CRC Ladies Lunch

Some of the glamourous ladies in attendance were: 1. Adele Coghlan and Terri Fitzpatrick; 2. Kyra Jones and Aisling Simmonds; 3. Noelle McCarthy and Margaret Nelson; 4. Terri and Lisa Fitzpatrick; 5. Eithne Fitzpatrick Scott-Lennon, Yvonne Keating and Miriam Aherne.

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel was delighted to host the annual Ladies Spring Luncheon, in aid of the Central Remedial Clinic, last week. The magical setting of the 18th century castle in Killiney made it the perfect venue for this year’s event.

As one of the events in Dublin’s social calendar, the CRC Spring Luncheon is an ultra glamorous affair attended by almost 400 guests and attracts a variety of high profile socialites and corporate VIPs each year. Guests who attended this year’s event included Eithne Fitzpatrick Scott-Lennon, her sister in-laws, Fiona, Terry and Lisa Fitzpatrick, Yvonne Keating, Miriam Ahern, as well as fashion boutique owners, Fran Nolan and Jane Baker and a host of other well know and glamorous ladies.

Guests were greeted with a champagne reception upon arrival, followed by a sumptuous four-course lunch, provided by the awarding winning food and beverage team at Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel. Fran and Jane the chic chain of boutiques coordinated a fashion show, showcasing the latest line from Irish fashion brand Regine, along with a stunning array of bags, jewellery and shoes. This was followed by the latest collection from Gentlemen Please. The inimitable Lisa Fitzpatrick was MC for the show.

The CRC ladies lunch has one of the biggest charity raffles of the year with an array of exciting prizes. This year there was a trip to New York, including flights with Continental Airlines plus a stay at one of the Fitzpatrick hotels in Manhattan.

All proceeds from the Ladies Spring Luncheon go to the Central Remedial Clinic. The Central Remedial Clinic is a national centre that provides care and treatment, free of charge, for over 4,500 children and adults with physical disabilities.

Sports Ball

Having a sporting time at the ball were: 1. John Paul Davis and Nicola Hatton; 2. Catherine Coleman and Richard Woods; 3. Sandra Byrne; 4. Shaun Wright Phillips and Dionne Wright; 5. Lizanna Kirwan and Julieanne McElligot.

On Saturday, April 19th, many well known faces from Celtic, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea Football Clubs descended upon Dublin’s Mansion House for the second annual Sport’s Ball in aid of the Education for the Children Foundation. This years event attracted a host of well known UK football players with funds going towards the development of educational facilities in some of the poorest areas in Central America.

Among the sporting stars in attendance were Tommy Johnson, Rob Jones, Michael Thomas, Shaun Wright Philips, Brian Kidd, Mark Wright, Regi Blinker, Alan Stubbs, Tony Warner, Neill Lennon and Jackie McNamara (me neither, but only because I'm not much of a sports fan). Irish International Rugby star Bernard Jackman, model Lizanna Kirwan, Elisabeth Fitzpatrick and Rachel Channing also attended.

MC’d by Paul Collins from Today FM, guests enjoyed a Heineken (what else!) reception before a sumptuous five course meal. Andrew Nolan and Hugh Bleahan took to the stage after formalities and auctioned off a range of one of sporting packages and raising much needed funds for the charity. After some serious dancing to Jungle Boogie, guests made their way to uber trendy Krystle to continue the party.

The Education for the Children Foundation was established in 2003, to tackle the cycle of poverty through education, relieving the poverty and sickness of children and their families by the provision of educational amenities, facilities and equipment as well as shelter and food. Funds from the Sports Ball this year are going towards the purchase of a new Escuela Projecto La Esperanza school in San Felipe, four miles outside Antigua in Guatemala. This new building will house a primary and middle school for 250 children ranging from six to eighteen years of age. A worthy cause indeed.

Irish Equine Centre 25th Anniversary

Pictured at the Irish Equine Centre's 25th Anniversary celebration lunch were: 1. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Maktoum receiving a lifetime achievement award on behalf of his family from President Mary McAleese; 2. Gillian & Niall Quinn; 3. Naomi Buchanan, Jennifer O'Connell and Joanne Blennerhassett; 4. Helen Barry and Ann Hensey.

The Irish Equine Centre celebrated 25 years of serving Ireland’s equine industry at a champagne reception at their facility in Johnstown, Co Kildare. Guest of Honour, President of Ireland Mary McAleese presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to seven leading men and women from the industry including Sean Collins MRCVS & Hanne Collins; Dr & Mrs Vincent O’Brien; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Maktoum, Dr Walter Haefner and Lady Isolin Clague.

Jane Myerscough accepted the awards on behalf of Dr & Mrs O’Brien who are currently travelling in Australia. Jane was delighted to be there to celebrate all the work her parents had put into the centre. Similarly, Sean & Hanne Collins, who were the driving force of the centre for many of its 25 year history, were honoured to accept the award bestowed on them. Sean was the founder of the centre in 1983 and remains actively involved today as President of the Board.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Maktoum, son of Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum of Dubai accepted the award on behalf of the world famous horse breeding Maktoum family.
President McAleese congratulated those being honoured for their outstanding achievements and the Irish Equine Centre for their dedicated service to the bloodstock industry.

Guests at the exclusive event included footballing legend and local Kildare boy Niall Quinn and his glamorous wife Gillian who both have a keen interest in horse racing and breeding. Gillian is a noted horsewoman having won numerous awards as a dressage rider. Also in attendance were Sir Anthony & Lady O’Reilly and former Minister for Finance and EU Commissioner Dr. Ray MacSharry.

Former Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food John Malone has been recently appointed as the new Chairman of the Irish Equine Centre Board of Governors. Commenting on the day John said: “Today’s event has been a major milestone for the Irish Equine Centre. We are delighted to be able to honour the extraordinary people that have played a central role in the Irish equine industry and to celebrate the past 25 years of the Irish Equine Centre, as without them, this vision would never have become a reality.”

A number of key sponsors are working alongside the centre throughout their 25th Anniversary. These include Horse Racing Ireland, the body set up to develop and promote Ireland as a world centre of excellence for horse racing and breeding; Randox Laboratories Ltd, one of the world’s fastest growing diagnostics companies; Celtic Diagnostics, a leading company for animal testing and diagnostics; and Betfair, the world’s leading betting exchange.

A number of events have been planned for the coming year to mark the 25th anniversary of the Irish Equine Centre. The centre is an independent equine laboratory that exists to protect the wellbeing of Ireland’s horse population and serve the interests of the industry.

Looking the Business

Also at 'Look the Business' by The Gloss, in association with Vodafone, were 1. Karen Koster; 2. Rosanna Davison; 3. Caroline Scott.

Look the Business

At 'Look the Business' were: 1. Izabela Chudzicka & Nicola McCombie; 2. Carolan Lennon of Vodafone & Jane McDonnell of The Gloss; 3. Jennifer Weiner of Brown Thomas; 4. Audrey Buckley & Fiona McKeon; 5. Carolina Sturlese; 6. Ruth O'Byrnes.

Over 500 of Ireland’s leading business women gathered at The Mansion House for another sell out event, created by The Gloss Magazine. ‘Look The Business’ which was hosted in association with Vodafone, was designed to provide a showcase for shorthand fashion and beauty trends for style-conscious, but time-poor working women.

‘Look The Business’ combined a lavish catwalk show (with fashion from Brown Thomas presented by personal shopping director, New Yorker, Jennifer Weiner) and champagne supper followed by the first ever beauty buffet, when guests got to sample products and receive expert advice from ten international Estée Lauder make-up artists led by The Gloss Magazine’s Creative Artist Christine Lucignano. Among the guests were Rosanna Davison and Katie Jane Goldin, Roisin Tierney - Crowe, Karen Koster, Marisa Mackle and Aoife O'Reilly.

Speaking at ‘Look The Business’, Publisher of The Gloss Magazine, Jane Mc Donnell said, “How you dress causes assumptions to be made about your skills, your ability, your affiliations, your ambitions. The reality is that in this fast-paced world, impressions still count.

"Lots of us are stuck in the dark suit world, the uniform women adopted back in the 70s, when women sought equal status in the workplace. But, women have proved themselves in business over the last 30 years and we don’t need a boring suit that erases all feminine characteristics to be our fallback position when we look in the wardrobe.

"We spend a lot of time in our work clothes; we need to love them a little more than we currently do. We should regard shopping for a work wardrobe as an enjoyable event rather than a chore, undertaken under pressure – pressure for time, pressure to know what to buy. Imagine feelings of pleasure, not dread when you scan your wardrobe in the morning ... After tonight, no more dread."

Ashbourne Town Centre

Fashionistas in Ashbourne included: 1. Ann Marie Breen and Brid Clarke; 2. Emily Kennedy and Carol Doyle; 3. Daragh Hayes and Pippa O'Connor; 4. Tara Connors and Karen Koster; 5. Janice Roche, Caroline Browne and Linda Malone.

Over 300 fashion lovers ascended on the Marriott Hotel Ashbourne for a sneak preview of all the latest spring/summer trends from The Ashbourne Town Centre recently. The night was a huge success raising much needed funds for Irish Autism Action and Keith Duffy, a patron of the charity also joined in the fun. Guests were treated to a Jolie champagne reception and canapés.

Guests on the night included Keith Duffy, Sarah Morrissey, Blathnaid McKenna, Pippa O’ Connor, Xpose’s Karen Koster and former ‘You’re a Star’ contestant Andrew Grafton. After the show guests enjoyed some original sounds from Andrew Grafton and Ciara Delaney also performed with her band ensuring that guests partied til the early hours!

FitFlops

At the FitFlops launch party were: 1. Actress and DJ Hilary Rose; 2. Grasieli Craig and Glenda Gilson; 3. Isobela Miranda and Julianna Tansini; 4. Hilary Rose and Giuliano Furquim; 5. Marcia Kilgore and Maura Derrane.

Bliss Spa-entrepreneur, Marcia Kilgore, flew into Dublin recently to officially launch her stylish and revolutionary shoe, the ‘FitFlop’ at The Loft, Powerscourt Town House Centre. FitFlops, the flip flops with the gym-built-in, have an efficient dual-use – a fashionable shoe accessory and a work- out while you walk – what more could a busy woman ask for! Fitness fans and fashionistas were out in force at the event to welcome Marcia and get their hands on the most-wanted shoe this year...

Leggy Brazilian models were on hand to serve guests an array of delicious canapés and Prosecco, fashionably shod in sequinned FitFlops and hotpants, showing off their enviable legs! Some lucky guests were treated to pedicures before putting on their FitFlops for the night.

Those in attendance included beauty experts Triona McCarthy and Maura Derrane, Xposé host Glenda Gilson and top stylist Cathy O’Connor. It-girl Emily O’Donnell and socialite Grasieli Simoes of Brazil Body Sports Wear were seen enjoying the funky beats on the night provided by actress and DJ, Hilary Rose.

Since they first landed on shelves in the UK last May, FitFlops have reached iconic fashion status, as the most ‘googled’ item of the year and the fastest selling new health and wellness shoe in history! FitFlops are available from leading stockists nationwide starting from €55. New colours and styles will be added throughout the summer, so ensure you keep your eyes peeled. For further information check out www.thefitflop.com.

Hackett Menswear

At the launch party for Hacketts were: 1. Jeremy Hackett; 2. Niall McCrudden and Jonny Wilkinson; 3. Paul Byrom; 4. Rachel Kavanagh and Emer Kelly; 5. Paul Harrington; 6. Laclan Sykes and Jonny Wilkinson.

International rugby superstar Jonny Wilkinson kicked off the VIP bash at the launch of the Hackett Menswear Store on South Anne Street. Jonny arrived at the party in true James Bond style in an Aston Martin provided by Charles Hurst Belfast accompanied by Jeremy Hackett, Chairman and founder of Hackett Menswear.

Hackett had a surprise in store for guests with the presence of polo pony Princess which drew crowds as well as the interest of top show jumper Cian O’Connor with Paddy Power on hand to organise bets.

The invite only event kicked off with a champagne reception followed by miniature steak canapés and Irish potato cakes with Clonakilty black pudding with the Hackett men in mind. Guests grooved to jazz duo Tandem and Eurovision winner Paul Harrington made a special guest appearance with a performance of his new single ‘What I’d Say’.

Business duo Simon and Christian Stokes, Astrid Brennan and Rachel Channing along with other guests sipped lychee martinis whilst admiring the wonderful Spring Summer collection from Hackett. Models Lachlan Sykes and Eric Jackman showcased the latest collection including nautical inspired pieces and key looks from the chic quintessential Mayfair Collection.

Other guests included Karen Koster, Grainne Seoige and stylist Cathy O’Connor, Pat Kiely, Sinead Desmond, Irish actresses Tara Leniston and Rachel Kavanagh. Guests were treated to a special performance by Utsav Lal, India’s youngest concert pianist of Raga piano music.

New limited edition Hackett designed Ireland rugby jerseys were a popular hit on the night with both Hackett and rugby enthusiasts.

Kasteel Crew

Also at the Kasteel Cru party were: 1. Emily Kennedy, Kate Bunworth and Kate Moran; 2. Joanne Devers, Alan Amsby and Alex Farrell; 3. DJ Dandelion phones home.

Kasteel Cru

Enjoying the Kasteel Cru launch party in the Ice Bar were: Pippa O'Connor and Glenda Gilson; 2. Barry Reamonn and Nikki Ryan; 3. Mark Arigho and Laura Woods.


The truly innovative French champagne of beers Kasteel Cru was launched a lavish French soiree in Dublin’s trendy Ice Bar recently. Familiar faces from the modeling and sporting worlds rendezvous’d to enjoy the premium lager to the sounds of DJ Dandelion as the Kasteel Cru flow all night. The always stylish television personality, Laura Woods MC’d the evening and one lucky partygoer walked away with a 5 star trip to Paris!.

Kasteel Cru is the perfect compliment with food and guests will be spoilt with a wonderful selection of oysters, lobster and French cheeses and the cascading roses will give an authentic French feel. This truly premium product is designed for those who enjoy the finer things in life and have the confidence to be different.

This superbly unique product is available in stylish bars and outlets across the country. It is already the drink of choice amongst the social set in the know. Once you have tasted the clean and elegant flavour of Kasteel Cru you will want to enjoy it time and time again.

Among those who attended were Glenda Gilson and her Xposé Crew, actor Liam Cunningham, Irish Rugby international and Leinster rugby’s Bernard Jackman and his wife Sinead. Nadine Wai-O’Flynn and her Dirty Epic sister Sarah. Socialites Tessa Cuniffe, Emily O’Donnell and Astrid Brennan. Krystle boys Conor Buckley and Brian O’Malley with their model girlfriends Sara Kavanagh & Nina De Vito.

Also enjoying the party were Tara O’Leary, Norman Pratt, Louise Osbourne, design duo Tyrell & Brennan perhaps looking for another muse after the runaway success of dressing Rosanna Davidson at the VIP Style Awards!

Armani Samsung

At the launch party in Harvey Nichols were: 1. Avila Lipsett and Dave Rhatigan; 2. Models; 3. Linda and Dee Breen; 4. Frances Winston and Alan Amsby get a master class in Armani.


Techno goes couture - Samsung has teamed up with one of the world’s leading fashion houses to design and produce the cutting edge Giorgio Armani - Samsung luxury mobile. The phone, which fuses Armani’s signature style with Samsung’s technology, is available to buy in stores nationwide from January and retails from €599.

This slim credit card sized phone meets the needs of discerning customers who aspire to own a handset combining cutting edge fashion with leading mobile technology. The Giorgio Armani - Samsung Mobile is a lifestyle choice - it has a futuristic haptic touch LCD screen set in a jet black glossy finish - this is a phone that leads the way in mobile fashion.

NYFDA

At the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Awards were: 1. Emily O'Donnell, Colm Farrell and Wayne Cronin; 2. Simone and Max Rocha; 3. Cha Cha Seigne; 4. Eileen Sheilds and Eilis Boyle; 5. Alan O'Hara with the winner Michelle Wilson and her model.

Nokia Young Fashion Designer Award

The country’s top fashionistas gathered recently for the glittering finale of the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Award 2008. The event took place in the suitably urban setting of Whitaker Court, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, where guests drank a specially created Coole Swan cocktail entitled Coole Prism.

The windows of this distinctively trendy setting were blacked out to allow guests to enjoy their drinks in the surroundings of neon tube lighting and stripped back urban surfaces while DJ Paul Webb provided a funky, electro soundtrack. Judge, Eileen Shields, lent her own fashion savvy to the venue with a specially created installation of her world famous footwear.

Guests were called to their seats by a virtual MC, Prisma, who took the form of a pair of sexy red lips on plasma screens around the venue.

The 21 finalists sat tentatively in the front row as their creations came down the catwalk one by one. This year, students used Nokia’s latest fashion handset, the sleek and mysterious Nokia Prism, as inspiration for their design. These distinctively urban handsets draw their inspiration from modern architecture, geometric shapes, sharp angled lines and neon light. After the finalists outfits had been shown, judges Eilis Boyle and Tim Ryan showed their stunning collections.

In a tense finale, the international judging panel including dress designer Eilis Boyle, knitwear designer, Tim Ryan, leading Irish tailor, Louis Copeland, New York shoe designer, Eileen Sheilds and Clothes Show presenter, Brendan Courtney, went backstage to decide on the winner.

The runner’s up were: Simone Rocha, National College of Art and Design and Louise Devereaux, Limerick School of Art and Design who both won €1,000 and crowned the overall winner was Michelle Wilson from Limerick School of Art and Design who won €5,000, a Nokia Prism handset and media profiling for the year.

Guests in attendance included Ireland AM presenter Sinead Desmond, designers John Rocha and Helen James, Caroline Morahan, Anne Doyle, Xpose’s Aisling O’Loughlin, stylist Cathy O’Connor and Derrick Carberry from Brown Sugar.

Saying yes to carrots ...

Among those saying Yes To Carrots were: 1. Cathy O'Connor; 2. Susan O'Herlihy and Jessie Collins; 3. Deirdre Reynolds; 4. Fiona Gratzer; 5. Helen O'Reilly and Sara Colohan.

Say Yes to Carrots!

Yes To Carrots, the revolutionary new skin and hair care brand, celebrated its official Irish launch at Harvey Nichols Restaurant, Dundrum Town centre last week. Yes to Carrots founder, Ido Leffler was in Ireland to present his popular beauty range to a host of specially invited guests, including celebrity stylists, Cathy O’Connor and Sara Colohan and Gerry Bohan, representing Fields Jewellers. As carrots come from fields, Fields, the largest Irish jewellers, kindly donated a diamond encrusted necklace, which was won by Sunday World journalist, Fiona Gratzer at the event. Yes To Carrots first appeared on Irish beauty shelves in January, and since then, has been taking the Irish beauty world by storm.

Yes To Carrots is a new concept in skin and hair care combining the anti-oxidant and anti-ageing power of Beta-Carotene from organic fruit and vegetables, such as, carrots, pumpkins and oranges, with the cleansing, purifying and moisturising properties of 26 minerals, harvested from the Dead Sea. The Yes To Carrots range is designed to replenish the hair and skin, while the paraben free formula assists the skin’s natural process of rejuvenation, leaving your skin smiling.

The Dead Sea, the world’s most ancient and renowned natural spa, contains 26 minerals and trace elements that are known to improve cell metabolism and stabilise the moisture content of the skin. The molecular structure of the minerals allows them to penetrate the skin and nourish the cells.

Ido Leffler, founder of Yes To Carrots, says, “We are delighted with the Irish response to Yes to Carrots, which we believe is much more than a brand, it’s a lifestyle choice. The colour, the name, the combination of organic fruits and vegetables and Dead Sea Mud has proven to be a winning formula with consumers worldwide. When you say yes to Yes To Carrots™, you make a conscious decision to smile more often and improve your lifestyle.”

Essential

Some of the exotic social butterflies at the Herbal Essences party included: 1. Vanessa Byrne and Daragh Hayes; 2. Sinead Farrell and Anne Marie Curneen; 3. Julie Devine and Michelle McGrath; 4. Julian Benson and Samina Zia.

Exotic Evening

Herbal Essences announced their exciting plans and upcoming launches for the summer in AKA, Wicklow Street last week. The trendy bar was completely transformed into a botanical paradise by Dublin’s leading flower stylists Appassionata. Invited guests entered through an ivy and fuschia gloriosa ‘curtain’ and travelled down a candle lit staircase to be greeted by the soothing sounds of DJ Anya Stafford and the tantalizing aromas from the pampering zones.


Guests were treated to a night of indulgent bliss with specially designated zones. Beauty therapist Gillian Fox was on hand to give Indian head and shoulder massages in the aromatherapy corner. Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons gave tips on speedy up-styles and summer hair trends in the Hair Analysis zone, while Angela Gallagher applied this season’s must have accessory – Lash Extensions – and Make-up Artists and Nail Technician’s were on hand to treat guests to mini makeovers.


Guests included Brendan Scully, Sarah McGovern, Ali McDonnell, Julian Benson and Ronan McCormack, Sean Montague, Tara Leniston and Derrick Carberry.


Sexy ‘gardeners’ Samina Zia and Darragh Hayes distributed bespoke cocktails, including Herbal Heaven Mojitos and Botanical Breeze Martini’s, inspired by variants in the Botanicals range. Exotic canapés and a decadent chocolate fondue fountain with fruity dips completed the night in paradise.

Stout Fest

The Porterhouse recently launched its annual Stout Festival which will run from March 7th - 24th. At the Porterhouse in Temple Bar were: 1. Peter and Claire Murphy; 2. Alan Amsby and Richard Kavanagh; 3. Grainne Moyhihan and Siobhan Gavigan; 4. Fiona Roche and Rachel Quinn; 5. Ger Tolan and Peter Mosley.

Crest of a Wave

Pictured at the launch of the Quicksilver store in Stephen's Green SC were: 1. Samina Zia and Cathal O'Connor; 2. Vogue Williams and Ali O'Donnell; 3. Sarah McGovern and Michelle McGrath; 4. Sarah Kavanagh and Pippa O'Connor.

Quicksilver party

Quiksilver celebrated the opening of their flagship store in the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre recently and the invited guests were treated to a Hawaiian themed evening in the ground floor boardwalk store

A flock of champion surfers joined the fun on the night. Gabe Davies, who surfed a 50ft wave at Mullaghmore in Bundoran late last year, was a special guest on the evening. He is the star of the Irish film ‘Wave Riders’, which recently won the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival audience award. Sixteen year old Irish surfer Amy May Garvey also joined in the party. Amy is the youngest girl ever to win the Under18 National Titles at the tender age of eleven.

Smooth Surfers modelled the Spring/Summer collections from Quiksilver and Roxy. Combining style with durability and vibrant colours, the sporty models showed the full potential of the famous lifestyle brand. Mel Puu, a 7ft tall Hawaiian surfer and musician, played the ukulele and DJ Aoife Caulfield spinned chilled dance tunes, while magician Brendan Byrne performed some great tricks on the evening. Quiksilver and Roxy boarders were shown in action on plasma screens in store as the crowd enjoyed the Malibu cocktails.

Gordan D’Arcy hung up his Rugby boots for the evening to hang out with a host of well known social surfers including Rachel Wyse, Pippa O’Connor, Karena Graham, Sara Kavanagh, Samina Zia, TV presenter Laura Woods, actress Tara Leniston, Vogue Williams and Ali MacDonnell.