavanagh in the audience.

With regard to Constantine, I guess a supernatural thriller is how I'd describe it. The battle between heaven and hell and all in between is the general gist of it. Worth seeing, but not if you are of a nervous disposition. My friend may as well have brought along a sleep mask, such was the amount of time spent with his hands covering his eyes. Bless.

In other news I see that there is a new VIP club opening here in Dublin this Friday night. Located somewhere on Baggot Street, the new club is the brainchild of George Sabongi, who owns Romanza restaurant on Leeson Street. Rumours that former Lillies boss Valerie Roe is involved have not been confirmed.

New talent

We need more celebrities in Ireland. And I don't mean talentless 'famous for being famous' people. Thankfully our TV stations are a good platform for fresh new faces, a few of which have bounced off our screens and brightened up our lives recently.

A sucessful new show on RTE 2 called The Ex Files has been well received of late, with new girl on the block Lucy Kennedy giving it socks in the presenting role. This 28 year old, dark haired babe with the big wide smile has a certain blasé attitude and usually adopts a cheeky way of dealing with rapscallion contestants.

Another new RTE 2 show is How Low Can You Go? which sees three booze guggling boys trek to different countries in the search of fun whilst sticking to a tight budget. Of the three, I know Mark O'Neill, the cheeky blonde one. After years working behind the camera it's great to see him in a star role as he has natural talent.

Over on Irish language channel TG4 we have the impish Aoife Ní Thuairisg who hosts Paisean Faisean, a kind of dating meets fahion show. Actually, speaking of TG4, there are probably many more new presenters that I'm unaware of, simply because I rarely tune in.

One of my favourite new comers is the gorgeous Karen Koster, who is frequently appearing on TV3's Ireland AM breakfast show as the weather anchor, stepping in for Alan Hughes on occassion. This blonde bombshell (Karen, not Alan) certainly brightens up my home of a dark morning.

So, now all we need is the odd kiss 'n' tell exposé in the Sunday papers ...

A snapshot of the finalé of the UCD 150 Arts Fashion Show

Le Weekend

As always the UCD 150 Arts Fashion Show was a roaring success. It's Europe's largest fashion show, attended by over 5,000 people, and it really is a credit to all involved. This years theme was Temptation Island, with the summery feel giving us all a warming J-Lo type glow.

At the Anglo Irish Bank sponsored VIP reception in the luxurious O2 Point Club I spotted model Katy French and publicists Rebecca Burrell and Clodagh Fitzgerald, who are busy with the preparations for the launch of the new Tommy Hilfiger store in Dundrum SC. Also there were singer Chris De Burgh with his wife Diane, whose daughter, FMW Rosanna Davison, was co-presenting the show. I later bumped into her presenting side kick Ray Shah, who admitted that he was extremely nervous.

Among those sitting front row at the show were TV presenter Caroline Morahan, Fashion.ie editor Hugh Durkin and Cyril Walsh, Managing Director of SASHA, who presented the SASHA Young Designer of the Year Award to Catherine Lyons, a 4th year student at the NCAD.

On Saturday, continuing the trend of the March birthday, top model Glenda Gilson booked out the entire Beacon Hotel in Sandyford for her pals and partied in style. Playboy Trevor Musgrave also celebrated his birthday on the same night. The following day, model agency boss John Compton was birthday boy with a bit-of-a-do in Cafe en Seine. Among those enjoying the jazz tones were Tara O'Connor, socialite Karla Elliott and model Peter Loyd.

Finally, big congratulations to my good friend Karl Broderick. You may remember I mentioned last week that Karl had written the song that was in the final 3 of the You're A Star contest. Well the McCauls won out with the catchy song Love?, and Karl will be off to Kiev with them to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest. Can't you just feel the Love?

Dinner & Drinks

I was joined for dinner last night by my good friends Fidelma Kelly of Clarins and restaurant critic Ross Golden - Bannon. Ross managed to bag a table at L'Gueuleton, which is notoriously difficult as they don't take reservations. I guess that's a perk of the job. Among our fellow diners was Senator David Norris, who was looking dapper as always and some of the crew from The Trocadero restaurant. Always a good sign when the competition frequent.

I bumped into wrtiter Marisa Mackle last night too. The best selling author is about to hit the silver screen as one of her books is to be made into a movie. The blonde babe is off to Hollywood next week to begin talks.

I'm off to the UCD 150 Arts Fashion Show tonight which is a social highlight of the year. Report to follow.


Question of the night: Which aristocratic babe is too fond of the bottle and was dropped from her media slot as a result?

The part posse at H&M last night

The birth day of H&M

It was a who's who at last nights opening party for H&M in the new Dundrum Shopping Centre. While the builders put the finishing touches to the centre the guests enjoyed snipes of Piper Heidsieck champagne - and the generous 25% discount.

TV celebrities were represented by Alan Hughes, Martin King and Lorraine Keane of TV3, Sky News presenter Gráinne Seoige and Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh of The Afternoon Show (who carefully negotiated the obstacle course with me on the way into the centre).

Star of the night was Kerry Katona, who was in town specially for the launch. Looking pretty in pink, the newly voted Mum of the Year was besieged by the paparazzi at every turn. Also looking fab were Samantha Mumba, designer Synan O'Mahony, entertainer Twink and actor Jamie Belton with his stunning girlfriend, singer Carol Anthony.

As it was my birthday night, we continued the party to Bruxelles for Mr. Pussy's legendary show. Among the revellers were actor Marcus Seoige (who is back from London), publicists Sinead Ryan and Aoife Donohoe, Dickie Rock's son Jason and Judith Giltinane. Newspaper columnist Francis Winston was there also, along with Paul Trainer of The Dubliner and Ireland on Sunday's Showbiz Editor Joanne Hegarty. We later adjourned to Renards till the wee small hours.

Birthdays - only once a year - thankfully ;-)

A pint please

Brewing beer is not a small task, just ask Arthur Guinness. Actually, don't. Ask Oliver Hughes instead. He owns The Porterhouse, Ireland's largest genuine Irish brewery, who, last night launched their annual StoutFest. He is also the new owner of Lillies Bordello, but I digress.

Running from March 10th until St. Patrick's Day, the festival is a showcase for the world's first Chocolate Truffle Stout (...mmmm), brewed specially by the Porterhouse Brewing Company, and a celebration of the Porterhouse's extensive range of unique stouts, ales and lagers.

I remember well my first ever visit to the Temple Bar branch (they now have places in Glasnevin, Wicklow and the U.K.). I ordered a pint of Bud, not realising that they brewed their own and didn't stock mass produced big brands. Knowledge is power I guess.

I'm off to the party of the year (so far) tonight. The first shop to open in the brand spanking new Dundrum Shopping Centre. H&M comes to town, and the girls in Presence PR have had people calling and begging for invites. Should be good.

Question of the day: Which married top radio and TV star was recently flirting with a beautiful girl at a party? While being very touchy-feely, he informed her that his wife was away for the weekend and asked her to come home with him. The (wise) girl politely declined his offer.

Eur A Star

My good pal, writer and producer, Karl Broderick has been busy lately. Having just finished producing the annual panto, Beauty and the Beast at the Liberty Theatre last month he embarked on a well earned trip around the Carribbean. Now that he's back though, it looks like he's going to be busier than Michael Jackson's lawyer.

He is already working on this year's panto which will be his own special version of Cinderella. As well as scripting and producing, Karl is also a talanted songwriter. His song 'Love' has made it into the final three in the contest to find the song that will be the Irish entry in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. It will be performed by the McCauls from Athlone on RTE's You're A Star this Saturday night.

Watch the show on Saturday night and vote often. It's time we won the Eurovision again.