Team Ireland

(Pix. Brian McEvoy)

To honour the success of Team Ireland at the Special Olympic games the Special Olympics Ireland organisation hosted a celebratory lunch at the Four Seasons. Team Ireland won 20 medals, including 5 gold at the event in Athens earlier this year. At the lunch were: 1. Sandra Roche and Emma Gavagan; 2. James O'Neill and Louise Rogan; 3. Alison Miles and Deirdre King.

Hennessy Style

Tres Chic: (above) 1. Claire O’Connor; 2. Godfrey Deeny & the French Ambassador, Her Excellency Emmanuelle D’Achon; 3. Pauric Sweeney; (below) 4. Sean Byrne & Grainne Walsh; 5. Aisling Lennon; 6. Caroline Sleiman & Aisling Kilduff. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)





Hennessy celebrated the launch of its eponymous Best Dressed Lady competition with a reception and fashion showcase of key winter racing trends at the home of the French Ambassador to Ireland. The Best Dressed contest, in association with Design Centre, takes place at the Hennessy Gold Cup on Sunday, 12th February 2012 at Leopardstown Racecourse.

Hennessy also unveiled the celebrity judge charged with selecting the winner of the Hennessy Best Dressed Lady 2012 as international fashion commentator Godfrey Deeny, who flew in from Paris to attend the event.

A host of specially invited guests from the worlds of fashion, racing and the arts enjoyed the creations of some of this season’s most sought after designers such as Umit Kutluk, Catherine Deane, John McCormack and Sean Byrne. Hair and make-up looks created by Dylan Bradshaw topped off the style.

Caroline Sleiman of Moët Hennessy and H.E. Emmanuelle D'Achon, the French Ambassador and her husband Jean-Eudes were joined by a host of guests on the evening. Owner of Design Centre Ashling Kilduff was in attendance along with Bairbre Power, Tamso Doyle and Gillian Walsh.

Others included well known Irish designers Pauric Sweeney and Synan O’Mahony, Benoit Bringer, TV3 presenter Aisling O’Loughlin and her beau Nic MacInnes, Sonya Lennon, JJ Gibbons, Emer O’Reilly Hyland and Tina Koumarianos.

The stakes are high with this year’s winner set to receive a voucher for €7,000 to spend on the wide selection of designer clothes that Design Centre in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre has to offer. Contestants can enter in advance by registering online at http://www.hennessybestdressed.ie/.

Signs of Life

Good Signs: 1. Sinead Desmond & Vincent Brown; 2. Johnny Corcoran & Fran McNulty; 3. Mary Black & Emma O'Driscoll. (Pix. Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland)

The launch of ‘Signs of Life’ photographic exhibition took place in Filmbase, Temple Bar recently. Featuring 26 Irish celebrities, each signing the letter of the Irish Sign Language alphabet which best represents them, the exhibition aims to raise public awareness and appreciation of Irish Sign Language, the first language of the Irish deaf community used by up to 40,000 people.

Guests were welcomed to the launch by the exhibition organisers from the Irish Deaf Society at a reception with guests on the night such as journalist Vincent Browne, boxer Kenny Egan, singer Mary Black, Riverdance star Dearbhla Lennon, TV3’s Sinéad Desmond and TV presenter Emma O’Driscoll.

The exhibit will go on a roadshow around the country, see http://www.signsoflife.ie/ for more info.

Diary Date

Pop-up restaurants have become hugely popular of late and a recent spin off has been the emergence of dining clubs. One of the best on the scene is the Sett Food Club and this weekend it hosts two evenings.

On Fri & Sat nights lucky diners are in for an imaginative and delicious 6 course gastro treat at a secret location in Dublin city (Saturday evening will be a special Miloti production). Places must be reserved, it’s about €30 and b.y.o.b. ... http://www.settfoodclub.com/ for details.

Mr. Clarins

French Fancy: 1. Emma Henderson & Rosemary Mac Cabe; 2. Siobhan O'Connor; 3. Declan Leavy & Elaine Butler Doolin (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Beauty gurus gathered together this week to welcome the man behind the Clarins beauty brand, Christian Courtin Clarins, to Dublin. The event was held in the elegant Cliff Town House, where Christian entertained the audience with stories about his father, when he created the first Clarins beauty products in the 1950’s, biodiversity and the responsible values that the brand holds.

The Clarins Group remains faithful to the values of its founder, Jacques Courtin Clarins . Today, these values are upheld by his sons and the firm continues to act as a socially-responsible company by supporting associations and forming lasting partnerships.

Not only is Clarins committed to creating luxurious skincare and cosmetics products for consumers, they have any stronger commitments through being responsible for the environment, fair trade, and making life more beautiful for future generations.

Guests were treated to French champagne and French inspired canapés and amongst them were Luca Hickey, Karrie Cheung, Jacqui Murphy, Cathy O’Connor, Siobhan O’Connor and Elaine Butler Doolin.

Threesome

Menage a Tois: 1. Aideen Tomkins & Robyn Candy; 2. Brian O’Driscoll & Amy Huberman; 3. Susan Vasquez. (Pix. Leon Farrell / Photocall)

Comedy Central’s new TV show ‘Threesome’ starring Amy Huberman, Emun Elliot, Stephen Wight and Pauline McLynn premiered recently at a screening in the Sugar Club in Dublin. It is the first original scripted comedy commissioned by Comedy Central and is produced by Big Talk Productions. ‘Threesome’ airs on Mondays on Comedy Central (UK) and Comedy Central HD.

FM104 The Gig

The Gig: 1. Olly Murs & Emma McEvoy; 2. Barry O’Sullivan & Lauren Connolly ; 3. Lynda Kelly & Kym Cunningham (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

FM104’s The Gig had a blockbusting line up headlined by English singer songwriter Olly Murs, with the legendary Aslan, plus Bressie and Royseven, The Original Rudeboys and Cars Love Girls. The event sold in no time and all proceeds were donated to FM104’s Help A Dublin Child / ISPCC appeal.

Programme Director of FM104 Dave Kelly said, “This was the fifth ‘FM104’s The Gig’ and it was the best one to date. We are really appreciative of all the acts and special guests that perform for free as all funds raised go to the very worthy cause, FM104’s Help A Dublin Child.”

Armani who art in Heaven

Armani: 1. Audrey Trigg & Marissa Donagher; 2. Trevor Tye & Linda Cantello; 3. Aracely Montes & Dareth Newton. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


The legendary Linda Cantello, the first ever British makeup artist and creator of the original smoky eye, was on hand to launch the new Giorgio Armani counter which takes prime position in the impressive Beauty Hall at Brown Thomas Dublin.

London born Cantello, a true professional in make-up with endless talent and colour-expertise, has brought her knowledge and capacity for innovation to Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, one of the most luxurious designer make-up brands in the world today. This original catwalk queen inspired, trained and nurtured the top make-up artists of today and continues to work tirelessly at her craft.

A great admirer of Mr. Armani, Linda Cantello believes that Giorgio Armani is a true fashion icon, always faithful to his aesthetic, never deviating from his strong, forever modern image. Since joining the Armani team she has collaborated very closely with the man himself through his fashion shows and new product launches - most recently Eyes to Kill mascara and Eyes to Kill eye shadow palettes, as well as the very successful Rouge d'Armani lipstick franchise.

White Galaxy

Bright White: 1. Jenni Murphy & Ciara Hanrahan; 2. Heather Mulligan & Grace Fox; 3. Eileen Mooney, Angelina Ball & Grace McDonald (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

It was shades at the ready as Samsung mobile hosted a white party in Krystle’s Penthouse suite to celebrate the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy SII white, the slimmest smartphone in the world with the most advanced screen currently on the market.

The club was transformed for one night only to reflect all things white and glamorous with guests making a special effort to dress with the theme. Well known personalities to walk the white carpet included Darren Kennedy, models Karena Graham and Hayley Ryan, Elaine Butler-Doolin and Niall O’Farrell.

The evening also marked the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 to the Penthouse and Suite area complete with exclusive Krystle Velvet Rope App allowing staff to update the guest list, reserve tables and monitor all areas of the club from their Tab.

Curragh Racing Awards

Racing Ahead: 1. Johnny and Orla Murtagh; 2. Lorraine Dwyer and Tamso Doyle; 3. Maria McGovern and Evan Arkwright. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

The elite of Ireland's racing industry were out in force at Kildare Village to celebrate the inaugural Curragh Annual Racing Awards 2011. A Tipperary Crystal awards ceremony celebrated the leading training and riding performance at The Curragh Racecourse in 2011. Each month during the seasonmembers of the racing media nominated the leading training and riding performance, with all of the monthly winners gathered to find out who took the overall prize in each category.

Jockey Joseph O’Brien (Roderic O’Connor in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas) and trainer Vincent Ward (Fictional Account winning The Irish Field St Leger Trial Stakes) scooping the top prizes of the overall leading riding and training performances of the year.

Glamorous guests from the racing world gathered in the stylish surroundings of L'Officina restaurant in Kildare Village. In attendance on the night were guests including Tamso Doyle of Horseracing Ireland, Declan Fearon of Tipperary Crystal with his wife Camilla, Curragh Racecourse Chairman Philip Caffrey, leading jockey Johnny Murtagh and his wife Orla and leading trainer Aidan O'Brien with his wife Anne Marie.

Nearly James Bond

Comedy Fix: 1. Alison Canavan & Caitlin McBride; 2. Carol Byrne & Emma Ledden; 3. Des Bishop & Lisa Cannon. (Pix. Bryan Brophy / 1Image)

Des Bishop's much anticipated new book 'My Dad was nearly James Bond' has just been published and to celebrate he hosted a launch at Fixx Coffeehouse on Dawson Street, a favourite haunt of his.

Among those there on the night were members of the Bishop family, including mother Eileen, presidential hopeful Michael D Higgins, comedienne Pauline McLynn, Ross O'Carroll Kelly creator Paul Howard, presenter and actor Michael Hayes with his fiancée Ailbhe Lee, model Alison Canavan and publican Dermott Doran who is about to open his latest venture on St Stephens Green.

For years the acclaimed comedian wanted to write a show about his father. Mike Bishop was a model and actor who gave up that life to become a hard-working man of the suburbs - a good husband, a caring father, a responsible citizen. Still, he sometimes talked wistfully about the glamorous life he might have had. Sadly Mike died earlier this year.

Now Des has written a memoir inspired by the stage show, by the startling discoveries he made about his father's background before he died, and by his own realisation of what it means to finally grow up. The book is a funny, wise and unforgettable story of a father, a son and what really matters.

Ribbon Rouge Shoes

Best Foot Forward: 1. Sarah Steen & Maria - Anna O’Dwyer ; 2. Triona McCarthy & Joanne Mallon; 3. Mary Coffey & Eileen Hyland. (Pix. Richie Stokes)

Ribbon Rouge, Navan’s premier boutique, hosted a stylish evening of Lambrini sparkling wine, cup cakes and fabulous fashion to celebrate the launch of the new ‘Shoes at Rouge’ range.

Over-seeing the evening were style sirens Sybil Mulcahy and Triona McCarthy who guided guests through the key trends and styles for the upcoming season. With internationally known labels such as Oky-Coky, Anoushka G, Bernshaw and Marcelino there will be something for every discerning fashionista.

Since first opening its doors in 2005 Ribbon Rouge has become a destination boutique for dedicated followers of fashion. This little gem carries many exclusive brands and continues to source the most chic couture designs for its discerning customers. Under the expert eye of proprietor Joanne Mallon the new shoe boutique is set to be the go-to place for footwear.

To ensure the latest trends and styles are being stocked at Ribbon Rouge Joanne travels to London, Paris, Milan and New York to attend their noted fashion shows every season. It’s no surprise that the combined experience, style and expertise of the RR team along with the chic designer lines has lead to a cult following around the area.

Powers Snug Search

Power Rangers: 1. Sarah Snell & George Hook; 2. Wayne Cronin & Sarah Morrissey; 3. Turtle Bunbury & Sarah O’Hanlon. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


Following the success of the inaugural Ireland’s Best Snug competition, Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey recently launched the 2011 contest at Kehoes on South Anne Street. With over 70 pubs from across Ireland shortlisted it’s now up to the public to decide the regional winners by voting online at http://www.powerswhiskey.com/ until October 31st.

Speaking about the search, competition judge Emma Donnellan, Marketing Director Ireland at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard said: “The traditional Irish snug is highly thought of but seldom celebrated. At Powers Whiskey we aim to do just that, to celebrate snugs as the unsung heroes of the Irish pub and to highlight the best Ireland has to offer, each unique in their own right but all equally placed in the enjoyment of good company and great conversation.”

Emma Donnellan will be joined around the judging table by Frank Cronin, Newstalk 106-108fm CEO and Turtle Bunbury, best-selling author, historian and presenter, who will all decide the overall winner of the title from across the regional winners. These regional winners will be announced November 2nd with the winner of the all-Ireland title announced November 15th. The current title holder, Toners of Lower Baggot Street, is one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous traditional pubs.

The Morgans

Up on the Roof: 1. Sinead Desmond & Conor Desmond; 2. Paul & Lisa Fitzpatrick; 3. Zoe Carney, Una O’Boyle & Julianne McEvoy. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The Fitzpatrick Lifestyle Hotels has announced a new loyalty club for the Morgan Hotel.
Owners Paul and Lisa Fitzpatrick were delighted to be able spoil their VIP guests in the unique Penthouse at The Morgan for the launch.

The Loyalty Club promises to offer a super opportunity to reward the long standing guests of The Morgan Bar and Hotel for their continued custom at the hotel. Membership to this club is by invitation only and guests will be treated to special offers, treats and discounts on food, beverage, packages and parties over the coming months.

Spotted on the night were Sinead Desmond and husband David, Ellison Waters and Niall Breslin aka Bressie, Louise Martin and daughter Amy Martin as well as Paul Fitzpatrick and wife Lisa who was taking a break from filming her forthcoming TV3 show SOS.

RCC Fashion Lunch

Charity Queens: 1. Lisa Murphy & Miss Candy; 2. Mary Coffey & Jenny Maughan; 3. Grainne Emily Chambers & Laura O’Brien. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)


A 1968 pink Cadillac convertible transported musical theatre star Rebecca Storm and models Chloe and Michelle in style to the Westbury Hotel where the 16th International Fashion Lunch in aid of the Rape Crisis Centre took place last week.

The lunch was hosted by author Amanda Brunker and Miss Candy and featured a special preview of the new collection by Irish designer Dawn Fitzgerald. Entertainment on the day was provided by the aforementioned Rebecca Storm and singer/song writer Paul Harrington. Guests included Gerald Kean and Lisa Murphy, Rosanna Davison, Mr. World Kamal Ibrahim, PR guru Rebecca Burrell and RTE’s Pamela Flood.

Rockstars

Tantastic: 1. Sorcha McIvor & Caitriona McGinley; 2. Kate McDaid; 3. Andrea Wubben & Clara McStay. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Rockstar Tan threw their 2nd birthday party at Lost Society, South William Street recently. The party was filmed for a pivotal scene in Fade Street with many of the story lines for the forthcoming series intertwined on the night.

A live rock band entertained the crowd on the night who included Sonia Macari who flew back from America, Dublin GAA players Cian O'Sullivan and Eamon Fennell. Rosanna Davidson, Kate McDaid as well as Jenny Dixon and actress Jade Yourell also showed their support for Rachel Kavanagh’s beauty essential tanning product.

Dylan at 5

Boutique: 1. Liz & Judith Giltinane; 2. Sharon McHugh; 3. Grainne Ross & Ursula Fanning. (Pix. Leon Farrell / Photocall)


Over the years, well 5 to be precise, Dylan hotel has firmly established itself as the destination boutique-hotel-of-choice in Dublin. The stylish D4 pad attracts a host of movers and shakers on a daily basis and is not short on celebrity residents either (with the likes of Kylie, Mark Zuckerberg and Sophie Anderton all checking in recently).

The place celebrated its 5th birthday recently with a an intimate party for regulars and their guests, The Perrier-Jouet champagne flowed as all were entertained by dancers, DJs and a full choir. The bar has even had a makeover and the much loved red theme has been changed to a more subdued blue hue. Among the attendees were Brent Pope, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, Triona McCarthy and Will White, designer Sean Byrne, Morah Ryan and Ursula Fanning.