Secret Wars

At Secret Wars: 1. Kim Watkins & Karen O’Mahony; 2. Rachel Heaney & Laura Bonner; 3. Jenny Jackson & Jenny Kelly. Pics. Richie Stokes.

A war descended on Dublin last weekend, as the city hosted its first ever Secret Wars battle in association with Bulmers Light. Artists from Dublin and London battled it out for the reputation of their respective cities, with Dublin taking the title on this occasion to the delight of the crowd.

A team of three artists flew over from London to battle three of Dublin’s finest, in The Bernard Shaw pub on Portobello Road and gave guests a night to remember with their impressive talent. This innovative art event was absolutely free and has been held all over the world in fashionable cities such as New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Moscow and now Dublin! Guests on the night included Secret Wars founder, Terry Guy, actress Abbey Smith and the UK No1 beatboxer Reeps1.

Normally held in the dark corners of the cities, artists gather with black paint markers to follow the simple rules of drawing live against each other for 90 minutes. However this Dublin battle replicated the 92 calories in a bottle of Bulmers Light and lasted 92 minutes for the first time.

The winner was decided by the reaction of the crowd and the votes of two judges on the battle pictures of the artists. Secret Wars has spawned into a very serious competition, attracting an increasing number of followers, reaching into all forms of media, through magazines, MySpace, Internet forums, blogs and other social networks. Both Kanye West and footballer Thierry Henry are known as keen followers of the event.

Lynx FEVER

The Lynx Fever Brazilian Beach Party at the POD: 1. Supermodel Elle Liberachi and Michelle Doherty; 2. DJ Love Foxxx; 3. Karla Orozo and Vanessa Coello.


Dublin came alive with Samba Spirit last week as Lynx hosted the ‘2009 Lynx Fever Brazilian Beach Party’ to launch its sizzling new scent Lynx Fever.

Maxim lingerie model of the moment and Guess runway model Elle Liberachi jetted into the POD to party with Brazil’s hottest spinstress, CSS front lady Lovefoxxx. Ireland’s sexiest men Blizzards frontman Bressie and How Low Can You Go’s Michael Hayes danced the night away with hot radio presenter and boy’s favourite Michelle Doherty.

Miss Liberachi ensured the temperature was kept scorchio as Miss Universe Ireland Diana Donnelly shook her maracas with fellow models Georgia Salpa, Hayley Ryan, Daniella Moyles, Lynn Kelly, Sarah Tansey and Stefani Bataiolli. Traditional Brazilian dancers added an authentic flavour as the traditional drummers kept the samba beat going.

Fever, the latest fragrance from Lynx, embodies the essence of Brazil capturing the legendary Lynx effect. The Lynx Fever fiery orange shower gel contains Brazilian hot mud and red dragon fruit extracts that invigorate the skin. Phew!

EYP

At the Martini Krystle party for the EYP Network: 1. Karolina Attispodina and Tyrone Richardson; 2. Felix Rudhart and Miriam Abel; 3. Alvin Perry and Maria Bourke.


Over 300 young professionals from various backgrounds and nationalities gathered to celebrate summer and fashion at the fabulous Krystle nightclub in Dublin last week.

The Martini Krystle Tea Party hosted by EYP (European Young Professionals) a global organisation for young professionals, kicked off at in the evening sunshine with Martini cocktails and canapés on the terrace.

Guests were enthralled with a fashion show coming directly from the studios of Quack + Dirk (http://www.quackanddirk.com/) designed by the stylish Deirdre Cantwell. To the music of Roisin Murphy five beautiful models presented twenty outfits inspired by London city style and flowery Tea Party themes including five vintage evening dresses accompanied by accessories designed especially for this event.

“As EYP grows in Ireland, we remain committed to offering a unique experience to Dublin's young professionals” said Tyrone Richardson, Managing Director EYP.

All the girls at the party received Scholl Party Feet goodies which meant they could dance the night away in vertiginous high heels.

Cannon Ball Run

At the Cannon Ball launch: 1. Anna Daly; 2. Dan McGratten & Anne Doyle; 3. Amanda Brunker. Pics. Kieran Harnett.

Traffic at St. Stephens Green ground to a halt as model Pippa O’Connor posed with a selection of the luxury cars that will travel in convoy through Ireland for the Cannon Ball Run three day event. The launch party for the first ever Cannon Ball in Ireland took place at Residence Private Members Club where a host of well known faces turned out to support the Barretstown charity.

A host of familiar faces from Dublin’s social scene such as TV’s Anna Daly, Sinead Desmond and husband Dave Ryan, Amanda Brunker, Liam Cunningham, Anne Doyle and Dan McGrattan, Gerald Kean and Lisa Murphy, Grainne Barron, Maire Lee-Geary and Michael O’Doherty sipped the aptly named Cannonball Cocktail and enjoyed the sunny evening in the club’s garden.

The Cannonball Run will take place over three days, with the 1st pit stop giving the car enthusiasts a quick tour of Barretstown, so participants can see the joy that their money, brings to the children that benefit from the charity. The 2nd pit stop takes in the picturesque location of Kinsale, for a well deserved lunch in Fish Fishy Restaurant. The last day takes in the winding roads to Killarney, where the weary Cannon Ballers will party the night away, with a fabulous barbeque and a night in the Four Star Malton Hotel.

So pump up your tyres, and polish your favourite boy toy, and rev up for the first ever Cannon Ball Run to take place in Ireland. Registrations and further information can be obtained from http://www.cannonballrun.ie/ and places are limited!

Little Havana

At the Little Havana party were: 1. Fabriana Oliveria & Suzanne Santos; 2. Darren Kennedy & Helen Bangura; 3. Elisabeth Lenihan & Rebecca Lawless. Pics. Brian McEvoy.

Havana Club Rum brought a taste of Latin spirit to Wexford Street with the launch of the Little Havana Festival in Whelan’s. Guests gathered to soak up the Cuban vibe with Havana Club Rum Mojitos and Cuba Libre and Cuban tapas style bites.

Resident DJ Christian Lorenz spun a Cuban set with his signature Latin flare, while Cuban inspired drummers and dancers took to the floor to entertain the crowd.

Guests included DJ Mikki Dee fresh from his recent stint at the Oxegen festival; model Suzanne McCabe together with her boyfriend Rob Buckley. Deric Hartigan, who is busy with plans for the Mr. International Ireland contest, caught up with stylist Darren Kennedy as well as models Ally Garvey and Ciara Hughes.

Havana Club, the authentic Cuban rum, brought the Little Havana festival of events to five bars (Solas Bar, Whelans, Shine, The Village and Féile) on Wexford Street last week with free admission to all Little Havana events over the weekend.

Highlights included the Cuban Jazz Project with their unique blend of Afro-Cuban jazz and soul sounds at Whelans main stage on Friday night and The Cuban All Stars, Ireland’s only 100% authentic Cuban Band, with a music and dance extravaganza on Saturday night at The Village. Cuban inspired music, dancers and performers were on the streets and bars to ensure Cuban fever took over Wexford Street!

Blossom Hill Ladies Day launch

At the Blossom Hill party at the RDS were: 1. Aisling O’Loughlin & Rachel Wise; 2. Ally Garvey; 3. Georgina Hayes & Alan Thomas. Pics. Leon Farrell / Photocall


This week details of Blossom Hill’s new sponsorship of the Ladies Day at the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show were unveiled at a reception at the RDS. The Blossom Hill Ladies Day at the Horse Show takes place on Thursday August 6th at the band stand area. This year’s judges are couturier Synan O’Mahony and actress and author Amy Huberman.

To celebrate the launch of the new Blossom Hill range of wines from Italy and South Africa the best dressed prize includes a 5 star shopping weekend in Milan for two – one of the world’s top fashion capitals with €1000 spending money. The second part of the prize is a 5 day holiday for two to Cape Town with €1000 spending money. The winner will also be presented with a case of each wine from the new Blossom Hill range from Italy and South Africa.

Best dressed man will once again walk away with a Louis Copeland suit, while the most creative hat winner will win a €500 voucher from House of Fraser, the two highly commended winners a €1000 voucher each from House of Fraser and finally the most colourful winner will become the proud owner of a stunning stainless steel diamond encrusted Longines watch. And for all those under 18 stylishly dressed girls there will be a mystery House of Fraser judge handing out spot prizes.

To celebrate this new category Synan O‘Mahony has created a stunning full length colourful dress and said: “I love the fact that this category will encourage women – and indeed men to throw away the dark and embrace colour!"

Entrants can avail of the House of Fraser Boudoir Tent where experts will be on hand to ensure that each and every person looks their best before they go in front of the judges up on stage. MC for the day will be Xpose girl Aisling O’Loughlin.

Harry Potter Premiere

At the Harry Potter premiere were: 1. Miriam O’Callaghan; 2. Actress Evanna Lynch; 3. Darren Kennedy & Roisin Tierney - Crowe. (Pics Brian McEvoy)

The Irish premier of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" took place recently at the Savoy. Viewers including Lisa Cannon of Xpose, Martin King and star of the movie Evanna Lynch were enthralled as Death Eaters wreaked havoc in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and saw that Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was.

Harry suspects that new dangers may lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. He needs Harry to help him uncover a vital key to unlocking Voldemort's defenses—critical information known only to Hogwarts' former Potions Professor, Horace Slughorn.

Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof with far more important matters on his mind. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Harry Potter mania continues!

Food Festival at D4 Hotels

At the food evening in D4 Hotels were: 1. Andrew Rudd, Alan Hughes, Brent Pope & Malcolm O’Kelly; 2. Michael Rogers & Victoria Sheil; 3. Niamh O’Connor & Oleg Piletsky. (Pics. Richie Stokes)


D4 Hotels hosted a summer cookery demonstration event with TV3 Chef Andrew Rudd in the Ballsbridge Court Hotel a few nights ago. Enlightening and fun, the cookery demonstration evening, titled 'Take the fear out of Cooking - with a Summer Twist' was suitable for anyone who enjoys food and cookery.

Over the course of the evening Andrew taught guests how best to manage their time in the kitchen, how to select the best ingredients, organise their kitchen and choose the best equipment and utensils.

John Healy (RTE's The Restaurant) and Nick Munier (ITV's Hell's Kitchen) were among the judges that decided the winner in a 'Ready Steady Cook' style challenge pitting rugby pundit Brent Pope against rugby star Malcolm O'Kelly. At the event there was a food village, wine tastings, and a host of other exciting stalls. The evening was hosted by Alan Hughes of TV3.

D4 Hotels offers state of the art event, meeting and conference facilities in Ballsbridge including complimentary Wi-Fi. They are superbly located just 15 minutes from the city centre and their popularity with locals, who frequent its bars, coffee shops and restaurants in south Dublin, enables guests to experience the warmth and vitality that is synonymous with Dublin.

Indeed some very happy guests this week were the infamous Plano 3 who were looked after and treated like kings by the D4 group.

Frankie's

At Frankie's were: 1. Frank Fitzpatrick, Geraldine Fitzpatrick and Marco Pierre White; 2. virginia & Alessia Macari; 3. catriona Hanly & Cindy Cafolla.





Super chef Marco Pierre White continues to deliver good food the people of Dublin. After the huge success of his eponymous Dawson Street restaurant he has opened yet another eaterie here, namely Frankie’s in Temple Bar.

These exciting Italian family restaurants are the result of a partnership between one of the greatest chefs of all time and one of the greatest jockeys of recent years. Both Frankie Dettori and Marco Pierre White are at the pinnacle of their respective fields and "Frankie's Italian Bar and Grill" is a direct result of this collaboration of talent and the results can be seen immediately upon entering these stylish Italian restaurants.

With spots across London the only two places outside that city to experience Frankie’s are Dublin and Dubai. Feel lucky, the food was excellent.

Mantra

At Mantra: 1. Gray O’Brien & Sophie Ellis Bextor; 2. Brian Ormond & Pippa O’Connor; 3. Mairead & Keith Barry. (Pics. Brian McEvoy)

Pop sensation Sophie Ellis Bextor flew in to perform for lucky guests at the opening of Mantra Garden Bar and Club in Maynooth last week. After playing an intimate song set to a select number the dance floor favourite joined the posse for what was a much anticipated party.

So what’s so great about Mantra in Maynooth? Well it’s a new 30,000 square foot multi level state of the art garden bar and club including 8,000 ft of tropical gardens with 250 different species of plant complete with a 25ft waterfall over two floors and a towering 25ft gilt statue of Buddha weighing two and a half tonnes.

Inspired by the internationally acclaimed 'Buddha Bar' in Paris and 'TAO' in New York, Mantra takes its place amongst the über cool destination venues throughout the World. World Champion Cocktail waiter, Martin Holec, will preside over the cocktail bar with world class cocktails and hand cut ice from a large ice sculpture for select whiskeys. The place looks every inch the reported €12m investment.

Among the guests in Maynooth for the club launch were Jim Corr, Blizzards front man Niall Breslin, DJ Dave de Valera, Keith Barry and singer Brian Kennedy. Corrie actors Michelle Keegan and Gray O’Brien were also in attendance, as were Pippa O’Connor and Brian Ormond, TV3’s Andrea Hayes, Michael O’Doherty and models Sarah Kavanagh and Georgia Salpa, to name but a few.

The complex, on the site of the old Leinster Arms Pub, has required 200 kilometres of cable yet the whole premises will use less energy than a normal family home. The very latest technology and trends have been incorporated into the fit-out including “pour your own pint at your own table taps”, an outdoor glass elevator linking the ground floor gardens to the 1st floor gardens and a specialist heating system that keeps the outdoor areas at a comfortable 21 degrees all year round.

See www.mantrabar.ie for a sneak preview.

Secret Wars Art Battle

At the launch of Secret Wars Art Battle: 1. Dan Leo; 2. Andrew & Sarah Kelly; 3. Michael Wall & Laura Smith. Pics. Richie Stokes.

Secret Wars is the World's premier live art battle – working in similar ways to Fight Club, Secret Wars battles are set up / promoted through word of mouth.

These live art battles are being hosted in the darkest corners of each city, sometimes you might stumble across one in the basement of a bar in the East end of London or even in a deserted meat factory in Malmo Sweden. This creative battle network grows bigger by the day, every month or so more battle locations are added while new and very exciting artists enter the frame...the next one takes place in Dublin on the 25th July at the Bernard Shaw hosted by artist Dan Leo.

Secret Wars is on a global mission to turn live art into a recognised sport – with your help they can slowly make this happen!

http://www.secretwars.co.uk/

Brainwave Polo Challenge

At the Brainwave Polo day were: 1. Ben Bringer, best dressed man & Paul Sally of Hackett; 2. Norman Pratt & Roisin Tierney – Crowe; 3. Kate Moran & Emily Kennedy.



The annual Brainwave Polo Challenge Cup took place yesterday in the All Ireland Polo Club, Phoenix Park. Hailed as one of the most popular and exciting events of the summer, a thrilling day of polo was enjoyed with all funds raised going to Brainwave, The Irish Epilepsy Association. Over 200 guests descended upon polo grounds where they were treated to ice cool beer from Budweiser Aluminium & Jolie champagne on arrival. The traditional tombola also added a bit of excitement to the day.

With two amazing sponsors for the best dressed man and woman it was no wonder that the day was a very stylish affair. Hackett Menswear (South Anne Street, Dublin 2) sponsored the best dressed male which was snapped up by the uber stylish Ben Bringer who brought home an incredible prize.

Grainne O’ Gorman was deemed the most stylish lady on the day and no one could have disagreed. Appleby Jewellers awarded Grainne with a stunning bracelet for her efforts.

The Brainwave Polo Day announced details of this years’ Horse Show Hustle which is changing format slightly and instead of the usual black tie ball will become a night of amazing live entertainment in Krystle nightclub on Friday the 7th of August. A great nights entertainment is promised and with tickets at just €30 it is no wonder they are being snapped up fast. Tickets are available now from http://www.epilepsy.ie/

FM104 "Just Havin' a Laugh!"

At the FM104 gig: 1. Mark Noble & Linda Penny; 2. Ben Murray & Sinead Dempsey; 3. Sisters Sara & Julie Kavanagh. (Pics Brian McEvoy).

Some of the biggest names in comedy teamed up for the second year running for the FM104 Help a Dublin Child “Just Havin’ a Laugh!” Gig in aid of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital. The gig, which was a sell-out event, took place last weekend in Vicar Street.

Among the acts were Australian comic genius Adam Hills, star of The Panel Colin Murphy, comedy quartet Dead Cat Bounce, the always popular Karl Spain, Dublin’s own Eric Lalor and the ever-hilarious Maeve Higgins. Comedy legend Dara O’Brian was the special guest star.

Last year the FM104 Help a Dublin Child appeal raised an incredible €126,425 for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and this year all of the funds raised through the appeal will go towards the purchase of vital, life-saving equipment for the Hospital.

Dave Kelly, Programme Director FM104 said: “We are delighted to be involved in this exclusive comedy gig once again this year. We are so pleased that so many of our wonderful homegrown comedic talent has come on board to raise funds for Temple Street once more and it was great to have an international act on the bill in the shape of Adam Hills.”

SCOOP Charity Auction

At the SCOOP preview were: 1. Claire Arnold & David Uda; 2. Christina Warren & Shona Pfeiffer; 3. Russell Cullen & Suhaila Kassim. Pics. Richie Stokes.


The SCOOP (Save Children out of Poverty) Foundation, in association with Mealys Auctioneers, will host a charity art auction on Sunday 5th July in the Pygmalion Bar & Powerscourt Shopping Centre, South William St, Dublin 2.

The auction will be conducted in two sessions: 4pm in Pygmalion Bar (45 Lots approx) and 7pm in the adjoining Powerscourt Shopping Centre (45 Lots approx).

The event was preceded by a launch on Tuesday evening last in the same venue, with over 70 pieces on exhibition. The sale will include an array of contemporary art from painters, illustrators, graffiti artists, graphic designers, photographers and craft-workers, including B+, Brock Butler, Eugene Conway, Nina DiVito, Jane Hilliard, Elizabeth LeJeune, Maser, Lucy McKenna, Noel Mealy and Sarah Sheil.

Admission on the day is €10.00 which includes bidding paddle, raffle ticket & illustrated catalogue. There will also be a raffle on the day with some pretty cool prizes up for grabs. An illustrated catalogue of all the pieces can be found on the Mealy's website: http://www.mealys.com/.

The SCOOP Foundation raises money through music, art and gaming and all funds raised go directly to the children's projects with no middlemen involved. Proceeds of the event will go to an orphanage in Cambodia, an aids shelter in Uganda, a children’s’ DJ workshop in Dublin, while helping The SCOOP Foundation grow and become a charity that can make real difference.

For more information on the SCOOP Foundation please log onto: www.myspace.com/scoopcharity