Ronan O'Gara opens new-look Carphone Warehouse.

My celeb-watching took me to Carphone Warehouse in Patrick Street recently where the shop was launching its new look. Munster and Ireland rugby star Ronan O'Gara was the guest of honour to cut the red tape and as you can see from these pics, he was also called upon to sign a few jerseys.
It was one of those glorious sunny evenings and the air conditioning was off in the shop... not that I minded as I'm not a fan. It's not like we live in the Bahamas, is it?
And to put an even bigger smile on my face I got a very generous goodie-bag at the shop as well. A good day's work you might say... one of the better ones in recent times!

Madonna - as you've never seen her before!

This is a new painting by Peter Howson, depicting Madonna and Guy Richie - and perhaps not showing them in the most flattering light!
It's on sale for £15,000 sterling - and I'm guessing that Madonna probably won't be too pleased by the interpretation of the pair. Yes, she is muscular in real life - but here she is made to look like an ageing transvestite, is she not?!! And what about Guy? He looks like a cross between a football hooligan and a pervert, methinks.
Does it also portray Guy as a clinging subservient type and Madonna as the alpha-female? The way she is in the front of the picture - does that mean that she is the one taking the lead in the marriage?
Trying to put your own interpretion on art can be a lot of fun - so let me know what you think... and more to the point is it worth the money.... and would you like to have it on your wall????

Duke Special at An Brog.


Last Thursday, Murphys Live 2007 rolled into town for the semi-final of this year's new band competition. The acts ilya K and Philtre were doing battle for a place in the final, while getting the chance to play support to a top act - in this case Duke Special. You might have heard his song 'Freewheel' played on RedFM recently - it's a great song - and he has many more of that calibre up his sleeve, believe me.
He is a joy to listen to - although I have to admit An Brog wouldn't be my ideal venue for a gig. With the shape of it, it's difficult to get a good view of the stage - and it gets sooooo crowded and, well, a bit smelly! These pics I have taken show that I got very close; so close I could have played piano for the great Duke (if I knew how to play piano, that is!). Unfortunately I could last no longer than two songs in this position and even with that, it was with fingers in my ears - which no singer wants to look out from the stage to see, I'm sure! I was right next to an enormous speaker and thought my ears were going to tear and bleed! So I had to take up residence elsewhere in the room - and then caught the occasional glimpse of a dread-lock here and there!
So it was with much joy I heard he is to play in Cork Opera House on Monday, May 21st - which will be a more comfortable venue to take in his clever lyrics and musical talent.


On another topic, Easter is approaching... and will surely be over when I post again - so let me wish you all a Happy Easter now! Enjoy those Easter eggs! I actually received one in the post today from a kind listener! Isn't that sweet! All because the lady loves.......