Curvette of the Year

At the Curvette of the Year Awards were: 1. Winner and Curvette of the Year Jean Kinsella with Michael Foley of Curves; 2. The finalists Gen O'Meara, Aileen Mulvey, Therese Dunphy; Rosaria O'Donovan, Francis O'Sullivan and winner Jean Kinsells; 3. Judges Gail Kaneswaren and Triona McCarthy; 4. Anna and Michael Foley with Emma Kelly; 5. Fiona McHugh and Letitia O'Connor.

Invited guests gathered at the Dylan Hotel for a very special luncheon recently to see the crowing of the inaugural Curves ‘Curvette of the Year’.

Michael Foley, European Marketing Director for Curves, presented the winner, Jean Kinsella, from Bray, Co Wicklow with a ten years’ free membership to Curves. Jean was one of six worthy finalists selected from across the country, who have lost a cumulative 19 stone since joining Curves. All finalists were given the VIP treatment with an overnight stay in Dublin and professional hair and make-up styling before attending the gala event at the Dylan hotel.

36 year old Jean shrunk from a size 22 to a size 10 since joining Curves in May 2006. She decided to join Curves after years of unhappiness over her appearance and concerns about her health. Speaking about her Curves journey, Jean said, ‘I try to engage myself in some form of physical activity at least five times a week, as well as my regular Curves workout. I have replaced coffee with water and try to always go for the healthy option. The results have been amazing! I have lots more confidence, feel younger, have much more energy and generally feel great. I can now wear nice clothes and can do more things with my kids. I have also met some brilliant people through Curves.’

Curves was delighted with the overwhelming response and enthusiasm for the first year of this competition. Curves is the largest gym franchise in the world with over 4 million members worldwide and is also the largest gym franchise in Ireland. The judging panel charged with the task of selecting the winner and runners-up included model, Gail Kaneswaran and beauty columnist, Triona McCarthy. The winners were selected based not only on inches lost but also the overall positive changes in their lives since becoming members of Curves.

Lipsy SS 08

Modelling at the Lipsy SS 08 party were: 1. Baibe Gaile, Aoife Cogan and Sarah Morrissey; 2. Rosanna Davison; 3. Baibe Gaile and Rosanna Davison.

Lipsy SS 08

Lipsy launched its Spring/Summer 08 collection on Monday evening January 21st in Dublin’s venue-du-jour, the Sky Suite of the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel. This sexy, glamorous London based label has long been the red carpet secret of celebrities in the know and now you girls will be delighted to hear it’s finally available in Ireland.


Models Baiba Gaile and former Miss Irelands Aoife Cogan and Sarah Morrissey showed off the latest Lipsy style and looked stunning with the help of make-up artist Danielle Murphy. Guests enjoyed Asian fusion canapés and washed them down with chilled custom blended Smirnoff vodka ‘Hot Lips’ cocktails, which were especially designed for the party using a blend of Smirnoff Vodka, Cranberry and fruits juices.


The theme of the night was pink and black, in keeping with Lipsy’s colour scheme, so the room was festooned with giant black vases piled high with stunning balls made of pink roses by Eamon Grant of Flowers Made Easy. Later guests were treated to pink iced cup cakes and jelly lip sweets to finish off the evening.


Among those I spotted were models Lizanna Kirwin, Corina Grant (who has just given birth to her first child), Sarah McGovern, Brian Fallon, Pippa O’Connor and Nigel Linden to name but a few. Stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick looked great as always, as did Miss Ireland Blathnaid McKenna.


Acclaimed photographer Kip Carroll was there and telling me of how pleased he was with the success of his last exhibition. More of those please Kip. Others included artist Jim Fitzpatrick, Afternoon Show presenter Dearbhla Lennon, Emma Ledden, Cindy Caffola, Trish and Julien Fallon, Mary-Kate Ryan and Body Tonic DJ John Mahon.


With everyone, yes everyone, getting to pick out something of their choice it was a most enjoyable affair. Much more than lip service from Lipsy.

Chicago Spire Launch

At the lavish launch party for the Chicago Spire were: 1. Natasha Richardson and Rosanna Davison; 2. Susan Pratt and Astrid Brennan; 3. Louise Osbourne and Leigh Arnold.

At the Chicago Spire launch in Fitzwilliam Square were: 1. Garrett Kelleher, Liam Neeson and Santiago Calatrave; 2. Triona McCarthy and Avila Lipsett; 2. Stephen Rea and Natasha Richardson.

Chicago Spire comes to Dublin

Property Developer, Garrett Kelleher, Shelbourne Development Ltd, together with one of Hollywood’s most glamorous celebrity couples, Liam Neeson and his wife, actress Natasha Richardson hosted a lavish evening event to mark the global launch of The Chicago Spire. This unique event took place in the stunning private surroundings of Fitzwilliam Square where a once off glass marquee was constructed. Guests in attendance such as Irish actor Stephen Rea, fashion designer Louise Kennedy and singer Chris De Burgh, had a rare opportunity to meet the world renowned architect behind the development, Santiago Calatrava.

Other stylish guests included movie director Neil Jordan, fashion designer Peter O’ Brien, former Miss World Rosanna Davison, TV3’s Collette Fitzpatrick, actress Leigh Arnold, Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter in law Louise Osbourne, publisher Michael O’Doherty and socialites Avila Lipsett and Susan Pratt.

On arrival guests mingled while sipping champagne and enjoying the delights of a delectable menu created by the Executive Chef at the luxurious Four Season Hotel. A number of specially commissioned movies detailing the development were exclusively unveiled on the night. The soundtrack to each movie is an original piece composed by Chance Thomas and is called InSpire. Chance Thomas has composed and produced original music for smash hit movies such as Lord of the Rings, X-Men and King Kong. The live entertainment on the evening had a strong Chicago theme combining swing, jazz and blues performed by critically acclaimed Irish violinist Zoe Conway and International jazz/blues star Joolz Gianna.

The Chicago Spire, a 2,000 foot elegantly twisting tower with 150 floors containing 1,200 unique and modern residences with the finest amenities available anywhere in the world. It will be the tallest building in the USA or Europe and the tallest exclusively residential building in the world.
When complete in 2011, The Chicago Spire will be home to 1,194 individual residences and a range of amenities that will rival any in the world. No two residences are alike at The Chicago Spire, with each suite, gallery, one-four bedroom home and penthouse offering a unique floor plan and outstanding city and lakefront views. The three-floor 52,000-square foot amenity space will include temperature-controlled wine lockers and humidors, private retail facilities, children's playroom, business centre and library, among many others.

Lillies Festive Fun

Generous to a fault Oliver Hughes and Liam Lahart entertained the staff of their three Porterhouse Bars and the club Lillies Bordello in, er, Lillies Bordello! The guys threw a massive Christmas party for the hard working troupe but what I want to know is who was working on the night...?!

Enjoying the party were: 1. ildi Sistu; 2. John Carroll and Maria Kelly; 3. Sherine King and Niamh Wade; 4. Gavin Keating and Shannon Perpire; 5. Aidan O'Brien and Corey Telleman; 5. The Hosts, Liam Lahart and Oliver Hughes.

Shiseido SS 08

At the Shiseido Spring Summer 08 launch party were: 1. Julian benson and Sonia Harris; 2. Chloe Arnold, Yomiko Chen and Jude Dabney; 3. Tara Leniston and Tara O'Leary;4. Avila Lipsett and Emily O'Donnell.

What was probably the first big bash of 2008 was well attended by the social cognoscenti, eager to catch up on all the news from the New Year (not so new anymore I guess). International beauty brand Shiseido hosted a swish soiree to launch its Spring Summer make-up and skincare range. Now that’s what I like, talk of Spring and Summer.

The new Radisson SAS hotel off Georges Street is the newest kid on the block and the people at Shiseido had commandeered the beautiful penthouse Sky Suite. Seven floors up and with amazing views of the city it really is the place to be lately. Indeed I spotted a few well-known faces while dining in the restaurant later that evening.

Among the guests were Chloe Arnold, Triona McCarthy, Julian Benson (dazzling in Cavali), Leanne de Cerbo, Avila Lipsett and Emily O’Donnell, actress Tara Leniston, Maura Derrane and her sister Roisin, all of whom left with an arm full of Shiseido goodies. Perfect for the detox month that is January.

Getting ready for the gee gees...

Enjoying the Fitzpatrick Pierse pre-race gala dinner were: 1. James Scott-Lennon and Eithne Fitzpatrick; 2. Dervla McArdle and Emma Kelly; 3. Dave Coughlan and Penny Evans; 4. Eithne Fitzpatrick, Ged Pierse and Minister Mary Hanfin TD; 5. Lisa Clerkin, Gwen Molloy and Lisa Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick - Pierse Gala

The Fitzpatrick family and Pierse Group jointly hosted their annual pre-race gala dinner on Saturday night at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co. Dublin. Guests were treated to a sumptuous five course meal followed by a performance by The Three Tenors.

RTE’s Colm Murray was the Compere for the evening and introduced speakers including Eithne Fitzpatrick, proprietress of the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, who welcomed guests to the 19th annual pre-race gala dinner. Post dinner tips were provided by top trainers, Noel Meade and Arthur Moore and one of Ireland’s leading jockeys, Davy Russell.

As usual this year’s dinner guests came from the world of racing, politics and business including; Minster for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, Commissioner Charlie McCreevy and his wife Noleen, retired Leopardstown Racecourse Manager Tom Burke, horse trainer, Jessica Harrington, jockey, Charlie Swan and Brian Kavanagh of Horse Racing Ireland.

Dinner guests reassembled in the Fitzpatrick Suite on Sunday at the Leopardstown racecourse where the Fitzpatrick family sponsored the third race of the day, the €60,000 Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Steeplechase, which saw Ruby Walsh came home with his third win of the day on Glencove Marina.

Glad to be Trad

At the launch party for the Temple Bar Trad Festival in the Oliver St. John Gogarty were: 1. Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Martin Harte; 2. Peter Smith; 3. Niamh Ni Charra; 4. Paul Fitzpatrick and Tom Cleary; 5. Leo Enright and Eileen Betson.

Diddly Eye

At Oliver St John Gogartys, Anglesea Street, Temple Bar the programme for the 2008 Temple Bar Trad, Irish Music & Culture Festival was announced recently. The Festival kicks off on Wednesday 23 January and runs until Sunday 27th.



This five day festival is Dublin’s premier celebration of traditional Irish music and culture and will include live concerts, pub sessions, children’s events, a festival club, street performances and workshops; all in the heart of Dublin city. The festival will see many of Ireland’s top traditional musicians and singers performing in Dublin’s Cultural Quarter. During the five days and five nights of the Trad Festival, many of the bars and pubs in Temple Bar will come alive with regular trad and folk music sessions.



Over 200 musicians from around the country will play in these sessions over the weekend and admission to these is FREE. Highlights of the programme include concerts from acclaimed bands At First Light, Gráda, Clan Ranald and the recently formed Mozaik, featuring Dónal Lunny and Andy Irvine, as well as performances by some outstanding traditional singers from the Irish and Scots Gaelic tradition; Róisín Elsafty, Susan McKeown, Sinéad Cahir and Julie Fowlis. Not to be forgotten are some of Ireland’s most accomplished instrumentalists; Tommy and Siobhán Peoples, Jackie Daly, Niamh Ní Charra, John Wynne & John McEvoy and Breda & Claire Keville.Performing in Temple Bar’s premier venues; Project Arts Centre, The Button Factory and the Olympia Theatre, the festival opens on Wednesday 23 January in Project with a concert featuring Breda & Claire Keville and At First Light.



The festival continues until Sunday 27 January with a gala concert in the Olympia Theatre. The impressive line-up for this concert features Róisín Elsafty, Tommy and Siobhán Peoples, Jackie Daly and Mozaik, and the concert will be filmed for broadcast on TG4. This year’s Temple Bar Trad has grown to include outdoor and street events and workshops, while the family programme at The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children is augmented to include a Children’s Concert, Storytelling with acclaimed performer Nuala Hayes as well as come & try workshops for all budding musicians with an ear for a jig or a hornpipe. Featuring the cream of Irish musical talent, with concerts, pub sessions, family events, free street entertainment and a festival club in Project Arts Centre, this dynamic festival is sure to warm the hearths and hearts of Temple Bar this January.



The festival is organised as a non-profit venture by Temple Bar traders group, TASCQ [Traders in the Area Supporting the Cultural Quarter] and is support funded by Diageo under the Bushmills brand, Dublin Tourism and Dublin City Council. Other sponsors and supporters include Temple Bar Cultural Trust, The Clarence Hotel, Blooms Hotel, The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children, Irish Music Magazine, The Purty Kitchen, The Morgan Hotel and Waltons New School of Music.



http://www.templebartrad.com/

Cheerios Panto

Stars of the Cheerios Panto, Snow White, are Alan Hughes, Linda Martin and Joe Conlon. It runs in Liberty Hall until the 27th of January.

Oh yes it is ...

The must see panto this season is definitely Snow White in Dublin’s Liberty Hall theatre. Headed by Linda Martin and Alan Hughes, it also boasts Michelle McGrath and the hilarious Joe Conlon in the line-up. Always a favourite with Ireland’s celebs, the Cheerios Panto has been seen by a host of well known names to date including Brian Kennedy, Joe Duffy, Andrea Roche and Gerry Ryan and has now been extended until the 27^th of January.

Adele King (aka Twink) also took time out to catch the show this week with her daughters, Chloe and Naomi. Ever the busy bee, Adele has enjoyed a hugely successful year and hopes to be jetting off to Dubai soon for a well earned break.

Indeed Adele’s own hit show, Menopause the Musical, at the Tivoli Theatre has been a massive success, but if you haven’t seen it yet then fear not as I hear a nationwide tour is currently in the pipeline.

HNY!

Having a ball at the New Year party in Lillies Bordello were: 1. Harriet Stapleton and Laura Caley; 2. Aoife Judge and Gail Kaneswaren; 3. Leanne and Emma Wishton; 4. Dolores Cullen and Rosaleen Proudfoot; 5. Vivienne McGuinness and Debbie Gleeson.

Happy New Year!

New Years Eve was the night to be out with a variety of wonderful parties on offer. The main hot spots around the country pulled out all the stops to ring in 2008 with white themed parties proving popular.

Legendary celebrity haunt Lilies Bordello hosted a champagne fuelled bash with the Perrier Jouet flowing all night long – they even had a huge “Christmas tree” made up of over 100 magnums of the stuff at a cost of a cool €10,000! Club owner David Morrissey welcomed guests including TV presenter Michelle Doherty, model Gail Kaneswaren and Marcus Sweeney.

The uber-hip night club Krystle also threw a white themed party with guests including Gordon D’Arcy, TV presenter Brian Ormonde, models Pippa O’Connor (sporting her Barbados tan) and Claudine Palmer, who is busy with preparations for her wedding to Irish international soccer star Robbie Keane in July.

Meanwhile, around the country there were black tie galas hosted in various top hotels including Hayfield Manor in Cork and Renvyle House in Galway, while the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan threw its biggest bash ever with a magnificent fireworks display that could be seen for miles.

Happy New Year!