Irish Derby

Derby Style: 1. Winner Alex Fay; 2. Sonya Lennon; 3. Gillian Quinn. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

At the Derby: 1. Angela Scanlan & Lorraine Dwyer; 2. Charlie Hanrahan & Debrah Veale; 3. Anna Daly. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

The sun was shining on the Curragh for the final day of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Sunday and thousands attended the event in their finery. There was no shortage of champagne consumption in the VIP areas and plenty of helicopter traffic in the sky, indicative of the economic boom that is nearly upon us.

The highlight of the Derby day was the Kildare Village Most Stylish Lady Competition. World-renowned photographer Mary McCartney jetted in to shortlist the six finalists, alongside Maureen Bergin of Kildare Village outlet shopping. The overall winner was then, for the first time ever, selected by the public via SMS and online voting.

Alex Fay from Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 was the deserving winner and she won a shopping spree at Kildare Village worth an impressive €3,000 as well as a specially commissioned portrait by Mary McCartney. Alex made her own hat the night before the Derby, her dress was by All Saints and her bag by Anya Hindmarch. The two runners up Arlene Hopkins and Aine Bergin, both from Dublin received gift cards to the value of €1,000.

Among the guests for lunch at the Kildare Village pavilion were designer Joanne Hynes, model Andrea Roche, Alex FitzGerald, Elaine Crowley and Brendan Scully. Avril Brophy of Audi, Sonya Lennon, Michael O’Doherty and Sarah Lipsett, fashionista Angela Scanlan, Paul Sally of Hackett and Image magazine editrix Melanie Morris were also enjoying the day.

Celia Holman-Lee was still basking in the limelight following her victory on the TV show Celebrity Salon, while Clodagh Gunnigle was celebrating her impending nuptials with a gang of girlfriends including Nadine Wai-O’Flynn and Tara O’Connor.

Meanwhile many people were wondering who the stunning TV presenter in the little white dress was and were surprised to discover it was none other than Gillian Quinn, wife of Niall. Working with a new online venture called Kildare TV and looking like a spritely 20-something she turned heads wherever she went.

Shrek 3D Premiere

At Shrek 3D: 1. Gail Kaneswaren; 2. Saoirse Ronan & Shrek; 3. Noirin Kelly & Sean Munsanje. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The Savoy was awash with green on Wednesday night for the Irish premiere of Shrek 3D - Forever After.

Of course the ogre himself was there to meet his fans and proved to be a big attraction for the waiting crowds. The event was all the more special as the movie is the final one of the Shrek series.

With plenty of expected hilarious one-liners it really is a fitting end to what has been one of the most successful movie franchises in recent times. And it’s in 3D!

Those in attendance included Elaine Crowley, Synan O’Mahony, actor Yari Jegbefume with his sister Azi Jegbefume of Kandy Rain, Lovely Bones actress Saoirse Ronan with her father Paul, Karla Elliott and stylists Sonja Mohlich and Darren Kennedy.

Model Citizens

All White: 1. Laura Toogood, Rosanna Davison & Kerrie McMahon; 2. Alicja Balasa & Mo Kacklem; 3. Yomiko, Sarah Morrissey & Asheena Naidoo. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Assets Models hosted a White Summer party in association with Brown Cow at the weekend. The Grafton Lounge was packed full of Ireland’s beautiful people who were there to support the launch of the Joe Kavanagh Foundation, a charity established by sister models Sara and Julie Kavanagh.

The cause has been set up in memory of their dad who died from a sudden cardiac death at the age of just 47. Joe was exceptionally fit but sadly died from a fatal cardiac arrhythmia while training in the gym.

The foundation aims to reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death by highlighting the importance of being able to use a defibrillator and perform CPR. It will also support the running of CPR and Defibrillator (AED) courses.

http://www.joekavanaghfoundation.com/

Keith Barry

Magic night: 1. Keith & Mairead Barry; 2. Glenda Gilson; 3. Derek Mooney & Rebecca Lawless. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Keith Barry hosted a screening of his new Discovery Channel US programme "Deception" at the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield. The event took place in the 70-seater private cinema at the distillery (which is available for private hire) where it was announced that the show has been commissioned for a further 12 episodes stateside.

Keith was on hand to demonstrate his human lie detector skills on unsuspecting members of the audience and is looking forward to his forthcoming 20 night stint at the Olympia Theatre Dublin, which commences at the end of this month.

Accompanied on the night by his wife Mairead, the pair mingled with other well known names there including Glenda Gilson and her brother Damien, Sean Munsanje of Xpose and Derek Mooney.

Get Him to the Greek

Greek Chic: 1. Russell Brand; 2. Jedward; 3. Amy Huberman. (Pix. 1Image / Brian Brophy)

Couplings: 1. Michelle Heaton & Hugh Hanley; 2. Russell Brand & Jonah Hill; 3. Ailbhe Lee & Michael Hayes. (Pix. 1Image / Brian Brophy)

The Irish premiere of ‘Get Him to the Greek’ starring Russell Brand and Jonah Hill was held at the Savoy Cinema in Dublin on Tuesday night.

The event was attended by a number of celebs including Russell and Jonah as well as Amy Huberman, Michelle Heaton, Jedward, new Irish 2-piece The Heathers, The Shoos and Jennifer Maguire.

Hundreds of screaming fans turned up to see the Hollywood twosome take to the red carpet ahead of one of this summer’s most highly anticipated comedies...

Aaron Greenberg (Hill) gets things done. The ambitious 23-year-old has exaggerated his way into a dream job just in time for a career-making assignment.

His mission: Fly to London and escort British rocker Aldous Snow (Brand) to LA’s Greek Theatre for the first-stop on a $100-million tour. His warning: Turn your back on him at your own peril.

As the countdown to the concert begins, the intern must navigate a minefield of London drug smuggles, New York City brawls and Vegas lap dances to deliver his charge safe and, sort of, sound. He may have to coax, lie to, enable and party with Aldous, but Aaron will get him to the Greek.

Ryan Sheridan Showcase

Music fans: 1. Jenny McCarthy & Martin King; 2. Leigh Arnold; 3. Helena McKenna & Katherine Lynch. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Less than 3 months ago Ryan Sheridan could be seen busking on the streets of Temple Bar, but then he came to the attention of a couple of guys who thought that he had a lot more to offer.

Ryan entered his song ‘Machine’ into the SupaJam competition in Europe, where the winner would get to play at the Benicassim Festival in Spain this summer. There were more than 3,200 entries and this month, in London, Ryan won the competition blowing all other contestants out of the water! X Factor dreams are made of this.

The Academy hosted a Ryan Sheridan showcase recently which was supported by a host of celebrities, media reps and music moguls among them Michelle Heaton and Hugh Hanley, Amanda Brunker, Ronan Collins, Emma Ledden and Leigh Arnold.

Ryan has also just been confirmed to play the Oxegen festival next month and Electric Picnic in September.

Buffy does Broadway

Jazz hands: 1. Peter O’Brien; 2. Anthony Kelly & Paul Ryder; 3. Joe Conlon & Jenny McCabe. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Singer Joe Conlan, best known as Panto character Buffy, held a launch with a difference this week.

The much loved singer got together with fellow singer Jenny McCabe along with The Rathfarnham and Terenure stage school choir for his special lunchtime show "I Stand Alone" at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

The afternoon was a celebration of broadway and film musicals and the turn out on the day (which included designer Peter O Brien, Shay Healy and actor Anthony Kelly) was a testament to what a popular and well loved performer Joe is.

Happy Birthday Playboy

Playmates: 1. Derek O’Connor & Marie Claire Nolan; 2. Jenny Kavanagh & Cillian O’Sullivan; 3. Hayley Rock & Bernard Dunne. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

When Playboy decides to throw a party for its 50th anniversary you know it can only mean one thing - a night of glamour, fun and a top class location. It was no surprise then that Lillie’s was selected as the ideal spot to host the Dublin celebration.

Along with 49 other celebrity venues around the world Lillie’s welcomed celebrities and models to toast the success of the legendary Playboy clubs and of course the iconic Playboy bunny.

The Playboy party was not just an excuse for Dublin and international socialites to enjoy an exclusive night of entertainment. The money raised at the Lillie’s Playboy party will be given to Breast Health International which is launching their “Fund for Living” programme for the first time in Ireland.

Celtic Rising - The Show

Showstoppers: 1. Andrea Hayes & Emily O’Donnell; 2. Lindsay Cavanagh & Jesus Perez; 3. Valerie Roe & Laura Donohoe. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Celtic Rising – The Show premiered on Saturday night at the Burlington Hotel to a room full of invited guests eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new show. A new and exhilarating production that celebrates the best of Irish heritage and culture, it fuses the traditional spirit of innovation that is modern Ireland.

The evening began with a sparkling champagne reception which was enjoyed by H.E. Mr. Khalid Nasser Rashid Lootah Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, fashion designer Claire Garvey (who designed many of the show costumes) as well as bestselling author Marisa Mackle and hair stylist Michael Doyle.

Following the reception, guests were treated to a delicious 4 course dinner ahead of the show. TV3’s Celebrity Salon star Virginia Macari, Maria Fusco, TV producer Andrew Byrne, Anna Lavery and Valerie Roe were also there enjoying the atmosphere.

The Julian Benson production in association with the Burlington Hotel will run throughout the summer months until the 25th September 2010 and is terrific value for money. The show promises to take the audience on a toe-tapping, foot stomping journey through eclectic mix of Irish/International music, song and dance.

M&S Summer

Summer style: 1. Nuala Carey & Sinead Lynch; 2. Janice Butler, Darren Kennedy & Sandra Byrne; 3. Amy Madden & Elaine Stenson. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)



In the Navy: 1. VIP editor Elaine Prendeville; 2. Dee Breen of Harvey Nicks; 3. TV3’s Sybil Mulcahy with Alan Hughes. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)



Marks & Spencer unveiled its 2010 Summer Collections at a stylish garden party at Ely Place featuring a stunning showcase of M&S alfresco homeware, BBQ and cooking demonstration by Rachel Allen.

The soundtrack was courtesy of DJ Mo Kelly who entertained the crowd while they relaxed in the evening sunshine. Food blogger Donal Skeehan discussed cooking tips with Ms. Allen while Collette Fitzpatrick and model Michelle McGrath enjoyed the fun Photobooth that was on hand to capture the moment.

Darren Kennedy swapped style tips with fellow stylist Sonja Mohlich and had everyone green with envy about his upcoming trip to Australia. Also enjoying the summer atmosphere were Sandra Byrne, who recently got engaged to her beau Phil Assaf, Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick, Bairbre Power, Melanie Morris and Trevor Ridgely, Carmel Breheny of M&S and FMI Sarah Morrissey.

Interiors stylist Claire Wyse set the scene for the event, featuring lots of bright colours and soft lighting to re-create that holiday vibe. Stand out pieces included brightly lit Mardi Gras themed tables and loungers and the cool Puccini Gazebo which covered the trendy living room set up.

All produce on the night of the BBQ was provided by all M&S Irish producers and expertly prepared by the M&S Grafton St Restaurant team headed by executive chef Steven McGuire.

Driving the news

Any news? 1. Joanne Sheehan and Mairead Maher; 2. Ruth Griffin and Aisling Cronin; 3. Maurice Gubbins and Claire Nash. (Pix. Gerard McCarthy)

To Cork, and specifically the penthouse at the Clarion Hotel, for the official launch party of the Ford Ireland permanent news site in the city. This billboard style fixture on St. Patrick’s Bridge is powered by a live RSS feed from Thomas Crosbie Media, with a continuous LED ticker tape that will provide news, politics, sports, arts and entertainment updates.

The LED site, the first of its kind in Ireland, will keep Cork residents and visitors up to date on matters and has the ability be interrupted in case of any emergencies such a fire, flood or traffic in order to update and direct people of the best course of action.

Attendees at the launch event included models Ruth Griffin and Aisling Cronin, Lord Mayor of Cork Darragh Murphy, Eddie Murphy, CEO of Ford Ireland and Tom Murphy, Chief Executive of The Irish Examiner. Cork is, after all, the home of Murphy’s.

In keeping with the cosmopolitan theme of the night the guests sipped champagne and dined on miniature burgers and wok fried noodles while delicious desserts included Cork themed cupcakes with slogans such as “Up Cork” and “I’m a rebel” proving a real hit on the night.

Racing Ahead

A Berry good time: 1. Marcus Goodwin & Aisling Tobin; 2. Aine O'Connor, Stephanie Caffrey & Jenny Higgins; 3. Laura Cahir & David O'Connell. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)


Almost 5,000 showed up to rock to the Fun Lovin’ Criminals at Bulmers Live at Leopardstown at Leopardstown Racecourse on Thursday night last. The band brought their unique brand of alternative hip hop/rock and guests enjoyed the atmosphere of a boutique music festival with the best in horse racing on a sunny evening.

Next up are Mundy, Aslan, Duke Special, Paul Brady, Delorentos, Alabama 3, Sharon Shannon Big Band featuring Shane MacGowan to soundtrack this years series of summer nights out with a difference.

Orlaith Fortune, Marketing Manager at Bulmers said, “It was great to kick off the Bulmers Live at Leopardstown 2010 series with a such a cool, internationally acclaimed band as the Fun Lovin Criminals, and we're looking forward to 7 more great Thursday night's of racing and music at this great venue throughout this summer.”

For €30 the Bulmers Summer Feast ticket includes admission, a long neck Bulmers Original, Light or Pear, a race card and options from the Summer Feast menu.

Ladies Lunch

Ladies who lunch: 1. Hayley Ryan & Michelle McGrath; 2. Jenny Lee Masterson; 3. Maeve Doyle, Lisa Gallagher & Judith Rogers. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

A charity luncheon was hosted by Wright's Findlater in Swords for the Special Olympics Ireland fund this week. The guests in attendance, including Michelle McGrath, Lauren Moore and Ciara Crinnion, enjoyed a fashion show by Joni Boutique and raised over €10k.

Littlewoods Best Dressed

Fine fillies: 1. Pamela Flood; 2. Sara McGovern, Anna Daly, Pamela Flood, Triona McCarthy & Sybil Mulcahy; 3. Triona McCarthy. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


Ireland’s leading fashionistas assembled to launch the Littlewoods Ireland Best Dressed Series at Horse Racing Ireland’s Summer Racing Season.

It was all sunshine, corsages and fascinators for Anna Daly, Sarah McGovern, Sybil Mulcahy, Triona McCarthy and Pamela Flood as they described what they are searching for in the quest to find Littlewoods Ireland’s Best Dressed Ladies.

On behalf of the judges TV3’s Sybil Mulcahy revealed “We’re looking for stylish ladies, comfortable but glamorous, someone who has fun with their outfit. It’s not about expense; it’s about individual style and dressing with personality, and there’s nothing like a bit of competition to rev up the style stakes!”

Join the attendance of over 20,000 people expected to visit these race meetings this summer where each best dressed lady will receive a €2,000 shopping spree with Littlewoods Ireland while 15 finalists at each meeting will receive a €100 shopping spree each.

Be part of the Littlewoods Ireland Best Dressed competition and meet some of the celebrity judges at the following race meets: Ballinrobe, Tuesday 22nd June; Wexford, Friday 2nd July; Roscommon, Monday 5th July; Kilbeggan, Saturday 7th August; Tramore, Saturday 14th August and Bellewstown, Thursday 16th August.

Let the style begin!