Winner of the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Award John McCormack flanked by his two models.

Yours truly, captured, last night.

Darryn Lee and Triona 'Party' McCarthy pictured at the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Awards last night

Strike a pose

Fashion sweetie - it's all about fashion. Last month in the Sunday Business Post newspaper I was asked 'Who's got it right?'. I answered that Nokia had. They strike the right balance between fashion and function. How right I was.

Last night's Nokia Young Designer of the Year Awards was an exceptional event. With the theme of Urban Glamour in mind, it was hosted in one of the underground car parks in the new Dundrum Town Centre. Enough to rock my world. As I sipped on my snipe of Moet & Chandon I chatted to TV presenter Caroline Morahan, who was full of news about her new summer reality TV show. It's looks like it's going to be balled Chance To Dance. You read it here first people.

Showcasing cutting edge fashions from students of different colleges, the outfits ranged from the conservative to the outragous, with the end result being a big wow factor. This years winner was John McCormack from The Grafton Academy, whose beautifully tailored suits you can see above.

Wandering around the darkened spaces of the carpark last night were Nokia's Jackie Brannigan, HOK's fashion consultant Aisling Cullen, TV presenter Pamela Flood, designers John Rocha and Peter O'Brien who also showed their latest collections. Also there were designer Synan O'Mahony, eyewear designer Brian McGinn and actress Marianne O'Connor, who has just signed a contract to appear in the UK series Casualty. Good to see Sunday Tribune social diarist Sarah McInerney up and about again after a recent bout of illness. In fact he's so well she's off to San Diego next week for a well deserved break.

After all was said and done I ventured into The Trocadero for a late dinner with beauty journalist and fashion buyer Triona McCarthy (or Party McCarthy as ahe is known as) and artist Darryn Lee. Triona was the only Irish jorunalist this year to interview Britney Spears a couple of weeks ago. I remember her telling me that she thought that Britters was preggers. Well Party was right - look who just made a big anoucment.

Keep it short and sweet

The 2005 Dublin Gay Theatre Festival was launched yesterday evening at a Boru Vodka reception in the historic surrounds of the Gate Theatre. As I arrived I could hear the unmistakable voice of Senator David Norris booming from beyond. Pleased that I had not missed Senator Norris' speech, I slinked in at the back of the crowded room.

Ever the entertainer, Senator Norris was a wonderfully witty speaker, as always. This country is very lucky to have such a scholar, activist and raconteur, who was looking refreshed having recently returned from a trip to Cyprus.

The festival runs from the 3rd to 15th May in a variety of venues including The Gate, The Project Arts Centre, Focus Theatre, Centre Stage Café and the Andrews Lane Theatre. With premieres of New Boy by William Sutcliffe, Naked Will by Blair Fell and About Face by Jinny McCallister the event brings new productions to the Irish stage. Others include an adaptation of the famous Torch Song Trilogy and Irish shorts Citizenship and Don't Die Wondering.

I spotted broadcaster and writer Ross Golden - Bannon, writer Emma Donoghue, GCN editor Brian Finnegan, Danny Lane of Queerid.com and Deputy Lord Mayor Andrew Montague. I would have stayed longer had one person's speech not exceeded 20 minutes, but how and ever. Next time I'll solicit bets to make it more interesting.

Question of the day: Which radio station (not FM104!) is going through major upheaval at the moment with the recent resignation of a presenter and the sacking of member of top management? Add that to the huge law suit they'll soon be facing and, well, things don't sound too good.

Fire up the Aga

Last week I also attended the opening of the gorgeous new Fired Earth / AGA showroom in Dun Laoghaire, called The Clubhouse - a rather elegant name I think you'll agree. I was accompanied by the lovely Jenny Fallopian, who was in Dublin on a brief, but much appreciated, visit.

I'm into interiors as much as the next person, but it was Jenny who thrilled when I told her where we were going. She loves cooking on her Aga that one.

Among those admiring the The Clubhouse in all it's glory were the Brithish Ambassador, HE Stuart Eldon and his wife Chris and the French Ambassador, HE Frédéric Grasset and his wife, Mme. Grasset.

Guest of honour, and chief ribbon cutter, was the baby-faced Irish international rugby player Ronan O'Gara, who apparently was not taking part in any photo opportunities or talking to any press. A far cry from what teammate Denis Hickie went through recently when he was grilled by George Hook and Brent Pope at the Timberland launch. Game for a laugh is Denis, but I digress.

'Who needs him anyway', said Jenny, 'the beauty of the Aga speaks for itself.'

Don't you just know it Jenny.

Style file

There was more bling, posing and pouting than at the Oscars, as the glamourous girls were out in gale force last night for the annual Peter Mark / VIP Style Awards in the plush Four Seasons Hotel. Twenty well-known style icons made up the final list, with readers of VIP choosing the winner of this prestigious prize. At the gala dinner, editor Emer O'Reilly - Hyland revealed this year's winner to be none other than RTE newscaster Sharon Ní Bheoláin, who looked stunning in a black Valentino gown.

Sharon, who is no shrinking violet, happily accepted the specially commissioned Tipperary Crystal award, designed by Louis Kennedy. Previous winners Celia Holman - Lee and Gránnie Seoige were there to congratulate her. Also picking up an award was friend of SD, TV presenter Kathryn Thomas, who picked up the award for most stylish woman of the night. Work it girl!

Looking fab on the red carpet were models Andrea Roche and Glenda Gilson, TV stars Pamela Flood and Caroline Morahan, FMI Rosanna Davison and actress Orlaith Rafter. Fashion designers Peter O'Brien and Synan O'Mahony were also in attendance, along with An Taoiseach's ex-wife Miriam Ahern and her daughter Gerogina Byrne, wife of Westlifer Nicky.

In the market

The latest band of gastro venues to open up in Dublin is a fantastic development. Eating out no longer has to be an expensive but distinctly average occassion.

I've probably written about it here before, and indeed have been quoted in the press about it, but my favourite place for inexpensive but great food is The Market Bar on Fade Street. I had yeat another fab dinner there last night with my good friend Gareth Gleeson, who I think I have converted to become a Market Bar regular.

In other news, Kylie, the princess of pop, is in town. she kicks off the Iriah leg of her tour tonight in The Point and will play a further 4 gigs here. I'm off to see her tomorrow night and am really looking forward to it.

I passed the Merrion Hotel earlier today and spotted a well-known paparazzo lurking outside, so wee Kylie may well be resting her head there for the duration of her stay.

I'll have to head to Lillies this weekend - well, pretty much any celebrity who comes to Dublin ends up there, so you never know, Kylie and I might have a laugh over a Cosmo.

Take to the Catwalk

Last night saw the latest launch and preview of the hugely successful Blossom Hill Catwalks event in the cavernous Odeon bar on Harcourt Street. Now in it's 6th season, the Catwalks roadshow has been going from strength to strength, with the support of Blossom Hill wines.

The nominated charity of the event is the Marie Keating Foundation, which campaigns for cancer research and support. Singer Ronan Keating originally set up the charity in memory of his late mother, and it is now run by his sister Linda, who delivered a sincere thank you to Catwalks organisers Greg Canty and Deirdre Waldron.

At last nights launch I spied Alan Hughes and Debbie O'Donnel from TV3, socialite Dr. Robin O'Reilly and her boyfriend Ziggy, Paul Trainer and Eoin Higgins of The Dubliner magazine. Clare Feely of Kennedy PR and Roisín Tierney - Crowe of Paul Allen were also enjoying the fashion show, as were model agency boss Trish Fallon and stylist Cathy O'Connor. Fashion designer Synan O'Mahony was also there, no doubt admiring his own amazing creations on the catwalk.

The first Catwalks event kicks off on May 12th in Mullingar followed by Dundalk on the 13th and Dublin on the 17th. For the full itinerary go to www.catwalks.ie.

By the way, did you know that over 25,000 glasses of Blossom Hill are consumed ever hour? I'd say last night's shindig contributed a great deal to that figure.


Question of the night: Which party person is back on the snow patrol? After previously attending rehab the socialite has fallen off the wagon once again and has returned to telling lies and acting like a diva.

Holiday Skin

I guess one disadvantage to living in Ireland is the weather. A golden tan is either cultivated in sunnier climes, or more often than not, out of a bottle. Whoever said that pale and interesting looked good just didn't have a clue.

I attended the launch of Holiday Skin today, the revolutionary new tanning moisturiser from Johnson & Johnson. At a lunch hosted by Puffin Moynihan and David O'Brien of Dynamics PR, in the luxurious Merrion Hotel, brand manager Ruth Cosgrove informed us all of the new wonder product, which is essentially the only daily body lotion that also gives you a light tan 365 days of the year. And it's not just for girls.

Also speaking at today's event was Dr. Ben Jones from the Face Research Laboratory at the University of Aberdeen. His research has proved that a healthy looking skin colour is widely believed to be a reflection of health, sensible eating, sleeping and exercise patterns. People actually consider glowing skin on the outside to be an indication that all is well on the inside. So get that glow and even if you live a reckless lifestyle you won't look like you do. I've got mine.

Incidentally, Ben had just flown in to Aberdeen from Detroit the previous night and then straight from there to Dublin, via Manchester. He obviously practises what he preaches as he was looking pretty fresh.

Among the ladies looking radiant today were TV presenters Pamela Flood and Caroline Morahan, editor of VIP magazine Emer O'Reilly - Hyland, beauty journalist Anne Boylan, LIFE magazine editor Lucy Bowen. Style goddess Leanne De Cerbo was also there, looking amazing as always, and informed me that Joanne Hegarty has joined Gavin Lambe - Murphy at the helm of the The Diary column in Ireland on Sunday newspaper.

Manic Monday

I always feel that I need a couple of days to recover from the madness that is usually the weekend. Today being no exception. However, I'm laying all blame with my old pal Catherine Tierney, who is visiting home from New Zealand. Well, it's always easier to point the finger, isn't it?

I bumped into Quentin Fottrell last night. Sporting yet another new pair of specs, the writer and broadcaster is as busy as ever. Representing Ireland for the international news agency Dow Jones, Q also pens the answers to the countries complaints on his site, www.WorldWeary.com. There's always someone worse off that you!

I also heard today that my good friend Caroline Morahan is set to present the TV show of the Summer. Entertainment site ShowBizIreland.com last week papped Caroline who was out and about filming the new reality show, so I just had to find out more details.

The as yet untitled series will follow the search for a dancer, with top coreographers training the hopefuls and selecting the eventual winner over a number of weeks. The contestants will also live in the same house for the duration, so there's sure to be some juicy stuff.

Speaking of Caroline, I see she is again in the running for the coveted VIP Style Award, which will be hosted on Thursday. But more about that anon.

I must extend a warm welcome to Cuan O'Regan - Bannon who entered the world safe and sound this morning. Cuan's parents, publicist Ultan Bannon and barrister Attracta O'Regan are delighted, natch. Congratulations to all concerned.

And they're off.....

More horsey activity for me yesterday as I attended the launch of the 2005 Irish National Hunt Festival in the gorgeous Guinness Storehouse. All roads will be leading to Punchestown for this years festival which takes place from the 26th to the 29th of April.

Horse racing has always been a favourite social occasion of mine and Punchestown especially so. The racegoers go all out when it comes to the style stakes with the boys in their dapper pinstripes and the girls with their elegant head pieces. Last night's launch was no different.

At the champagne reception were Orla Doyle from Looks 1 PR, Minister Brian Lenihan TD, Elaine Collins, soon-to-be wife of Gold Cup winning trainer Tom Taaffe, General Manager of Punchestown Dick O'Sullivan, who gave a witty speech and Rory Sheridan of Diageo, who are major sponsors this year with the €225,000 Guinness Gold Cup. Also enjoying the evening was jockey Barry Geraghty, fresh from two wins at Cheltenham.

Also to look forward to this year is the Best Dressed Ladies competition which is in association with Newbridge Silverware and always attracts a great buzz.

Later on in the evening I had dinner in Café Bar Deli on Georges Street. I'm always the last to embrace subjects of popularity and this was my first ever visit to this gastro havan. I just might read The Da Vinci Code some time this year too.

Winner of The Dubliner Best Restaurant 2005, Café Bar Deli has been a beacon of good food at great prices for sometime now, and I'm just sorry I didn't make it there earlier. Chef Kian Brady really knows his stuff. I hear owners Eoin Foyle and Jay Bourke are taking over the premises previously occupied by Bewleys on Grafton Street and are opening another CBD there next month. The more the merrier I say.

Question of the day: Which famous Irish actor is currently being harrassed (dare I say stalked?) by his ex-girlfriend? The bunny boiler has gotten him into trouble before and now she just won't take no for an answer.

Au revoir

One of my favourite places in Dublin closed last week. The Shelbourne Hotel on St. Stephen's Green is being refurbished and will not be open to the public for at least 18 months. The Marriott Hotel group is set to spend €40 million on the project, which include additional bedrooms and a cosmetic facelift. I guess The Shelbourne is a bit like Joan Rivers - it needs a bit of work now and then to keep running with the young ones.

I had intended to call in last week, but with one thing and another I forgot. The last time I was there was sometime around Christmas when I met up with my old pal Jason O'Callaghan, the former gossip columnist turned singer. As I downed the delicious Cosmopolitan cocktails in the Lord Mayor's Lounge, we were joined by Richard Kavanagh and publisher PJ Gibbons, who were busy discussing festive plans. I recall superb service from manager Elizabeth O'Neill, as always.

Apparently both The Shelbourne and Horseshoe Bars will remain intact, further to requests from regulars. I've always preferred the larger, brighter Shelbourne Bar to the pokey, uncomfortable Horseshoe - although many would disagree, I know.

With former guests such as John F. Kennedy, Princess Grace of Monaco, the Duke of Westminister and James Cagney, it was the kind of place you could bump into anyone, and often did. Millionaires mixed with musicians, politicians rubbed shoulders with gangsters. I hope The Marriott group have the good sense to retain as much of it's old charm as possible.

Be a donor

I was at a luncheon today in the beautiful Mansion House, home of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, to mark the official launch of the Irish Kidney Association's Donor Awareness Week. A vital fundraising effort, Donor Week has long been a pivotal campaign in the IKA's annual calendar.

An Taniste, and Minister for Health, Mary Harney TD was on hand and delivered an inspiring speech to the assembled guests, who included broadcaster and patron of the association Miriam O'Callaghan, John Curran TD and Jim Morahan of The Examiner.

Donor week runs from the 2nd to the 9th of April and can be supported by the purchase of the Forget-Me-Not flower, key ring and badge.

Winner alright, winner alright

My holiday weekend was quieter than I would have like, due to a dreadful cold which I have been suffering with. Thankfully ScreenClick.com, the online DVD rental company, ensured that it wasn't a complete bore fest.

After the requisite recuperation, I made it to Fairyhouse racecourse for the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National, which was won by Numbersixvalverde, ridden by Ruby Walsh and backed by me!

Among the 16,000 odd punters were An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Minister Mary Coughlan TD, EU Commissioner and racing fan Charlie McCreevy and his lovely wife Noleen, billionaire businessman Sean Quinn, Chairman of Irish Distillers Richard Burrows and Tamso Doyle of Horse Racing Ireland.

Upon arrival I was a guest of Mary FitzGerald, who is responsible for PR at Fairyhouse. Those of you in your twenties will surely remember Mary from her days as a children's TV presenter on RTE. Thanks to Mary and her show, How Do You Do?, I knew what to do with leftover cereal boxes. These days she has swapped her tools of glitter and glue for a successful career as a marketing and PR consultant, and doesn't look a day older.

Congratulations to Vivienne Dowd from Naas, who scooped the Best Dressed Lady prize of a €1000 Carl Scarpa voucher and a €4000 trip to New York. Happy shopping Vivienne.

"George Hook", aka Jamie Plenderleith, after dinner last night.

Hooked on Timberland

I made my second trip to the new Dundrum Shopping Centre last night and was surprised at how beautiful the place is. On my last visit there were hundreds of builders and about an inch of dust everywhere. It's nice to have a 'before' and 'after' memory.

I was back for the opening party of the fab new Timberland store on the ground floor. The night had a rugby theme to it, with RTE pundits George Hook and Brent Pope and Irish international Denis Hickie discussing the highlights of the 6 Nations tournament.

The first time I met George Hook was at the launch of the La Vallee property development in Bray, Co. Wicklow a couple of years ago. He was guest speaker at the event and entertained the guests with his witty repartee. There's more to George than rugby.

Among the assembled guests last night were presenter of The Den, Francis Boylan, model Peter Loyd, agency boss Trish Fallon and publicist Amy Buckeridge. Also there were SD favourite Kathryn Thomas and former Lansdowne rugby player Brian O'Mahony, who is off to New York soon to take up a VP position with a private bank.

Beer, hotdogs, rugby and a special 25% discount off Timberland gear - some guys didn't want to leave.

I later called into the Rubicon restaurant and met with Fergal Breen, Barry Paterson of IT Talent, colmunist Frances Winston and Jamie Plenderleith, some of who had been ensconced since lunchtime. That's what I call a boozy lunch.

Jamie and I continued on to Renards and concluded the night in Lillies, where I spotted former owner Dave Egan enjoying himself. Checking out the competition or just for old time sake?

Question of the day: Who was the female celebrity with actor George McMahon when the recent incident occured?

Tea or Coffee madam?

I met TV presenter Kathryn Thomas on my travels yesterday. Kathryn, who presents travel show No Frontiers, is everywhere these days! A regular on TV show The Panel and fronting the ad campaign for eircom broadband the girl from Carlow is rarely off our screens. And if you're a frequent flyer out of Dublin Airport she's rarely out of your ears either - she voices the welcome advise message at the boarding gate.

We were at the opening of Barnie's, a new concept to the world of coffee (and tea) in Ireland. The flagship store is located on Dublin's Westmorland Street and is owned and operated by Lorraine Sweeney, who brought us Beshoffs. You just know she's in the know. I highly recommend the Coffee Freezers. They go down faster than Paris Hilton.

Anyhoo, Kathryn, who has amazing eyes, is eagerly awaiting the green light for the next series of No Frontiers, which I'm sure she'll get. When it comes to that girl's TV career there really should be no frontiers.

Mondo-gate

It must have been a really slow news day yesterday. Front page of a scuzzy tabloid screamed about actor George McMahon, aka Mondo from Fair City, commiting a lewd act with the bonnet of a jeep. Apparently the couple driving said vehicle were shocked and distressed when the actor leapt up on their bonnet and proceeded to gyrate. I smell a hicks-ville couple selling a story.

The 'story' emerged in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, where George was starring in a theatre production of Conor McPherson's 'This Lime Tree Bower'. What was, in fact, a playful joke turned into a tabloid-fest and subsequently is being broadcast on radio news bulletins today. I mean, really, what about the reconciliation of society darlings Gerald and Clodagh Kean? Surely the Irish public are on tenterhooks about that story.

I know George, and I know the kind of fun-loving guy he is. His high-jinx hilarity shouldn't be confused for anything else. Keep it up George.

That Friday Feeling

I've just had a long leisurely lunch with the lovely Amy Buckeridge and her colleague Lorraine Murphy in Cooke's on South William Street. Perfect for the post-Patrick's Day tenderness. Amy runs her own PR firm and looks after big brands such as Magee, Timberland and The Body Clinic. The news and gossip was in full flow, much of it too salacious to repeat, and that was just me talking. Delicious food too - it's great to see Johnny Cooke back cooking up a storm (please, excuse the pun).

Another gorgeous lunch I had last week was in the fabulous No.10 Ormonde Quay, hosted by P&G Beauty. Among the guests at my table were Brent Miller, international spokesman for P&G. As we discussed the latest in skincare, and more to the point how to combat premature ageing, Brent filled us in on tips and advice. Apparently the latest thing is to use haemorrhoid cream to maintain a youthful fizog. Who knew! I think I'll stick to Olay.

One person who is looking younger everyday is Dolores O'Riordan, lead singer with The Cranberries. She was recently spotted having lunch in Acqua restaurant in Howth. Heavily pregnant with her second child the star was positively blooming.

Right, it's Friday, and I'm off. Have a great weekend y'all.

Question of the week: Which well known socialite has announced that he has a new boyfriend? After years of speculation he has come out of the closet and is now a regular on the gay scene. Now all we want to know is the boyfriend's name!

Joanne Byrne and Louis Walsh leaving the O2 BlackBerry party last night.

O2 at Cocoon last night

Positive attitude

The fashion cognoscenti and music lovers were out in force last night for two kick ass parties. First port of call was the stylish club SPY for the the launch of @ttitude, a funky new take on bringing fashion to the masses. Starting in April, the @ttitude roadshow will visit Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford, Limerick and Naas, bringing a mixture of fashion, music, gaming and fun to a nightclub near you. One part I'm excited about is the use of professional dancers as opposed to models. I like a bit of @ttitude.

Enjoying the Corona (and fish and chips) were producer Cathy O'Connor, diarist Gavin Lambe - Murphy, publisher PJ Gibbons and model Astrid Brennan. I also bumped into Brendan Scully who is the choreographer for the @ttitude ensemblé and fashion girl-about-town Triona McCarthy, who is off to New Orleans on Monday to interview Britney Spears! @ttitude kicks of on April 6th.

Over at trendy bar Cocoon, O2 and BlackBerry hosted a party to showcase the latest BlackBerry handsets. Main attraction for the evening were G4, the X-Factor finalists who are blazing a trail through the music world.
Performing several songs from their album, the boys belted out the vocals to an enthralled audience.

Sipping on the delicious blackberry cocktails were TV presenters Blathnaid Ní Chofaigh and Alan Hughes, Hugh Scully, columnist France Winston and Romy Carroll, who is the new PR for Cocoon, Jamie Plenderleith and UIP's Anna Lavery. As I left I ran into Joanne Byrne and Louis Walsh (pictured) who were going for dinner with the G4 boys later in the evening.

I also bumped into TV star Brendan Courtney who was looking fresh and in town for a 24-hour flying visit.

My night was rounded off with a trip to Renards for the going away party of Rob Atkinson, who has left his position as Commercial director with Ireland on Sunday. He is going back to the U.K. to take up the position of Sales Director with advertising giant AdShel. Among the crew wishing him bon voyage were socialite Niall McCrudden of Insight Opticians and Paul Trainer of The Dubliner magazine.

FMIs

Being a Former Miss Ireland, or FMI as I like to shorten it to, can be a ticket to success. I met Vivienne Doyle, who was Miss Ireland in 1998, last Saturday night in Lillies. She and her husband, pilot Kevin Quinn, gave birth to baby Daniel 5 months ago and are finding the experience to be a big, but rewarding, change to their lives.

A model for many years with Celia Holman - Lee's agency, Vivienne may go back to the catwalk, but ultimately wishes to open her own fashion boutique and is currently looking into possibilities.

This got me thinking about the other FMIs that I know. Amanda Brunker won in 1991 and went ton to model and set up her own greeting card business. She is now a social diarist with the Sunday World newspaper and has sucessfully pursued a TV career, recently presenting her own show, The Dinner Party.

Pamela Flood won Miss Ireland in 1993. A highly successfull model, Pamela went on to become a continuity announcer with Network 2. She went on to become a TV presenter with many UK channels is now co-presenter of one of RTE's top entertainment shows, Off The Rails.

Miss Ireland in 1997, the year before Vivienne, was Andrea Roche. She has since become one of Ireland's top models and regularly appears as a fashion presenter on Ireland AM. She also now owns the Miss Ireland franchise with Mags Humphries, and together they are responsible for holding the Finalé every year in the City West Hotel.

Our most famous FMI is, of course Rosanna Davison, who went on to scoop the ultimate prize of being crowned Miss World last year. She is now the countries most in-demand model and attracts attention wherever she goes. However, not one to let the fame go to her head (it helps having Chris de Burgh as her father), Rosanna has since returned to her studies and intends on graduating from college.

I guess it depends how an FMI capitalises on her success. They are regularly written about in the gissip columns and social diaries, and with that amount of press interest it should be easier to sustain a lucrative career after the crown has been handed back. Whether that career be a vacuous Paris Hiltonesque one or a Mother Teresa help-the-children one, it doesn't matter. Winning Miss Ireland is a fantastic spring board to bigger and better things.

Alternative Miss Ireland 2005

The annual extravaganza that is the Alternative Miss Ireland exploded on the the stage in full technicolour fabulousness at the Olympia Theatre last night. This not-to-be-missed event is a mish mash of the sane, the talented and the down right crazy getting together to raise much needed funds for worthy charities.

Over the last number of years in excess of €110,000 has been raised for Open Heart House and Cairde, two great AIDS organisations. Hosted by the inimitable Panti, who wore a show stopping creation by designer Jurgen, and the Dyin' For It Sisters, the evening was a resounding success, supported by a varity of organisations including ~H20+, The Front Lounge and KLM.

Reigning supreme as Alternative Miss Ireland 2005 is Miss Heidi Konnt, who put on an amazing show with her Von Tramp family. The audience went wild for her original and hilarious performance. Taking a close second place was Miss Gringo, who won the crowd with her comical rendition of Lionel Richie's Hello. Snapping at her heels in third position was Miss Davina Devine, who was Barbie personified.

Among those enjoying the show were RTEs Aengus MacGrianna, Gary Kavanagh and Michael Doyle of Peter Mark (Michael has just bought a swish new apartment in Dublin 8), designer Cyan Kingston and stylist Graham Cruz. There were more after parties than Elizabeth Taylor has diamonds, but I ventured down to Spirit where DJ Karen whipped the crowd up into a frenzy. Bopping along were TV presenter Pamela Flood, producer/director Traolach O'Buchalla and man-about-town Michael Taylor, who looked great in a funky Paul Smith jacket.

Another year, another Queen. Well done to all concerned.

Saturday Night Live(ly)

Narrowly defeated in yesterday's rugby match (Irl 19 - Fra 26), the natives were out in force last night to drown their collective sorrows. The French were celebrating no doubt, but it seemed they decided to keep a low profile. My good friend Judith Giltinane and I hit the town last night in search of .... well, a good time I guess.

We kicked off proceedings in Cocoon, the bar owned by former F1 driver Eddie Irvine (although I hear that his former business partner John Foley is still pursuing him in the courts over ownership). I bumped in Michael Hayes, one of the presenters of new TV show How Low Can You Go? on RTE 2. I congratulated him on a job well done but he didn't take my praise too well, telling me that he wasn't too happy about the way in which the show was edited. I reminded him that we'd only seen the first of six and left him with the hope that things improve.

En route to Rush, we called into the newly revamped AKA off Grafton Street. The place is looking uber stylish, resembling a trendy Manhatten bar. We probably should have stayed in AKA, so busy was the crowd in Rush, the South William Street bar owned by Johnny Rush. Every nights a party night in Johnny's, where he can usually be found in the DJ booth spinning the discs.

We happened upon Bryan McDonald, the former Evening Herald journalist, who is now living in London and moving on to Geneva. He proudly informed us that he recently married his girlfriend, stunning model Gurana, in Vienna. I was more surprised than Lindsey Lohan at a pioneer disco. He's a dark horse.

On then to Lillies Bordello where I spotted the lovely Ciara Carroll, FMI Vivienne Doyle and Paul and Ian Davey, who own the wonderful Toni&Guy salon on Dame Street.

The real party, however, was over at Renards. En route we passed a forlorn Shane Byrne, who had obviously had enough of the sorrow drowning. Inside I spotted many of the Irish team, including Brian O'Driscoll, who was the recipient of a rather loving embrace from ex-girlfriend, top model Glenda Gilson. Also patying the night away were publisher PJ Gibbons, Today FM presenter Tony Fenton, rugby pundit Brent Pope, Formula 1 boss Eddie Jordan and artist Guggi.

The floating BMW pavillion at the IFSC. The structure will remain there for the next number of months as a gift to the DDDA from BMW.

Yours truely and Pat Kenny at the BMW launch last night.

The heli-sphere entertainment at the BMW 3-series launch last night.

Model bahavior: FMI Andrea Roche, FMW Rosanna Davison and model Glenda Gilson at the launch party for The Third Stop at the Hilton Hotel.

Vroooom.....

Last night was a busy one, traversing the town for two big parties. We kicked off proceedings with the launch of The Third Stop, the new bar in the Hilton Hotel on Charlemont Place. It's a stylish joint, vastly improved from what was there before. Former Miss World Rosanna Davison was there, looking ravishing as always.

Down then to the IFSC for the launch of the swanky new 3 Series BMW. A champagne reception in the Harbourmaster Bar was followed by the dramatic unveiling of the ever popular voiture. Among the guests were singer Ronan Keating and his beautiful wife Yvonne, both of whom are delighted to be expecting their third child, TV presenter Alan Hughes, RTE sports presenter Des Cahill and former Rose of Tralee Tamara Gervasoni, who is now motoring correspondent with Social & Personal magazine and is also working on a new movie.

We all adjourned back to the Harbourmaster for a delicious dinner, where I spotted TV star Pat Kenny, model Jenny Lee Masterson, society event organiser Geraldine Mahony and producer Karl Broderick, who is riding high on the success of his song winning the You're A Star contest.

Anyhoo, the pictures tell it all. Have a good weekend y'all and come back on Monday, where you can read all about the fabulous event that is the Alternative Miss Ireland.

Question of the night: Which high profile couple were recently spotted having an on-street blazing row in the early hours of the morning?

Shock! Horror!

I went along to a special screening of the new Keau Reeves movie, Constantine, last night at the Savoy. The main feature was preceeded by a quirky new short film called The Wonderful World of Kelvin Kind, starring Bern Deegan. It tells the story of a hapless and lonely guy who falls for a new girl who moves in to his building. She doesn't even know he exsists though. It's cute. I spotted the producer Mcdara Kelleher and actor John Kavanagh in the audience.

With regard to Constantine, I guess a supernatural thriller is how I'd describe it. The battle between heaven and hell and all in between is the general gist of it. Worth seeing, but not if you are of a nervous disposition. My friend may as well have brought along a sleep mask, such was the amount of time spent with his hands covering his eyes. Bless.

In other news I see that there is a new VIP club opening here in Dublin this Friday night. Located somewhere on Baggot Street, the new club is the brainchild of George Sabongi, who owns Romanza restaurant on Leeson Street. Rumours that former Lillies boss Valerie Roe is involved have not been confirmed.

New talent

We need more celebrities in Ireland. And I don't mean talentless 'famous for being famous' people. Thankfully our TV stations are a good platform for fresh new faces, a few of which have bounced off our screens and brightened up our lives recently.

A sucessful new show on RTE 2 called The Ex Files has been well received of late, with new girl on the block Lucy Kennedy giving it socks in the presenting role. This 28 year old, dark haired babe with the big wide smile has a certain blasé attitude and usually adopts a cheeky way of dealing with rapscallion contestants.

Another new RTE 2 show is How Low Can You Go? which sees three booze guggling boys trek to different countries in the search of fun whilst sticking to a tight budget. Of the three, I know Mark O'Neill, the cheeky blonde one. After years working behind the camera it's great to see him in a star role as he has natural talent.

Over on Irish language channel TG4 we have the impish Aoife Ní Thuairisg who hosts Paisean Faisean, a kind of dating meets fahion show. Actually, speaking of TG4, there are probably many more new presenters that I'm unaware of, simply because I rarely tune in.

One of my favourite new comers is the gorgeous Karen Koster, who is frequently appearing on TV3's Ireland AM breakfast show as the weather anchor, stepping in for Alan Hughes on occassion. This blonde bombshell (Karen, not Alan) certainly brightens up my home of a dark morning.

So, now all we need is the odd kiss 'n' tell exposé in the Sunday papers ...

A snapshot of the finalé of the UCD 150 Arts Fashion Show

Le Weekend

As always the UCD 150 Arts Fashion Show was a roaring success. It's Europe's largest fashion show, attended by over 5,000 people, and it really is a credit to all involved. This years theme was Temptation Island, with the summery feel giving us all a warming J-Lo type glow.

At the Anglo Irish Bank sponsored VIP reception in the luxurious O2 Point Club I spotted model Katy French and publicists Rebecca Burrell and Clodagh Fitzgerald, who are busy with the preparations for the launch of the new Tommy Hilfiger store in Dundrum SC. Also there were singer Chris De Burgh with his wife Diane, whose daughter, FMW Rosanna Davison, was co-presenting the show. I later bumped into her presenting side kick Ray Shah, who admitted that he was extremely nervous.

Among those sitting front row at the show were TV presenter Caroline Morahan, Fashion.ie editor Hugh Durkin and Cyril Walsh, Managing Director of SASHA, who presented the SASHA Young Designer of the Year Award to Catherine Lyons, a 4th year student at the NCAD.

On Saturday, continuing the trend of the March birthday, top model Glenda Gilson booked out the entire Beacon Hotel in Sandyford for her pals and partied in style. Playboy Trevor Musgrave also celebrated his birthday on the same night. The following day, model agency boss John Compton was birthday boy with a bit-of-a-do in Cafe en Seine. Among those enjoying the jazz tones were Tara O'Connor, socialite Karla Elliott and model Peter Loyd.

Finally, big congratulations to my good friend Karl Broderick. You may remember I mentioned last week that Karl had written the song that was in the final 3 of the You're A Star contest. Well the McCauls won out with the catchy song Love?, and Karl will be off to Kiev with them to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest. Can't you just feel the Love?

Dinner & Drinks

I was joined for dinner last night by my good friends Fidelma Kelly of Clarins and restaurant critic Ross Golden - Bannon. Ross managed to bag a table at L'Gueuleton, which is notoriously difficult as they don't take reservations. I guess that's a perk of the job. Among our fellow diners was Senator David Norris, who was looking dapper as always and some of the crew from The Trocadero restaurant. Always a good sign when the competition frequent.

I bumped into wrtiter Marisa Mackle last night too. The best selling author is about to hit the silver screen as one of her books is to be made into a movie. The blonde babe is off to Hollywood next week to begin talks.

I'm off to the UCD 150 Arts Fashion Show tonight which is a social highlight of the year. Report to follow.


Question of the night: Which aristocratic babe is too fond of the bottle and was dropped from her media slot as a result?

The part posse at H&M last night

The birth day of H&M

It was a who's who at last nights opening party for H&M in the new Dundrum Shopping Centre. While the builders put the finishing touches to the centre the guests enjoyed snipes of Piper Heidsieck champagne - and the generous 25% discount.

TV celebrities were represented by Alan Hughes, Martin King and Lorraine Keane of TV3, Sky News presenter Gráinne Seoige and Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh of The Afternoon Show (who carefully negotiated the obstacle course with me on the way into the centre).

Star of the night was Kerry Katona, who was in town specially for the launch. Looking pretty in pink, the newly voted Mum of the Year was besieged by the paparazzi at every turn. Also looking fab were Samantha Mumba, designer Synan O'Mahony, entertainer Twink and actor Jamie Belton with his stunning girlfriend, singer Carol Anthony.

As it was my birthday night, we continued the party to Bruxelles for Mr. Pussy's legendary show. Among the revellers were actor Marcus Seoige (who is back from London), publicists Sinead Ryan and Aoife Donohoe, Dickie Rock's son Jason and Judith Giltinane. Newspaper columnist Francis Winston was there also, along with Paul Trainer of The Dubliner and Ireland on Sunday's Showbiz Editor Joanne Hegarty. We later adjourned to Renards till the wee small hours.

Birthdays - only once a year - thankfully ;-)

A pint please

Brewing beer is not a small task, just ask Arthur Guinness. Actually, don't. Ask Oliver Hughes instead. He owns The Porterhouse, Ireland's largest genuine Irish brewery, who, last night launched their annual StoutFest. He is also the new owner of Lillies Bordello, but I digress.

Running from March 10th until St. Patrick's Day, the festival is a showcase for the world's first Chocolate Truffle Stout (...mmmm), brewed specially by the Porterhouse Brewing Company, and a celebration of the Porterhouse's extensive range of unique stouts, ales and lagers.

I remember well my first ever visit to the Temple Bar branch (they now have places in Glasnevin, Wicklow and the U.K.). I ordered a pint of Bud, not realising that they brewed their own and didn't stock mass produced big brands. Knowledge is power I guess.

I'm off to the party of the year (so far) tonight. The first shop to open in the brand spanking new Dundrum Shopping Centre. H&M comes to town, and the girls in Presence PR have had people calling and begging for invites. Should be good.

Question of the day: Which married top radio and TV star was recently flirting with a beautiful girl at a party? While being very touchy-feely, he informed her that his wife was away for the weekend and asked her to come home with him. The (wise) girl politely declined his offer.

Eur A Star

My good pal, writer and producer, Karl Broderick has been busy lately. Having just finished producing the annual panto, Beauty and the Beast at the Liberty Theatre last month he embarked on a well earned trip around the Carribbean. Now that he's back though, it looks like he's going to be busier than Michael Jackson's lawyer.

He is already working on this year's panto which will be his own special version of Cinderella. As well as scripting and producing, Karl is also a talanted songwriter. His song 'Love' has made it into the final three in the contest to find the song that will be the Irish entry in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. It will be performed by the McCauls from Athlone on RTE's You're A Star this Saturday night.

Watch the show on Saturday night and vote often. It's time we won the Eurovision again.

A view from the London Eye, yesterday.

A view of The Roof Gardens from Babylon restaurant. Another good pic with the Nokia 7610.

Social London

Just had a most enjoyable weekend in London. I always mean to spend more time there, and the fact that it's only a short flight from Dublin to London City Airport should really see me clocking up some serious frequent flyer miles.

The base for the duration was the Millenuim Hotel in Mayfair, an olde worlde meets contemporary place. I had dinner in Balans on Friday night, a popular eaterie with nice food and a great atmosphere. I'd heard about it before but never had the pleasure. I'd recommend it, if you are in the Soho area. It's rather chic.

Saturday night I dined in Brian Turner of Mayfair, which is actually part of the Millenium Hotel. Brian Turner is a well known TV celebrity chef and his fare is pretty impressive. He was even pressing the flesh in the place, which was either tacky or endearing, I couldn't decide. A visit was also paid to Shaun&Joe, a preferred club of mine.

Babylon at The Roof Gardens in Kensington was the venue for lunch on Sunday afternnon, where we were joined by good friend Henry McCullough. No sign of celebrity chefs here, but overall a better experience than that of Brian Turner. If you are ever in the area, try and pop up to see the gardens - a veritable oasis.

I'm not really interested in tourist attractions, however when Henry recommended the London Eye, I just had to see what all the fuss is about. The view is amazing and it really gives a better perspective of the layout of London. It's flatter than Angelina Jolie's stomach.

Get Hitched

Will Smith usually annoys me. I find his brand of humour about as funny as a depressed accountant (if you knew my accountant you'd understand). However, I am pleased to inform you all that his latest vehicle, Hitch, is quite enjoyable. I went to a special screening on Wednesday night in the Savoy and if the reactions of the other guests are any sort of barometer of taste, then this movie should do well.

I bumped into actor Killian O'Sullivan, who plays Lorcan in Fair City. As well as being an actor, Killian is also an acomplished DJ and is spending more and more time playing in the U.K. He's one talanted guy.

I also spotted theatre producer Bea Kelliher, who is already working on the next Fringe Festival and David Kaneswaren and Michael Sammon of boyband Zoo, currently sitting pretty at the No. 1 position in the charts.

I'm off to London for the weekend. Have a good one!

Question of the week: Which TV broadcaster is fond of acting like a diva? This prima donna's behaviour has become so apalling that her colleagues have started making official complaints about her.

Carnival fever

Ireland's most beautiful ambassador, last year's Miss World Rosanna Davison, took to the catwalk for the first time since handing her crown over last December. Looking ravishing in a dramatic red Synan O'Mahony creation, Rosanna was the star of the DIT Carnival of Fashion Show, last night's show in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation, in Vicar Street.

At a pre-show West Coast Cooler cocktail party guests got a sneak preview of some of the amazing gowns from Synan O'Mahony, Ceylon and Julien among others. TV3 duo Debbie O'Donnell and Alan Hughes, Miriam Ahern, former wife of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, models Astrid Brennan and Roz Lipsett, stylist Roxanne Parker and socialite Karla Elliott.

The MCs for the evening were the stunning Emma Brown and radio presenter Dermot Whelan. Emma Brown? Better known as TV and radio star Emma Buckley, who is now using her married name, since her nuptuals to sportsman Frazer Brown.

The entertainment really had the crowd going (or was it agog?). Radioactive Pussy (geddit?), were finalists in last year's Alternative Miss Ireland contest and are back for more. I'm sure Louis Walsh is keeping a close eye on the trio. Speaking of Louis, I hear he is off to the States with Sharon Osbourne to meet with the producers of American Idol. The man from Mayo still has a long way to go it seems.

Congratulations to Heidi Walsh of Sallynoggin College, who won the Student Designer of the Year Award with her flamboyant netting outfits. Well done also to Jane Wilde and Beccie Johnson, who won modelling contracts with the best agency in town, Compton.

Summer Lovin' at the BT2 show, with thanks to Nokia

BT2 SS05 fahion show last night

A glimpse of Summer

There is a cruel irony in hosting a Spring Summer fashion show on the coldest day of the year. It was freezing yesterday - and snowing! Can you imagine our surprise then when we entered the BT2 SS05 show and were handed a goodie bag in the form of a bucket and spade?! Our front row seats were actually candy striped folding deck chairs. We sipped delicious Bombay Sapphire summer cocktails and perused the latest Nokia handsets. Some people were eating ice-cream, though I'd had my fill of ice-cold earlier in the day.

The style on offer was top notch, as can only be expected from BT2, one of Ireland's premiere fashion stores. Outfits from labels such as Energie, Pringle, Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger Jeans, Dolce e Gabbana and Ralph Lauren warmed the cockles of my heart. Pink, baby blue, yellow and orange are in people. And glitz and glam too.

Among the fashionista crew in situ were DJs Hugh Scully and Shay Hannon, publicist Cathy Reynolds (daughter of former Taoiseach, Albert), singer Ann Harrington, who was recently voted out of TV show You're A Star and celebrity stylist Michael Leong. The after-party continued on at Traffic on Middle Abbey Street.

Speaking of Michael Leong, who is Samantha Mumba's hairstylist, reminds me of a snippet of info I read over at Page SixSixSix. According to Perez Hilton our Samantha is with child.

We haven't seen much of her around town lately, and at the weekend there were press reports that she had split up with Sisquo. Stay tuned.

Party People

A dynamic duo who know how to plan a party are my dear friends Marks Woods and Julie Douglas. While some of us complain about the lack of decent clubs to get down in, this fabulous pair decided to do something about it.

They were the hosts of Saturday nights exclusive shindig in Mischief on South William Street, formally known as VIVA. With music from DJs Al Keegan, King Krud and Mark himself, the atmosphere was electric. I could feel the love.

Among those pumping, and indeed grinding, were Ross Golden - Bannon, RTE news reader Aengus MacGrianna (who is just back from a skiing trip in Austria) and Managing Editor of Fashion.ie, Hugh Durkin. Joining them were Anne Marie Ryan in Chanel, Ciarán Coleman in Paul Smith and Micheál Burke looking very Oceans 12.

We never know when to go home, and lucky for us the lovely Sinead Ni Bhroin hosted a wonderful after party in her luxury Ballsbridge apartment.

I, for one, hope Mark and Julie make this event a regular feature in the social diary.

My attempt at creative photography while at the AIB PPAI Awards

Judith Giltinane and I at the AIB PPAI Awards on Friday night, with thanks to Nokia

Work the camera

I got dickied up and attended the AIB PPAI Awards on Friday night in Jurys Hotel. My good friend Judith Giltinane, looking radiant in red, accompanied me to the ceremony. An annual affair, the Press Photography Association of Ireland Awards, in association with AIB, recognise the trogan work done by our photographers, who bring us the news in pictures.

As always the big names cleaned up, with The Irish Times bagging a few gongs. Indeed the main award of the night went to the young and talanted Alan Betson of The Irish Times. The Examiner's Dan Linehan won the humour catagory for the second year running.

I was surprised that the evening was again presented by news caster Sharon Ní Bheolain. Last year she didn't exactly endear herself to the assembled guests by constantly screaming that she expected some respect and attention, and if my memory serves me right, she even managed a few boos from the agitated guests at the end of the night. I'm happy to report though that things went more smoothly for her this year.

Among the guests enjoying the champagne reception, 5 course meal and never ending flow of wine were AIB MD Donal Forde, Bureau Chief of The Irish Sun newspaper Ronan O'Reilly, model and weather girl Corina Grant and Marc O'Sullivan of the OSD agency.

My lady in red and I then continued on to Lillies and finally ended up in the Pod where the Cosmos went down faster than the speed of light from a flashing camera.

:-)

The obsession for sparkling smiles has come to Dublin. Smile is a brand spanking new store on South Anne Street where you can now have a mouth full of glow like Tom Cruise. The teeth whitening specialists are already booking up fast, so get your choppers down there quick.

The well attended launch party took place on Thursday night, and, luckily, the popular restaurant Spacos is located next door where the assembled guests spilled into (as well as the street itself).

Smiling like the proverbial Cheshire cat on the night were pretty in pink TV presenter Amanda Brunker, IT boy Gavin Lambe - Murphy and model agent John Compton with Tara O'Connor. The buzz at the moment is what O'Connor is planning with Valerie Roe and Elaine Roddy, since the trio departed Lillies last month. Valerie has been quoted saying she is going to open the best night club the country has seen. That'll get the party people really smiling.

Loyd Grossman OBE


Loyd Grossman has invited me to join him for lunch in the Cellar Restaurant in the Merrion Hotel next week. Unfortunately I'll be in London. :-/

St. Patrick's Festival

The rather Italian-esque Rotunda Room in City Hall was the venue for the launch of this year's St. Patrick's Festival. As I chatted to Paul Trainer over a glass of bubbly, we were shushed by a grumpy old woman. Just as I was about to challenge her rudeness we realised that Minister John O'Donoghue TD was in full flow of his speech. Such were the poor acoustics in this cavernous space that we couldn't hear a word the man was saying.

The festival this year runs from March 16th to 20th and is expected to attract over 1 million people (including 250,000 visitors) with an exciting and festive programme that includes theatre, music, visual arts, comedy, dance family events and Europe's largest annual fireworks display. FM104 will also host a big day as part of the fun. Phew.

While there, I met up with my good friend Deborah Allen and we retired to The Market Bar for dinner and a catch up. She was just back from New York and full of news. I listened attentively, despite the odd pang of jealousy.

The Best of Irish

London fashion week is in full swing. I attended a few years ago and didn't have much time to enjoy. If you are reporting then it's not much fun as you are constantly rushing from venue to venue to catch the next show. I'd say the majority of my daytime was spent in the back of a black cab stuck in traffic.

Irish international designer Paul Costello shows his SS05 collection this evening at the Irish Embassy, in fashionable Belgravia. A plethora of Irish supporters are expected to attend. The last time I met Paul, he was launching his latest glassware line for Newbridge Silverware. Publicist Orla Doyle told me he had been sketching for them earlier, so I brazenly asked him if he would do one for me. A down to earth and gracious man, he replied that he'd be delighted to. We were chatting away for a few minutes when he suddenly asked me how I spelt my name and subsequently produced this amazing drawing of a dress from his next collection.

I've since had the picture framed, but still can't decide which room deserves it.

Magee SS05

Another fashion preview today, this time the wonderful designs of the Magee label. Made in Ireland, that's where it's at. Founded in Donegal in 1866, Magee has become synoymous with menswear in Ireland and are continuing to deliver. The latest collection represents Magee's progressive design and styling whilst retaining the eclectic spirit of the company's traditional tailoring and weaving expertise.

The beautiful surrounds of 10 Ormond Quay (Dublin's most exclusive private venue) were the setting for today's show, with immpecably dressed Magee chairman Lynn Temple, fashion writer Ciara Elliott and social diarist Sarah McInerney among those attending.

Lee Bradshaw, Justin Manville and Alex Fitzgerald were among the models who wore key items in linens, soft corduroys and stone washed cottons in colours as diverse as Limeade, Coral Reef and Blue Crush.

Sister Act: Olivia & Caroline Morahan cooking up a storm yesterday.
Pictured with the Nokia 7610.

Sunday lunch

After a particularly quiet weekend, it was lovely to relax on Sunday and enjoy lunch with good friends Olivia Morahan and Fergal Noonan (despite the fact they married in 2003, I never know the correct combination of surnames, so leave them as they were before).

Also in the luncheon party, which included their beautiful baby daughter Ella, were Olivia's sister Caroline (who presents RTE's Off The Rails) and her boyfriend, actor Jordan Lee McGrath, choreographer Brendan Scully and entertainment agent Sean Montague.

The banter, fun and gossip was in full flow all afternoon, with Caroline and Brendan hatching plans for the design of a new glitzy outfit (she has been nominated for the prestigious VIP Style Award) and Jordan Lee full of news about his latest project. He is currently starring in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire, which will be going on a nationwide tour in the near future.

Probably the most exciting news I've heard in a long time is that of the latest group that Brendan and Sean are managing and about to launch. The Crimmins sisters, Alison, Laura and Nicola are beautiful blond triplets and are set to be a huge success. Sean let us all have a sneak preview of their debut single and, while I'm sworn to secrecy, I feel I should issue a warning to Girls Aloud, the Sugababes, et al - watch out girls, you'll soon have some serious competition.

9 Songs

I went to the press screening of the controversial movie 9 Songs today. I used to be a film critic and I must say it was probably the most well attended press screening I've ever been to. Everyone was talking about this film before they had even seen it.

Basically it is about a guy (Kieran O'Brien) telling the story of his girlfriend (Margot Stilley) and the good times they had. He's on a trip to the Antartic, which I presume is some sort of metaphor for the relationship. The entire film switches between the couple having sex (graphic and real) and attending music concerts.

It doesn't deserve the hype it has generated. Actually, as a movie, it's fairly dull. Some sex, then a song, more sex, another song ..... repeat until all nine are covered. Apparently it is all in the name of art, but I can't help but think it is glorified porn. Great soundtrack though.

It is being screened tomorrow as part of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, with director Michael Winterbottom present for a Q&A afterward. I don't know if it will get a general release, I can't imagine so.

A beacon in suburbia

Whenever I hear of Sandyford, I automatically think 'industrial estate'. Not anymore. Sandyford is full of swanky office blocks now, some of which designed by none other than John Rocha. Indeed, the party of last year, the launch of the gorgeous new Volvo S40, was hosted in that very office block, Beacon Court. Well, now there is a hotel to add to the collection. Owned by the ubiquitous Paul and Lisa Fitzpatrick, of the Fitzpatrick Hotels dynasty, The Beacon is the newest kid on the block. I would have thought that Dublin needs another hotel like Paris Hilton needs a Fendi handbag, but there you go.

I was unable to attend last nights launch, but am reliably informed that present and correct (and enjoying sushi) were artist and BFoB (that's Best Friend of Bono) Guggi, RTE golden boy Ryan Tubridy, TV star turned panto princess Louise Loughman and charity queen Clodagh Kean. My insider tells me The Beacon is looking pretty swish. Hop on the Luas and see for yourself.

Question of the night: Which musical pair were looking cosy in a box at last nights opening of Blood Brothers at the Gaiety?

Yours truly getting in the mood for I, Keano outside The Olympia last night.
(Pic: Taragh Loughrey - Grant, using the Nokia 7610)

I, Keano

The grand old environs of The Olympia theatre were packed to capacity for last nights world premiere of I, Keano, the hilarious musical with tells the story of the Roy Keane / Saipan debacle of 2002. Written by Arthur Matthews, who also brought us Father Ted, the ensemble cast includes Gift Grub creator Mario Rosenstock in the title role.

Characters in this Julius Caesar - style tragi-com include Macartacus, Quinnus (who sounds remarkably like TV3's Martin King), Packie Bonnerus and Surfia, the PR obsessed wife of Quinnus. Cleverly put together, the show contains music and lyrics by Paul Woodfull as well as more well known customized songs. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big footie fan, and the Saipan affair worried me not, but it is a testament to I, Keano that it has something for all. My date, FM104's Taragh Loughrey - Grant, and I laughed our little hearts out.

From my seat I spied a sparkly Lorraine Keane, writer and broadcaster Shay Healy, RTE presenter Laura Woods and a pleathora of Irish International Rugby players. No football players, though not surprising as I guess they are resting for the upcoming match against Portugal. Did anybody actually expect Roy Keane to show?

Also in attendance were actor Keith Duffy, Rosanna Davison, singers Paddy Casey and Linda Martin (not together!) and model Glenda Gilson, who I'm sure I saw waving down at the rugby boys from aloft in her private box. Later, the party majority continued on around the corner for the after show bash at SIN.

Question of the night: Since Brian & Glenda are no more, who are set to be the next glamour couple? He is one of Brian's team mates and she is a beautiful TV and radio broadcaster. They are keeping the relationship under tight wraps for the moment but I expect them to be stepping out very soon.

Model behaviour

Yesterday we recorded the Oceans 12 fashion feature I mentioned last week. Thanks in particular to designer Nicky Wallace, Deirdre Browne of Dunnes Stores, Declan Fitzpatrick of Fitzpatricks Grafton Street and Olga Kearney of Vision Express. It was all such a manic last minute rush and definitely my most stressful Ireland AM feature yet.

It always helps to work with cool people though, as it makes everything fall into place. I've worked with male models who think they're bigger than Marcus Schenkenberg. I call it 'model attitude' and, trust me, it's not a good thing. The three guys on this shoot were real professionals - Ben Okonji, Brian Manning and Justin Milligan.

I've worked with Ben many times before and its always a pleasure (speaking of times, he graced the front page of The Irish Times Magazine last Saturday). Brian travelled from Galway and looks so like actor Vincent Cassel in Oceans 12 that he was a perfect cast. Justin is one of the top male models in Northern Ireland, and came all the way from Belfast for the shoot. He's in big demand as he currently has two agencies vying to represent him. Watch that space.

I'm off to the world premiere of I, Keano tonight. Apparently Roy Kean is in the country and has been invited. Details tomorrow.

Question of the week: Which radio station (and no, not FM104!) is facing a huge law suit following the departure of a key member of staff?

Judith Giltinane, pictured with the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (pic: Oonagh Fallon)

Le Weekend

And what a busy one it was too. We kicked off with champagne in GUBU, where my good friend Ciarán Coleman was celebrating the fact that he has just landed a top job with an international pharmaceutical company. We continued on to PoD, where we were joined by Ross Golden - Bannon, who was celebrating also. Ross had just come from RTE where he was accompanying Jean Butler, who had just appeared on The Late Late Show.

Jean is goodwill ambassador for the Christian Blind Mission and Forgotten Children (who Ross' PR agency represent) and had just returned from a trip to Rwanda with much news to tell.

Saturday night was a long and busy one, however in all the madness I sought refuge in the newly opened Centre Stage Café, on Parliament Street. Owner Martin Moore is full of hospitality and makes a killer Kir Royale. Do check it out.

The biggest news of the weekend was to be had at Leopardstown racecourse. Winning the Hennessey Cognac Gold Cup was none other than Rule Supreme, a racehorse owned by John Fallon, who is father of my good friend Oonagh Fallon. As Judith Giltinane informed me today, there was much celebration indeed!

Wax on


Co-owner of Urban Wax Rebecca Taplin captured with my gorgeous new Nokia 7610


It's Friday, hurrah! I've had a long, but interesting, week and will certainly appreciate the chance to rest and recharge. For a long time I've been singing the praise of Thursdays and trying to market it as the unofficial start of the weekend. My hard work is paying off as each Thursday my posse of party people gets bigger and bigger.

We kicked off proceedings with a trip to Urban Wax. No, I wasn't have anything depleted but thought it important to be in-the-know about such things. After my recent experience at the all-girl OPI launch I brought along my pal Gareth Gleeson. Safety in mumbers, so to speak.

Well known as the number one waxing specialists among Ireland's fashionista's and most stylish, Urban Wax has extended it's range of treatments in celebration of Valentine's Day and to launch their new premises in 5 Johnson's Place, beside Dylan Bradshaw. Sure to be a hit this for Valentine's is their 'Outrageous' range that sees a Brazilian Wax followed by the application of Swarovski Crystals in a number of shapes and fashion. You can choose from the Urban Minx, a landing strip wax with the finest of Swarovski crystals, The Urban Show Girl, a spray fountain shape, or indeed, the City Of Love, a love heart detailed in red Swarovski crystals. Very bling bling!

Owned and managed by Rebecca Taplin and Jennifer Treanor, both from Dublin, Urban Wax is a perfect example of filling a niche in the beauty market and developing services at a fast pace to keep up with trends and fashions in the fast paced world of beauty treatments. In business together for just over 3 years, Rebecca and Jennifer have strong loyal client base and go to great lengths to ensure that they are up to date with international waxing trends and tastes. So if you want to feel smoother than a glass of Veuve Clicquot get your booty down to Urban Wax, tout de suite.

Later on in the night we bumped into Frances Winston and Fergal Breen, who joined us later at Mostly B, the super club night at The Hub.

Ireland's Most Eligible Man, Mr. Des Bishop.

Top 100

The newly revamped Cocoon was the location for the latest Social & Personal par-tay, hosted by the irrepressible P.J. Gibbons. A veritable Who's Who of familiar faces, the great and the good quaffed champagne and indulged in Haagan Dazs, while checking out whether there actually were any eligible men in the room. That's why we were there, to celebrate the Top 100 Most Eligible Men List.

Standing proud in the top spot is none other than comedian (and fellow blogger) Des Bishop. The native New Yorker was unable to attend the big bash as he is currently recording a show for super channel HBO. Also sharing the space at the top are actors Cillian Murphy and Keith Duffy, playboy Eddie Irvine and U2's Larry Mullen Jnr. No doubt the judges, who included my agent John Compton, had a tough time deciding.

From my vantage point I spied designer Nicky Wallace, models Astrid Brennan and Peter Lloyd, publicists Sinead Ryan and Amy Buckeridge (who celebrates her brithday next week), diarist Gavin Lambe - Murphy and fashionista Anne Boylan. A glowing Glenda Gilson made a dramatic late entrance, obviously enjoying life after Brian. You could tell what type of party it was by the cars double parked outside: a Ferrari, 2 Mercs, a convertible Lotus (Glenda's new voiture) and a Beemer.

We repaired to Bruxelles for Pussy's hilarious show, where we bumped into Ali Chawke (Ireland's answer to Paris Hilton?), Emily Cox of Slattery and Richard Kavanagh. Oooh er missus.

Question of night: Which married woman flirted openly with guys half her age? Her millionaire husband was clearly embarrassed, but turned a blind eye to her drunken behaviour.

Property Ladder

Congrats to TV presenter Caroline Morahan, who has just bought her first property. Caroline, who co-hosts Off The Rails with Pamela Flood, is currently working on the interiors of her new apartment (which will go nicely with her sporty new Mini). Located close to the family home off leafy Griffith Avenue, her new abode will be ready within the next few weeks.

Elsewhere in the property world, I see Stephen Gately is still trying to sell his luxery apartment in Rathmichael. The price has been considerably reduced in the last few months; nevertheless he will still pocket a tidy profit.

Oceans 12

After seeing Oceans 12 at a special Warner Bros. screening last night, I've had some super fashion ideas for Ireland AM. The amazing suits worn by George Clooney, Brad Pitt et al should be inspiration to us all.

Question of the weekend: Which iconic artist was startled in a bathroom recently? Startled because she was mid snort and had a rolled up note stuck in her nose.

Couture nails

Nailcare is big business. I remember being surprised at the number of nail bars in New York, where everyone, girls and boys, take the state of their nails very seriously. Julian Fallon, who runs the hugely successful 1st Option model agency, saw the importance of this grooming element and set up The Nail Room a few years ago. Needless to say business is booming. So much so, in fact, that she has just become the Irish distributor of OPI, the Gucci of nailcare.

With celebrity followers like Madonna, Reese Witherspoon, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez, it's not difficult to see why the brand has become such a hit.

Julian hosted the launch of OPI - the Japanese Collection in the trendy Aya sushi bar on Clarendon Street this morning. I felt a little bit out of place in a room full of excited girls all having manicures. It was a case of blessed arth thou among women. Indulging in the luxury treatments were TV producer Cathy O'Connor, FM104 beauty correspondent Gillian Hyland and Julian's sister Trish, who is positively blooming with her first pregnancy.

With names such as Don't be Koi with me, Dress to Empress and Miso Happy with this Color, you should be able to imagine the quirky, high fashion image of the brand. Available from The Nail Room in Roches Stores Henry St. and Blackrock from 9th February.