Irish emissaries come in all sorts of guises

RORY McILROY was not the only Irish rookie at Augusta National. Michael McCumiskey, the long-time and hard-working general secretary of the Irish PGA, attended his first Masters, while PJ Collins, the president of the GUI, represented the oldest national governing body in the sport.

Another interested observer over the four rounds was Westlife’s Shane Filan, who divided his time between watching the Irish trio of players and his friend Lee Westwood.

Filan, who struck up a friendship with Westwood in a pro-am, was a guest of the Englishman in one of the ISM houses. Looking for all the world like a golfer, complete with Masters visor, Filan - a 14-handicapper at Strandhill Golf Club in his native Sligo - left Augusta with the intention of working on his game.

“I’d love to get down to 10,” said Filan.

Where he will find the time is anyone’s guess, as the band are working on their latest album.

Credit/Source: www.irishtimes.com

Kian & Jodi's Stag and Hen Nights

Deborah described what an article in the Irish Star mentioned about Kian's stag night and Jodi's hen night. Thanks Deborah


Hi guys! I saw an article in todays Irish Star (13 April) about Kian and Jodi having had their stag and hen nights.

Basically Jodi had hers in Dublin with close friends and family as well as her new bandmates, she booked 7 tables at Balzac restaurant and booked the upstairs VIP bar Samsara as well as booking a table for 20 at Dublin's top night club Krystal.

Kian however apparently had a more sedate night he went to the dogs in Galway along with 15 friends however Shane, Nicky and Mark didn't come as Shane is in Agusta for the golf masters a present from Gillian, Nicky is in Portugal on holiday and Mark is holidaying with Kevin.

Source: Deborah/Irish Star
Credit:Westlife.gr

The Diary, Ken Sweeney - Westlife wedding without Joanne

She organised the nuptials of Brian McFadden, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan, but Westlife wedding planner Joanne Byrne says she will never do another big day.

"I only did them as favours for people; I won't be doing any more weddings. It's a case of been there, seen that and bought the t-shirt. I promised myself I would never do another wedding. Why? As my colleague Sinιad Ryan says 'if a DJ doesn't turn up to a gig, well you just find somebody else; but if a DJ doesn't turn up to a wedding. He has ruined the best day of someone's life! The only weddings the Presence PR ladies will be organising in the future "will be our own," joked Joanne.

But while not planning Kian Egan's wedding to Jodi Albert in Barbados on 8 May, the PR admits she does have a background role in affairs. "I did the deal with OK!, so I have a role co-ordinating with the magazine, but I'm not the wedding organiser. There's only 60 or 80 people going as it's an intimate affair."

The future Mrs Egan, meanwhile, had a hen night dinner for 40 pals in Balzac Restaurant on Dawson Street last night. Among those attending were the members of Albert's new girl band Broke Down. Corrine Durran, Sharon Condon, Kasey Smith and Leigh Learmont were celebrating being signed to Universal.

Source: www.tribune.ie
Credit:westlife.gr

Shane Filan will be singing when he's swinging

Westlife singer Shane Filan will be singing when he's swinging after his wife Gillian splashed out on a surprise dream trip to the US Masters gold tournament.

The golf fanatic superstar will jet off this week to Augusta to follow Tiger Woods and Irish sensation Padraig Harrington as they both battle for the most converted prize in golf.

Shane was stunned when Gillian handed him the VIP Tickets to all four rounds, of the spectacular tournament that begins on Thursday.

He will be mixing with the biggest names from the sport and celebrities who make the trek to the hallowed Georgia Venue every year.

And Shane, 29 told the Irish Daily Mirror, how he will be hoping to see plenty of bop bop birdies as the action unfolds.

"It was such an incredible surprise, I am so excited, and I'll be there cheering on Harrington, to three majors in a row."

"He presented us with our Meteor Award last month, and we had a great chat, so I will be getting right behind in Augusta. I'm a big fan of his as well as Rory McLlroy from the North."

"And of course it will be incredible to see Tiger up close and personal."

Sligo man Shane, has been on a mission to improve his golf handicap since Westlife's year off.

He plays three times a week at the stunning Strandhill golf club.

Shane currently boasts a 14 handicap but hopes to get it down to 10 by the end of summer.

He added: "I played in the winter league this year with Gillian's dad, Michael and it was lots of fun. It improved my game big time. It's the first time I’ve had long enough off from the band to be able to do something like that."

"I am going to August with a couple of friends, and can't wait for it to all start on Thursday."

Shane and Gillian were thrilled when his baby son Patrick was born last September - the couple's second child.

They have been spending most of the time at home in Sligo with Patrick and three year old daughter Nicole, as they enjoy the simple things in life.

Shane said: "It's been nice to spend so much time with the family and adjust to life with a second child. But we will be going back to work with Westlife by the end of the year, and we cannot wait to get a new album out there."

Source: The Irish Mirror

Post Of The Week:Week 9

Here's our chat topic for this week: if Westlife could duet with anyone, alive or dead, who would you most like to see them perform with? Have your say in the forum now.

Last week you were discussing why you first became a Westlife fan. There were loads of really interesting stories and it was great to read how devoted you are to the boys. Here's one of our favourite posts, written by schnickyrock.

"I actually can't ever remember not liking Westlife! I suppose I must have loved them from the start when they released Swear it Again back in 1999, but I suppose the real turning point, that turned me from a fan into an addict, was on my 18th birthday in 2005. My mum and dad bought me and my sister tickets to Westlife's concert in Birmingham that night (it was the NO1s tour) and it was the first concert I'd ever been to, Westlife or otherwise. I'd always said I'd wanted to go and see the boys live before then but never got the chance. It was extra special that my first ever concert was Westlife and was on my 18th birthday. Well I've never looked back since! From that day on I have now been to all of their tours, joined this forum, seen or recorded every TV appearance of theirs and bought all their cd's, dvd's, even the book and perfume. So it's thanks to my parents and what turned out to be the best birthday present ever, but I think they slightly regret it now when they have to put up with me going on and on about Westlife all the time now!"

Source:westlife.com

Boy Bands Revive Their Popularity

The boy band lives on. The members of New Kids on the Block make their way to Assembly Hall this Sunday, and somehow they are still managing to sell out arenas worldwide. Not only is the group performing old favorites, but they even have enough brand new material to grab up new audiences, including younger generations. This revival, 14 years in the making, among others, makes one speculate that boy bands still have a place in the hearts of today's society.

"Boy band" has always seemed to be such a dirty term, belittling groups as nothing more than a marketable face and brand, who can occasionally sing well. The fact that many of them have never been taken seriously shows how these groups were set up to bring in quick and large amounts of revenue and, eventually, would end up fizzling out into nonexistence.

People like American Idol judge Simon Cowell have constantly said that the job of pop-music record producers is to create a group that is original, relevant, and has the potential to bring in profit in the long-term. While doing this, groups such as New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and Westlife were also able to creep their way into the hearts of many - mostly pre-teen girls - and make themselves a household name.

The stigma surrounding these groups in the music industry is understandable, considering that adopting a clean-cut Abercrombie model appearance - keeping up with fashion - and learning choreographed dance moves have not earned them respect from other artists, groups and bands working just as hard only on the musical aspect of their careers. So why and how are some of these groups reviving themselves and creating new success?

It's because Americans still love giving into commerciality. You can sound sub-par, but if you look like a model, then there's no doubt that you can go far in the world of pop music. I'll admit that there are boy band members that do have talent as far as singing goes, but then the question to ask is: why do many groups lip-synch their live performances? If they're as good as they're made out to be, then, logically, there should be nothing to hide.

Many of their mostly female fans still hold on to the images of these "perfectly-sculpted idols" and truly believe that their favorite groups are directing those sweet messages of love in their direction.

If only these fans could meet the well-paid and extremely-talented lyric writers that only get credited by having their name written small in a CD insert that nobody bothers looking at in this digital age.

Even with these negative attitudes that have surrounded them for so long, it seems that, like President Obama, there is change that they believe in this time around.

Boy bands are definitely doing a lot more this time around to fit into the changing spectrum of music. The Backstreet Boys, for example, have released two CDs since reuniting and have brought a more instrumental rock feel to their music, with some of the members actually playing the guitar or drums during production. Also, by co-writing songs and having more creative control over their lyrics, the most successful boy band in history is showing us that they can indeed think for themselves.

Boy bands are now collaborating with more artists from different genres and appealing to wider audiences than just the screaming girls who are about to hit puberty.

The concept of the boy band has now made a strong return, with the musical transformation from boys to men clearly evident. As long as they continue putting a focus back on the music - what really matters - then there's no telling how long this pop train ride might last.

Credit/Source: www.dailyillini.com

Westlife Star Hit By Planning Hitch

WESTLIFE singer and property developer Shane Filan must wait until July to see if he can go ahead with plans for a mixed-use development of 68 apartments, a supermarket, gym and creche in Co Sligo.

He was granted permission for the development at Tonafortes/Tullynagracken South in Carrowroe by Sligo County Council, but the decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

Credit/Source: www.independent.ie

McILROY FLATTERED TO BE 'BEST'

Manchester United fan Rory McIlroy admits he is flattered to be called the best sporting talent to come out of Northern Ireland since George Best.

And now the 19-year-old from Holywood wants to rack up just as many birdies at the Masters next week.

Sir Bobby Charlton was among the first fans on the phone with congratulations after McIlroy won his maiden European Tour event in February.

And the mop- headed teenager, who is already getting royal treatment in the United States after appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated, admitted he was also an admirer of footballing genius Best.

"George was a huge superstar all over the world - he went out with three Miss Worlds," said McIlroy, who will practice with Tiger Woods at Augusta.

"He was a bit of a boy and probably one of the most talented footballers ever. To be compared to him is pretty nice.

"I am a big Manchester United fan and I played with Sir Bobby at the Dunhill links last year.

"He has left a message for me. Shane Filan and the boys from Westlife have also been in touch. It is nice they have taken the time and trouble to do that."

Source: www.mirror.co.uk
Credit:westlife.gr

Gillian Judge For Sligo Champion Search For A Model

As wife of one of the country's best known personalities, Gillian Filan very often finds herself in front of batteries of flashing camera bulbs, so she knows the importance of style and poise.

A self-confessed "Tom Boy" in her early years, Gillian was catapulted into the limelight once she married her childhood sweetheart, Westlife's Shane Filan, and she very quickly rediscovered her penchant for fashion and style.

"As a youngster I was a bit of a Tom Boy, but like all girls, I always had an interest in fashion. In my twenties, I started to really get into it and because I'm sometimes in the public eye, I'm probably more fashion conscious than ever," she reveals.

That eye for style was always in the family. In fact, Gillian's older sister, Joanna, is a successful jewellery designer, whose marvellous creations very often enhance Gillian's public appearances.

Being exposed to a lot of stylish occasions has given Gillian a keen appreciation of the importance of clothes, make-up and deportment, making her an ideal judge for the SLIGO CHAMPION SEARCH FOR A MODEL competition. And she's relishing the challenge.

"I think it's a great idea. There are so many stunning looking girls in Sligo who could definitely make careers in the modelling profession, and this is a genuine opportunity for somebody to make a significant breakthrough," she says.

From her own experiences, she's acutely aware of how difficult it can be for somebody in rural Ireland to achieve that illusive breakthrough, but it's getting easier and this competition, she feels, might be another step up the ladder for a budding model.

"Dublin has always had lots of modelling competitions, so I suppose it's only natural that most models are based in or close to the capital. But competitions like this provide an opportunity for girls to have a chance in their own area, and that's very important.

"It will be very interesting to find a model in Sligo and to see how far that person can take it. While I would hate to think it would all be very serious, it is nonetheless an important opportunity for anyone who feels they might have a talent in this regard," Gillian adds.

She emphasises the fun element, urging people to get involved primarily for the enjoyment of the experience.

"My advice to anybody considering entering the competition would be, firstly, to go out and enjoy it. It has to be fun, or there's no point doing it. My other tip would be not to be shy or lacking in confidence. Leave all those inhibitions behind and really go for it.

"I know it's going to be a great night when the final is staged in the Castle Dargan Hotel on April 30th. I'm really looking forward to it," she concludes.

Poll Closed And The Results Are:

Which is your favourite album?


Westlife 0 (0%)

Coast To Coast 0 (0%)

World Of Our Own1 (8%)

The Greatest HIts:Unbreakable1 (8%)

Turnaround1 (8%)

Allow Us To Be Frank 0 (0%)

Face To Face 2 (16%)

The Love Album 0 (0%)

Back Home 7 (58%)

Stay tuned for the next poll,which is coming soon....
Thank all those who have voted.....
Kisses