Haagen Dazs Summer Cocktail Party

TV presenters Kathryn Thomas and Lucy Kennedy enjoy the Haagen Dazs cocktails at the recent summer party.

The party posse are taking full advantage of these long balmy evenings and outdoor drinking is the new black. It’s important to make hay while the sun shines and all that, so the good people at Haagen Dazs ice cream had perfect timing as they hosted their summer cocktail party on the private terrace at George’s of Baggot Street yesterday evening.

With delish, nay decadent, Haagen Dazs cocktails and Kir Royales there was a real social buzz about the place as the crowd discussed plans for summer and upcoming events. A hot topic of conversation was the forthcoming White Tie and Diamond charity gala ball in Marbella next weekend. Organised by Marc and Lynn Quinlan and a host of friends, the event is in aid of the Water Angels charity and takes place on Saturday the 16^th in Finca de la Concepcion. A huge Irish contingent is expected and the MC for the evening is the inimitable Brendan Courtney. Check this out for more details.

Back to last night, and the other matter in hand seemed to be avoiding the TV cameras that were floating around the party. Hosts Joanne Byrne and Sinead Ryan were filming for the final of their new RTE TV show, It’s My Party, and the pair were miked up and working the room effortlessly. Let’s hope that some great gossip passed their lips and will be shared on national TV!

Also there were TV stars Kathryn Thomas and Lucy Kennedy, Norman Pratt and Avril Collins, Gavin Lambe – Murphy and Libby Ryan, Andrew Rudd, Trevor White from The Dubliner and Jedda Downey, sister of Caroline who is no stranger to TV following the hugely successful show Charity Queens, in which she appeared recently alongside my pal Tara O’Connor.

After umpteen Haagen Dazs cocktails (I was physically unable to drink anymore) I popped into the new Portoo House tapas bar on South William Street, which was celebrating it’s opening night. Reminded me of a cute little place you’d see in Barcelona, such was the décor. The food is as good and authentic as you get in Barcelona too. I spotted Lillies Bordello boss Fiona Roche and socialites Jonothan Sultan and John McKibbin there.

It was no coincidence then that I also spotted them in Lillies later on ripping up the dancefloor with the likes of Trevor Musgrave, Lord Henry Mountcharles and his wife Lady Iona Mountcharles.

Jedda Downey and Clare Kavanagh having a ball at the Haagen Dazs summer cocktail party.

Ahoy me fashionistas!

Also enjoying the Nicky Wallace show were Tamara Gervasoni and Frances Winston.

Nicky Wallace pictured (centre) at his "A Man for all Seasons" fashion show with Maria Fusco and Alan Amsby.

Ireland’s top menswear designer Nicky Wallace hosted a fashion extravaganza to showcase his latest range on Monday evening. The location was the beautiful John Field room in the National Concert Hall, a most unusual venue for a fashion show and the first one I’d attended there. Kudos for the location Nicky.

The collection is called “A Man for All Seasons” and it reflects Nicky’s belief that men’s fashion should not be dictated by the traditional Autumn / Winter and Spring / Summer dicta. As we have most unpredictable weather in this country (four seasons in the one day lately) Nicky’s designs reflect just that and his use of different fabrics and styles are practical for the climate we have.

Moet & Chandon were on hand to support the event and among those enjoying the champagne reception (before and after I might add) were TV presenter Alan Hughes, publican John Foley, Sinead Ni Chonaill and Aoife O’Reilly of Slattery Communications, model Alex FitzGerald, interior designer Sarah Peterson with Lowri Bennett and actor Kevin J. Ryan, who is off to L.A. next week to star in his first feature film.

Speaking of movies, after the Nicky Wallace show I dashed down to The Sub Bar (formerly O’Reilly’s of Tara Street which was owned by the aforementioned Mr. Foley) for the after party of the Irish premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean. No big stars in attendance as the UK premiere was taking place in London that evening, but some guests really took to the theme and sported pirate fashion. Designer Virginia Macari and her boyfriend Michael, model Fergus Kealy, Sandra Tully and Emma Jane Power were some of the faces I spotted.

Cork

I didn’t make it to the Curragh at the weekend for the Audi Day or the Budweiser Derby as I flew down to Cork for a few days. I stayed in the sumptuous Hayfield Manor Hotel (Cork’s only 5 star), which rivals the best when it comes to high levels of service and attention to detail. Dinner in Orchids restaurant at Hayfield was a gastro tour-de-force and a snip compared to similar high standard restaurants here in Dublin. I highly recommend it.

On Saturday night I was lucky enough to secure tickets to the sold out last production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest which was procuded by Corcadorca, one of the countries leading theatre groups. Directed by Pat Kiernan, the setting for the play was on the pond in the beautiful surroundings of Cork’s Fitzgerald’s Park. It was a fantastic production – alternative, adventurous and avant-garde. And made all the more special because it was outdoor.

I attended the Marquee on Sunday night for the Kanye West gig. I’d attempted to see him a couple of times in Dublin but his shows always sell out in record time, hence my trip to Cork. The show was amazing and he really got the crowd going. Contrary to reports I didn’t find him to be too arrogant and was impressed at his interaction with the audience. Unfortunately my flight back to Dublin was early on Monday morning so I couldn’t wait for Mr. West to appear at the after show party, which I believe was a late one.

“Cork people are very stylish” commented my brother, when we were having a look around Brown Thomas (which is far less pretentious that it’s capital counterpart). Yes they are stylish, and friendly and polite too. Up Cork, boy.

Nokia Darklight

Melanie Carroll and Michelle Kelly at the Nokia reception in the trendy Budda Bag store.

Film makers Paul Barritt and Julian Andrade were respectively awarded with the top prizes in the professional and newcomer categories of the 2^nd ever Nokia Darklight Pocket Movie Challenge at an award ceremony last week. Over 200 films of varying genres from over 10 countries were entered for the challenge in a one month period.

Shed, by UK based Paul Barritt, was awarded winners in the professional category. Shed is a short film derived from the writings of Paul Barrett. The pictures appear upon the paper as if being gradually seen and understood. The visual references appear in an oblique way to the text. Hote You, by Argentinean Julian Andrade was awarded winner of the newcomer category. Hote You is a story of love and more specifically a couple who argue because of this love.

Nokia hosted a reception in the trendy Budda Bag store in the buzzing Quatiere Bloom, where guests including Ciara Elliott, Richie Stokes, Sian Grey of Nokia Ireland and Roisin Tierney – Crowe watched the short listed movies. The awards were then presented at an outdoor BBQ in the IFI in Temple Bar later in the evening. Among those enjoying Billy Scurry’s culinary delights and Kombacher beer were Georgina Heffernan, Mark McCauley and Gail Ferguson, Daniela Crawley and Sinead Ni Chonaill.

A sunny evening, beer, a BBQ and movies – the perfect combination.

Ciara Elliott and Joby Hickey at the Nokia Darklight reception in the Budda Bag store.

S&P Sexy Legs

The crew at Ireland’s society bible, Social & Personal magazine, once again stepped up to the plate and delivered yet another of their legendary parties on Wednesday night. Guests showed up in summer finery to enjoy West Coast Cooler cocktails and pour over the latest Top 100 list – Sexy Legs!

In association with Horse Racing Ireland, the party certainly got hearts racing as many of the people on the list were in attendance and happily showing off the very reason they made the list …. their pins! First past the post to claim the sexiest pair of legs in Ireland was blonde hottie Lisa Duffy, who also graces the cover of this month’s magazine.

Lisa, who is married to ex. Corrie star Keith Duffy, was delighted with her accolade and beat off some tough competition from the likes of Sharon Corr, Amanda Byram and Jean Butler.

The terrace of Howl at the Moon was the hang out spot, such was the balmy evening. Among the throng were Astrid Brennan, Sinead Ryan and Joanne Byrne (both excited with their new TV show which premiers on RTE this week), Amanda Brunker, Libby Ryan and Gavin Lambe – Murphy, who is finding his new wine bar venture to be “hard work, but so worth it”.

Tamso Doyle of HRI was taking time out of her busy schedule to attend. She has a hectic weekend ahead at the Curragh with the Audi Stakes on Saturday and the Budweiser Derby on Sunday, two premier social events in the racing calendar. TV presenters Lucy Kennedy and Kathryn Thomas looked fab and are enjoying their summer break from our screens. Soon-to-be TV presenter Glenda Gilson was in top form and looking forward to her forthcoming debut on new music channel Bubble Hits.

Also there enjoying the hospitality of publisher PJ Gibbons were Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, stylist Ellie Balfe, Leanne de Cerbo (who has just joined S&P as Style Editor), Ross Robertson and Naomi Carroll, Richie Pearson, Cindy Cafolla and Richard Kavanagh, Andrew Rudd and the beautiful Jayne Blight, who had just jetted in from Sicily, via London, earlier that the evening.

Many of the party posse continued on to Renards and Lillies (where Take That were hosting their after show party) to put their sexy legs to good use on the dance floor.

Glenda Hits!

Glenda Gilson celebrates the announcement that she is set to join the presenting team at all new music channell Bubble Hits.

Bubble Hits today announced that Glenda Gilson will join the presenting team at the new music channel set to air on Sky Digital on the 14^th August.

Top Irish model Glenda joins former Eastenders star Chris Parker and former Six singer Liam McKenna as a Showbiz Correspondent on the Irish owned station that will broadcast to over 31 million viewers in the UK and Ireland. The trio will front the entertainment features and exclusive interviews that will run throughout the day.

Following out-and-about trails at high profile gigs and events in the UK and Ireland, Glenda beat four short-listed hopefuls to land the role as Showbiz Reporter for this exciting new TV channel. Glenda’s first official interview for Bubble Hits will take place tonight (28^th June) when she interviews pop sensations The Pussy Cat Dolls.

Speaking about her new role, Glenda, 25, said, “I’m absolutely ecstatic about my new role at Bubble Hits. I’ve had a lot of great help and support along the way and it’s such a huge opportunity for me. Not only is it my break into TV but also into the UK market. I can’t wait to really get my teeth into it and start working with Chris and Liam. They’re two top guys and we’ve had lots of fun together already during the trials.”

Bubble Hits prides itself as a no commercial breaks station which they believe will stop viewers flicking to other channels. Music shows such as ‘Get your Hits Out’, ‘Bubble Top 20’, ‘Bubble Cuddle’ and ‘Pop It or Drop It’ will form the basis of the stations programming. The station, owned by two young Irish entrepreneurs James Hyland and Lee Walsh, sees a return to the essence of music channels – to play music.

Summer Socials

It was a champagne and Kir Royal reception at the waterside deck for the annual Mid Summer Ball which was hosted at the luxurious K Club on Friday night last. The weather was clement and the spirits high as the guests assembled at the gala to raise funds for St. Bridgid’s Hospice and Home Care Team. Led by the Ambrielle committee team, the evening was a resounding sucess.

The inimitable Charlie Bird was MC for the evening and both he and special guest An Taniste Mary Harney TD gave us immense pleasure in the jokes and one liners that they fired at one another in their speeches. However, as they both declared that “what happens in the K Club, stays in the K Club”, I’m forbidden from revealing the source of the hilarity.

I was a guest of Olay, who had booked a small party of us into the nearby Barberstown Castle and ferried us to the K Club via limo. After a sumptuous dinner and dancing to the Jim Doherty Swing Band we retired back to base for our own private party. We all agreed though, what happens in Barberstown, stays in Barberstown.

Some of the guests included Ireland AM presenters Karen Koster and Laura Bermingham, stylist Sonia Mohlich and her partner Alan Bruton, Julie Byrne and hairstylist Stephen Kelly. Also there were Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Mrs Mandu Ekong-Omaghomi, Sinead Lynch, Triona McCarthy, Sir Wesley Deaton, and TV presenters Caroline Morahan and Pamela Flood, who I had the pleasure of sharing a table with.

Actually, I’d met Pamela just the evening before at the launch party for the new Opel Astra Twin Top, which took place at the Radisson SAS St. Helens Hotel. The girls were out in force for that one, and as the competition to win one of the convertible cars was drawn to a finale, it was a line-up of 6 females who took to the podium.

Looking summery on the terrace that evening were Nadine Wai – O’Flynn and her sister Lara, Roisin Ni Mhordha and Viv Maguire, FM104’s Jodie King, publicist Roisin O’Hea and the gorgeous Avila and Roz Lipsett.

Let’s hope the weather keeps up for all this al fresco socialising.

Pamela Anderson comes to Dublin....

Diarmaid Gavin, Grainne Seoige and Ryan Tubridy enjoy the MAC gig last night.

Quentin Fottrell and Triona "Party" McCarthy hang out with Pamela Anderson at the party last night.

Pictured at the MAC AIDS FUND VIVA GLAM V bash (l-r) Clodagh Kean, Paddy Bollard and Anette Rocca.

It’s not often that a huge (literally) A-lister comes to Dublin, but when Pamela Anderson rocked up on Thursday she caused mayhem. She was in town as part of her role as a passionate spokesperson for the M·A·C AIDS FUND VIVA GLAM V campaign. Leading figures from the world of fashion and entertainment gathered at No.15 St Stephen’s Green last night, to honour her.

Over 200 guests arrived at Hugh O’Regan’s stylish Georgian townhouse to party with the mega star where they enjoyed delicious Boru Vodka Martinis and Moet champagne with mouth-watering canapés, served by a number of cute male models. There was a veritable scrum when she arrived at the assembled guests tried to get a glimpse of the big star.

Those keen to catch a glimpse of the star included gardener extraordinaire Diarmuid Gavin and the ever glamorous TV star Gráinne Seoige, who was accompanied by her husband and TV3 commentator, Stephen Cullinane. RTE’s Ryan Turbridy came along with agent Noel Kelly, Derek Stenson was there with his pal Darren McBride and singer Brian Kennedy was in great spirits and is busy preparing for the first recording of his new RTE show which takes place this Friday.

Pamela was at Brown Thomas earlier in the day to present a cheque for €20,000 on behalf of the MAC AIDS Fund to Dublin AIDS charity, Open Heart House. The MAC AIDS Fund, which has so far raised $65million worldwide, is the charitable arm of MAC Cosmetics, and appointed model and actress Pamela Anderson as spokesperson for the VIVA GLAM V Lipstick advertising campaign in April 2005. Past MAC VIVA GLAM spokespeople include Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott, Linda Evangelista, Elton John and Mary J Blige. Pamela’s specific platform focuses on the importance of getting tested, getting results and knowing your health status.

With such a high profile visit, MAC’s Global General Manager Peter Lichtenthal flew in from New York to mark the occasion.

David Blake - Knox, the Irish based producer who worked on the BBC’s Ruby Wax series of interviews, met Pammie years ago in LA when she was an actress in Baywatch and enjoyed catching up with her. It was her interview with Ruby that opened everyone’s eyes to her charm and wit.

Fashion designers Louise Kennedy and Joanne Hynes looked as stylish as ever as, as did Caroline Morahan from Off the Rails. CEO Dalton Philips enjoyed the party atmosphere accompanied by his wife Penny. Also enjoying the party was Mrs Margaret Kenny, wife of US Ambassador James Kenny, who came along with her daughters Courtney and Colleen. Glamour girls Gail Ferguson and Melanie Morris, Annette Rocca, Louise Loughman and TV3’s Maura Derrane all enjoyed the celebrations.

Pamela Anderson arrives at Brown Thomas early yesterday with BT boss Dalton Philips.

Fever pitch

World Cup fever has hit the country, and whatever team you’re supporting I hope they are doing well. I’m not a big follower of football so my motivation for going to see England Vs. Sweden on Tuesday night was not the match per se, but rather the Kopparberg Cider, who were hosting the party in 4 Dame Lane.

I first tasted Kopparberg a few months ago and, while I’m not a fan of cider, I absolutely loved it. So refreshing and the bottles are huge! It’s manufactured solely by first-class raw materials and fresh spring water. They don’t ad alcohol; instead it gets to slowly ferment to desired strength. According to an old Swedish original recipe, they have fermented this semi sweet cider, with light, fresh, clean fruity flavours and the range includes pear, apple and mixed berries.

The pear and apple versions have an alcohol level (or whatever you call it) of 4.5% whereas the mixed berries carries a whopping 7% ABV. That surely does the trick!

Among the guests were TV3 sports presenter Aaron Armstrong, Avril Mulcahy and Aimee Milne, sports writer Derek Foley (who tells me that Gary Oldman is being lined up to play him in a movie!), Rebecca O’Neill and photographer Ingmar Kiang.

Incidentally, the match was excellent and ended in a 2-2 draw.

The following night I bumped into Derek Foley again at a reception that Stephen Mackeral and his team at the Carphone Warehouse were hosting to showcase the latest in mobile communications. TV via mobile is no longer a thing of the future and was demonstrated to me on the night. Quite impressive.

I quizzed Derek on his Gary Oldman claim and he explained that there is currently a film project being put together about the Sunday Tribune’s fictional character Ross O’Carroll – Kelly. Derek, or One F as he is often referred to as in the column, will feature in the movie version and be played by none other than Mr. Oldman. Again, quite impressive.