Ladies who lunch

At the charity lunch: 1. Eithne Wall & Gillian Griffin; 2. Olivia Hogan, Hazel O’Sullivan & Joanne Rowan; 3. Ciara Corbett & Jackie Rafter. (Pix Brian McEvoy)

Wall 2 Wall PR hosted its annual Christmas charity lunch in Venu Brasserie on recently. This year the chosen charity was 1Life, a new 24 hour suicide prevention helpline which offers confidential advice and support nationwide for callers in need of help.

Guests were treated to a superb meal where a selection of top Christmas gifts were showcased. This followed a raffle extravaganza where all the gifts were given away ensuring no one left empty handed. Some top prizes included a Fendi handbag, Louliere jewellery, Jack Wills blazer, signed Padraig Harrington print and much more.

The lunch was a huge success raising over €5,000 for 1Life. Guests on the day included Caroline Downey, Morah Ryan, model Hazel O’Sullivan, Joanne Byrne, Martina Fox and Eithne Fitzpatrick.

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy the party season my dears!

Diamonds for Christmas

At Diamonds by Danielle: 1. Maureen O’Donnell & Synan O’Mahony; 2. Joe & Danielle Hayes; 3. Brendan Courtney & Sonya Lennon. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


As Christmas lights glisten all around, Danielle Hayes previewed her stunning collection of Diamonds by Danielle in No 5, Merrion Row. Diamonds by Danielle is a special and unique service which allows you to choose, design your own, or replicate a ring or piece of jewellery of your choice at exceptional prices.

Guests who attended included Danielle’s parents Joe and Colette Hayes, Ann Boylan, Nadine-Wai O’Flynn, Tara O’Connor and Andrew Reynolds, Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon and Rachel Kavanagh to name but a few. Diamonds by Danielle works closely with one of the best workshops in London, where the handmade craftsmanship is second to none.

Diamonds by Danielle specialises in bespoke jewellery of any size, shape or colour. Having qualified in G.I.A’s Diamond and Diamond Essentials Danielle Hayes has the expertise and knowledge to ensure jewellery purchase will be a very special one.

A little something from Santa perhaps?

Festive Fuzion

At the fusion festive do: 1. Deirdre Waldron, Cathy O’Connor & Roisin O’Reilly; 2. Brendan Scully & Ally Garvey; 3. Doreen O’Mahony & Olive Santry. (Pix. Richie Stokes)


Leading PR agency Fuzion Communications celebrated the festive season with a reception in the cosy surrounds of the Cellar Bar at Pacino’s Restaurant on Suffolk Street last night. The location proved a popular choice and gave guests the opportunity to pop in for a drink after last minute Christmas shopping.

Among those in attendance were stylist Cathy O’Connor, Triona McCarthy, TV chef Andrew Rudd, model Ally Garvey, author Claire Redmond and Irish Times writer Joan Scales.

FM104 presenter Louise Jordan was also there as were Angharad Williams of Woman’s Way magazine and Deric Hartigan of 3e. Kathy Littler, producer of The Afternoon Show, also popped by to share in the Fuzion festive spirit.

Fuzion opened its Dublin office just over 6 months ago and this event was a “thank you” to all those in the media who have supported the new branch. The Cork office has been in operation for a number of years and indeed many of the staff there attended the party, including the agency bosses Deirdre Waldron and Greg Canty.

Fiat

At the Fiat bash: 1. Glenda Gilson; 2. Danny O’Donoghue & Glen Power of The Script with Amy Huberman & Adrian Walsh of Fiat; 3. Jacques Malone & Baz Ashmawy. (Pix Brian McEvoy)


Fiat Ireland hosted a star studded invite only glitzy party to celebrate the launch of the new state of the art Fiat & Alfa Romeo South Dublin showroom. Located on Goatstown Rd, Clonskeagh it’s good news for the motor industry with new jobs created.

Fiat Ambassadors and Global superstars ‘The Script’ who have just returned home from New York joined Amy Huberman in presiding over cutting the ribbon to officially launch the venue.

There was also a “Celebrity Race Off” between Glenda Gilson and Karen Koster in team Xpose Vs. Rachel Wyse and Conor Twomey in team X-celerate. They battled it out with Fiat 500 remote control cars, in a race that was officiated by Blizzards frontman Niall Breslin and Keith Barry.

Other attending guests included Leigh Arnold, Baz, No Frontiers Jenny Buckley, Anna Daly of TV3, rugby players Denis Hickey and Shane Horgan. Plenty of Italian Peroni beer was flowing along with specially catered Christmas canapés by Nick Munier.

Homemade by Clodagh McKenna

At the launch of Homemade: 1. Michael Mulcahy & Clodagh McKenna; 2. Ruth Wassel & Benoit Bringer; 3. Lisa Murphy & Paula Linehan. (Pix. Leon Farrell / Photocall)

Clodagh McKenna launched her new magazine, Homemade, in style this week at an invite only event in the captivating surroundings of Number 31, Leeson Close, Dublin 2. Frequented by a host of stars through the years including Princess Grace and Jackie Kennedy, Number 31 was the ideal backdrop for the launch of Clodagh’s new magazine, which features delicious recipes and homemaking advice, as well as her top tips for gifting, arts and crafts, interiors and travel.

Guests were treated to Piper Heidseick champagne and wine courtesy of and McGuigan Wines, while Clodagh and her team prepared the mouth-watering homemade food for the event. The taste sensation included smoked Gubeen cheese and a selection of salami, paté from Barry Tyner, smoked mackerel pate from Burren’s smoke house, freshly baked bread from Arbutus bakery, handmade chocolate truffles (made by Clodagh’s mum!) and delicious mince pie ice cream from Bourke’s Farm.

Gerald Kean and Lisa Murphy were seen enjoying the evening and chatting to Paula Lenihan from RSVP Media Group, who are the publishers of Homemade. Other guests in attendance included artist Helen Steele, Irish fashion designers Peter O’Brien and Eilis Boyle, interior designer Gregory Curran, Brian Walsh of RTE and chef Andrew Rudd.

Clodagh was also delighted to welcome Sam Stevenson Jnr. to the event. He grew up in Number 31 and it was his first return visit in 23 years.

Log onto www.homemadebyclodagh.com for more information.

Misadventures of Max

Celebrating the book launch: 1. Emma O’Driscoll & Brian Purcell; 2. Danielle Rocca Devine; 3. Declan Donnelly & Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh. (Pix Kieran Harnett).



"THE MISADVENTURES OF MAX" by Emma O' Driscoll was launched today in Eason's, Dundrum Town Centre with 100% of the proceeds from this book going to the Baby Max Wings of Love Fund. The book has been written in English and separately in 'Drop-In' Irish words to develop children's Irish vocabulary in a fun way.

It’s all about what MAX may have been and what any child might like to be when they grow up e.g. Max the Rugby star, Tennis Player, Doctor, Teacher, TV Presenter etc! Superb rhyming poems, illustrations and stickers make for a fun and educating book for Christmas and all year round.

There was a great atmosphere with entertainment from Max's sister Zena, only 7 years of age, singing 'THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL' as she sang on the Toy Show and numbers from the Ennis Twins and International New Zealand Singer, Rebecca Nelson.

Amongst many in attendance to support the launch were TV presenters Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh and Sinead Kennedy, Emmet Byrne (Rugby), Scott Barron (recent Davis Cup for Irish Tennis), Dr. Brendan O’Hare and architect Niall Burke-Kennedy.

The books are available online, www.babymax.ie or in all good bookshops nationwide.

Jameson & Louis Copeland

In Smithfield for the event: 1. Tara O’Leary & Emer Whelan; 2. John Compton & Vivienne Connolly; 3. Shane Corbett & Sean Munsanje. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


Louis Copeland cut a dapper dash as he hosted a private reception in the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield. The evening showcased the Hugo Boss men’s winter collection and guests were treated to Jameson Reserves whiskey tasting whilst being guided through the characteristics of Premium Irish Whiskey by Jameson Distiller Liam Donegan.

Nigel Lyndon entertained guests on piano whilst everyone enjoyed a selection of Jameson Reserves Whiskey and canapés. Guests included Xpose’s Sean Musanje, Darren Kennedy, model Vivienne Connolly and Fiat publicist Tara O’Leary.

Keith Duffy Ball

At the ball: 1. Michelle Heaton & Hugh Hanley; 2. Yvonne Keating; 3. Mai Frisby, Denis and Caroline Desmond. (Pix. Brian McEvoy).

Keith Duffy hosted the last ball of 2009 in aid of charity last week. The Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball took place in the Great Hall, at The Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The gala, in association with Raymond Weil, was held in aid of Irish Autism Action and the Saplings School for Autism in Rathfarnham.

As guests arrived at Kilmainham they were greeted by all the magic of Christmas. Each guest was given a mask on arrival to keep with the theme of the night, with RTE’s Brian Ormond acting as MC. The evening commenced with a drink reception, after which guests enjoyed a four-course meal with entertainment by a host of celebrities and stars including Keith Barry and Darren Holden. After dinner there was much dancing to legendary band Aslan.

Among those who attended on the night wereKeith and Lisa Duffy, Ronan and Yvonne Keating, Caroline and Denis Desmond, Morah Ryan, Liam Cunningham, Michael and Kim Wright, Michelle Heaton and Hugh Hanley to name but a few.

Brackens

Celebrating at Brackens: 1. Michael Kenny & Mikaela Kenny; 2. James Moran & Lucy Roberts; 3. Emma Bridgett & Jessica Bressan. (Pix Brian McEvoy).

Bracken’s Bar, 40 Wexford Street, enjoyed the official launch on with all the usual suspects turning up to toast the success with owner Ciaran Bracken. Guests on the night enjoyed complimentary drinks and food from the lunch and dinner menus. Live music entertained the crowds, many of whom partied until late into the night.

The event diary is full at Bracken’s: Tuesday night sees a hugely popular poker night and Wednesday challenges all those who think they know a two or thing about sport with a sports only table quiz. Live music is also hugely popular with some of the best up and coming stars in town delighting the crowds.

Dinner with Leigh Arnold

At the charity dinner: 1. Joanne Pollard & Michelle McGrath; 2. Niamh Fitzgerald & Niamh Horan; 3. Chef Leigh Arnold. (Pix Brian McEvoy).


Wrights Anglers Rest hosted a charity fundraiser for Special Olympics recently. Diners paid for the special meal which was cooked by Clinic actress Leigh Arnold.

The actress, who has a passion for cooking prepared a choice of a lobster cocktail or Caesar salad for the starter , while the main course consisted of a lamb dish and to finish off a dessert of Ginger Bread men with ice cream - a dish which has been close to her heart since she was a child and which her grandmother taught her to prepare.

The event which was a huge success those in attendance included Chloe Arnold and her boyfriend Justin Manville, Michelle McGrath, Glenda Gilson,Suzanne Jackson and Lianne Kavanagh.

The Ashling

Partying at The Ashling: 1. Catherine Breslin, Niamh Hogan and Lindsey Burgess; 2. Alex Young; 3. Siobhan O'Reilly and Maeve Gavigan. (Pix. Stephen Wall Morris)

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen did the honours opening the "new look" Ashling Hotel recently. The hotel has been an Irish Landmark for over 100 years and after a major investment for redevelopment reputed to be in the order of €20m it will continue to welcome guests for many more years to come.

Located on Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, The Ashling now incorporates 225 luxurious bedrooms, a 180 seat restaurant, Chesterfields Brasserie, the stylish Iveagh Bar and new meeting room facilities for up to 220. On top of this 50 new full and part time jobs were created.

With its central location overlooking the River Liffey and in close proximity to Heuston Rail Station, the hotel is close to Dublin's bustling city centre. Dublin's leading tourist attractions are also located near to the Ashling and they include Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Guinness Storehouse, National Museum at Collins Barracks, Kilmainham Gaol and Smithfield Distillery.

The new courts complex is also located about 200 metres from the hotel's front door, should you find yourself there for whatever reason...

Chocolate Bar

At The Chocolate Bar: 1. Laura Kilgallon & Justin Parr; 2. Sarah Cunniffe & Amie Hynes; 3. Darren McBride & Abbey Smith. (Pix. Richie Stokes).


The Chocolate Bar was once the place to be in the heady days of pre Celtic Tiger clubbing when the PoD was the epicenter of uber cool. Well it’s back in the same PoD / Crawdaddy complex and now occupies the old lobby Bar space at the Harcourt terminal building.

POK Design are responsible for fully refurbished interior of the new bar. The inspiration for the sweeping red curtains leading through from The Chocolate Bar to Crawdaddy is definitely a theatrical throwback, the gunmetal gauze at the entrance can apparently be traced back to the reception of a New York Office Block.

A portion of the seating originates from a chair that was rescued from a skip, subsequently becoming the prototype for the carpenters to replicate.

From Monaghan to Morocco, all of the furniture has been hand picked to be eclectic yet comfortable and functional, and beautiful natural wood flooring maximises the effect of the beautiful décor.

The Chocolate Bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 4.30pm with music from 8pm and Wifi throughout.

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me

At the opening night: 1. Miriam O’Callaghan & Frank McGuinness; 2. Chole, Mo and Leigh Arnold; 3. Neil Jordan & Suzanne Doyle. (Pix. Brian McEvoy / Patrick O'Leary).


After a successful nationwide tour, Blackwater Projects’ production of Frank McGuinness’ TONY-nominated play 'Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me' has arrived at Dublin’s Tivoli Theatre for a 3-week run.

Based on the kidnapping of Brian Keenan and John McCarthy, 'Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me' tells the story of three men - Irish, English and American - taken hostage in the Lebanon, and their struggle to maintain their sanity during their incarceration.

As the men turn to prayer, music, poetry and to each another, McGuinness tells their harrowing story with a mixture of savage black humour and pathos. Amazingly, despite the harrowing subject matter, “the play is blissfully funny” (The Daily Telegraph).

Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me is a powerful and poignant description of the fragility and resilience of the human spirit, and with the continuing spate of kidnappings worldwide, this play is still painfully relevant.

Privé

At Privé: 1. Dave Ryan & Sinead Desmond; 2. Kandy Rain; 3. Chloe Arnold. (Pix. Brian McEvoy).


XFactor’s Kandy Rain made their debut Irish appearance at the opening of new club Privé in Dun Laoghaire along with models Michelle Marsh and Staci Noblett.

Gorgeous girl band Kandy Rain, billed as the British Pussycat Dolls, comprising Irish girl Azi Jegbefume from Dublin, Khatereh Dovani, Chemmane Applewhaite and Victoria 'Coco' Lloyd performed a powerful number of songs on the night.

Widely anticipated to be the next celebrity Hot Spot, Club Privé is situated above the new 40Foot Bar and Grill with breathtaking panoramic views (there’s a 1,500 square foot fully heated balcony) of Dublin Bay.

Among the guests at the opening party were Sinead Desmond and Davey Ryan, Romy Carroll, new 3e presenter Deric Hartigan, producer Larry Bass, Katie Jane golden and Chole Arnold.

The 40ft and Privé is the latest venture for Loci Venues and is the brainchild of twenty something entrepreneurs Lorcan and Cian O’Rourke who travelled extensively over the last 3 years to Las Vegas, New York, LA, Miami, Tokyo and Hong Kong gathering ideas to realise their vision.

The inspiration for the 13,000 square foot venue came from the Meatpackers District of New York. Features such as the stunning chandelier and centre bar, luxurious leather, innovative lighting and slick artwork by Terry Bradley in the private members bar.

Terry O'Neill at Kildare Village

At Kildare Village: 1. Sonja Mohlich; 2. Anna Daly; 3. Maria McGovern & Terry O’Neill. (Pix. Kieran Harnett).


Kildare Village shopping outlet is currently hosting “Intimate” an exceptional collection of artwork created by world renowned British photographer, Terry O’Neill.

The exhibition, which runs until sometime in January, is devoted to O’Neill’s incredible archive of film stars, musicians and sports personalities. Each with their own singular distinctive style, Terry O’Neill’s artwork captures celebrities in a setting never seen before, taking the audience Behind The Scenes.

The show will also include the famous colour and black and white shots of previous-girlfriend Faye Dunaway taken on March 29, 1977, lounging next to the swimming pool at the Beverly Hills Hotel the morning after winning the Academy Award for Best Actress and Clint Eastwood reading a newspaper with his feet up in a mobile home between takes on a film set.

Among those at the official opening party were Martin King and Jenny McCarthy, stylist Roxanne Parker, Triona McCarthy and photographer David Conachy.

Happy Birthday Krystle!

Krystle party people: 1. Louise McIntyre & Mike Hannon; 2. Benoit Bringer & Elaine Crowley; 3. Rosanna Davison. (Pix. Richie Stokes).

Krystle nightclub continues to go from strength to strength and this year picked up yet another award for Best Club at the recent Hospitality Awards. The celebrity hangout was triumphant last weekend too as it hosted its 3rd birthday party - seems like only a couple of months ago ... how time flys when you’re having fun.

With the party kicking off at 9pm the guests enjoyed the champagne reception and free bar well into the night. Among the guests spotted were Nadine Wai-O’Flynn, Leigh Arnold, Rosanna Davison, Johnny Ronan, Romy Carroll and Lisa Woods.