Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Pink.... and Au Revior....

Yes, the rumours are true! I am leaving RedFM and today is my last day. It's been five and a half years and it's time to move on and experience new things....

Thanks for listening over the years and thanks for reading the blog! Thanks for leaving comments - it's been a blast!

I will look into continuing the blog - but will have to change the name - so maybe in a few weeks when I get settled in new pastures, keep a look out for http://martinaod.blogspot.com or http://martinaodonoghue.blogspot.com... I have yet to decide!

I didn't get to the Pink concert in Killarney at the weekend but by all accounts she was fab. Sarah Nolan from Skibbereen sent me in her pics so here they are... looks like she had a fantastic view!

Au Revior my friends, until we meet again.......
xxx





Monday, July 16, 2007

Step 39 Graduates at the YMCA.

I was delighted to be asked to hand out certificates at the YMCA recently to participants in the STEP programme.
STEP started in 1988 in Cork YMCA. It is aimed at young people aged 17-25 who are either not in work or are in casual work.
There are two 22- week programmes each year, usually beginning in January and August. It’s a great way to make new friends but most of all it’s a chance to step into a new future.
Groups vary in size from 6 -10 young people who work together and share their good and bad experiences of unemployment and look at ways to make progress. STEP trains in practical areas like health and safety and computers, as well as giving practical experience on how to apply for jobs. Furthermore it develops teamwork, improves communication skills and builds confidence.
I had already handed out certificates there at a previous ceremony about 18 months ago so it was nice to be back. My thanks to Aine O'Callaghan for asking me! She and the other trainers Barry Kelly, Catherine Leahy, Joy Cantwell-Moore, Patricia Dempsey and Sue Pearmain do great work there.
Well done to those who graduated: Abukar Ali, Catherine O'Donovan, Catherine O'Mahony, Maureen Burke, Jessica Linehan, Stacy McCarthy and also Lisa Meldrum who couldn't be at the ceremony.
That's me and Maureen pictured above, while below is the group on graduation night, with Aine 3rd from the right.

And check out the yummy cake below which was a centre-piece of the celebrations!

Monday, July 09, 2007

Miss Ireland 2007


Last weekend the Miss Ireland contest was held in Cork for the first time. Twenty-four lovely girls, with tans applied, hair sprayed and lip gloss firmly in place, took to the stage to be put through their paces by TV3's Alan Hughes.
Never mind the competitors - almost all the woman at the event looked like they'd stepped off a catwalk, in lavish evening gowns and lots of slender legs on show.
Guests were treated to a Jolie drinks reception (yummy!) followed by a four course meal which was slightly distracting, with waitresses bustling about and plates arriving and departing the table while the contest unfolded on-stage. Nevertheless, I was starving so appreciated it despite missing key moments of the 'action'.
The judges were Stephen Byrne of RSVP magazine, Sinead Desmond from TV3’s Ireland AM, Anthony Stokes from Sunderland FC, former Miss Ireland Andrea Roche, Michael Doyle, hairdresser to the stars; model Glenda Gilson, singer Paul Byrom, Munster rugby’s Alan Quinlan and Krish Naidoo, chairman of the Miss Ireland panel.
Miss Cork Aisling Cronin had been the favourite in the days running up to the event but in the end Miss Spin 103 Daniella Moyles was declared the second runner-up, Miss Heart and Soul Karen Sutton was the runner-up, while 21-year-old Miss Time Blaitnaid McKenna from Naas Co. Kildare was crowned the winner. Here I am pictured with her above and below just moments after her victory when I stormed the stage!
Her whirlwind year in the spotlight is just beginning. The student of Italian and French will represent Ireland on December 1st in China and says she wants to do Irish women proud. Good luck to her!

Monday, July 02, 2007

Live at The Marquee

So, who's been enjoying the Live at the Marquee gigs? Seeing as there are so many musical styles represented, everyone is bound to have their own favourites. Well, I've only been to two so far... Bell X1 last night supported by Duke Special... and Duran Duran on Friday night.
Bell X1 were certainly very good as was the excellent Duke Special (did you see the mad drummer and the sounds he got out of household implements? Fascinating!) .
However, Duran Duran were definitely this year's highlight for me... they were awesome! All those old hits from when I was in nappies (ahem..) and wasn't Simon looking divine? I had always fancied John Taylor more but I think Simon Le Bon has aged the best.
As for the show's hightlight... I think for me it was 'Save A Prayer'... I never knew Simon played acoustic guitar either... you learn something new everyday.
It was a bit of a girly gathering for me and my friends. See below... with Adrienne, Caitriona and Norma...

Although there was one brave man in our midst... who enjoyed it more than he thought he would! Three cheers for Francis!!!

And of course thanks to my mysterious benefactor for the ticket......