| Thanks for the memories and hello
to a New Year
With Elaine Sheridan
Aslan — Will the Finglas five play another live
gig in Britain this year after the success of their appearance at the
Big Shindig — their first time playing in London for over five years?
Bono and Bob — Will the two saintly figures eventually
Feed the World and eradicate poverty in Africa for ever and ever?
Corrigan — Let’s hope Irish celebrity chef
Richard doesn’t make any more scathing comments about the state
of our chickens which last year he described as muck and crap.
Daniel — Will the mighty Mr O’Donnell break
any more world records by scoring yet another number one hit single in
the charts this year. Or will he just break another few hearts instead?
Enya — The Donegal lass with the haunting voice
has just released a new album called Amarantine. The Deluxe Collector’s
Edition contains the Amarantine CD, three exclusive photo cards and a
brand new book all packaged in a beautiful red velvet box. The book, Water
Shows The Hidden Heart, details the story behind the three Loxian songs
on the album.
Flatley — It’s been a hectic time for the
Lord of the Dance. First came the split from partner Lisa Murphy. Within
two shakes of a lamb’s tail there was the lavish wedding to fellow
dancer Niamh O’Brien. Then not long into married bliss the dancer
was struck down with a serious mystery virus that saw him cancel his European
tour. Now back on his feet he announces that the couple are expecting
a baby. What’s in store for 2007 I wonder?
Gallaghers — Noel and Liam are still making headlines
a decade after hitting the bigtime. The Irish brothers had their album
Definitely Maybe voted the best album of all time and now they’re
set to pick up an Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at the Brits
next month. I wonder who the outspoken duo will offend this time?
Hunniford — Gloria is back on our screens in the
latest series of Gloria’s Greats — featuring interviews with
some of her high-profile buddies. The interviews will be shown on the
Biography Channel throughout this coming year.
Ireland — Ireland lived it up to its new-found
nickname of Bel Eire last year as the country became awash with visiting
celebrities. Hollywood stars such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, Michael Jordan, Russell
Crowe and even the Hoff himself were seen strutting their stuff around
the capital city.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers — After a huge year in hits
including Match Point, Elvis and being made the face of Hugo Boss, can
this thespian keep up his busy schedule this year?
Keane — Will Corkman Roy Keane help Sunderland
FC to the Premiership this season in order to keep his boss and new-found
friend Niall Quinn happy or will the hot-tempered star lose his cool and
just blow it. We’ll have to wait and see.
Lindsay Lohan — The firey second-generation Irishwoman
kept this column filled last year with her erratic behaviour. Between
falling out of clubs at all hours of the morning and failing to turn up
for filming commitments, the diva has since been forced to join AA. Will
it last I wonder?
McFadden — Will Brian and Kerry carry on their
bitter divorce battle and hang some more dirty laundry out to dry? Or
will Kerry finally settle down when she has baby number three in the spring?
Who knows?
Norton — Graham Norton is to present a new talk
show on BBC2 this year. The programme will be based on the people, trends,
stories and aspects of celebrity culture that interest Norton the most.
Should be good!
O’Leary — Will Ryanair boss Michael get
his wish granted this year and take over Aer Lingus as planned?
Pete Doherty — Will the Babyshambles frontman
live to see another year and will himself and the comeback-queen Kate
Moss get married and live happily ever after?
Quiet Man — This 1952 film is director John Ford’s
epic romantic comedy — a loving, sentimental, nostalgic tribute
to his Irish ancestry and homeland. Still a classic although John Wayne’s
Irish accent leaves a lot to be desired!
Ryder Cup — It was golfer’s paradise last
year as Kildare played host to this famous tournament. Millions of pounds
were generated as thousands travelled to Ireland to witness Europe winning
again. What a weekend!
Shayne Ward — Hasn’t hit the newspaper pages
much over the last year but with a tour in progress no doubt he’ll
make it into the tabloids for some reason or other.
Taoiseach — What a year for Bertie. Will the Teflon
king walk away unscathed from any more controversy surrounding back-hander’s
from rich businessmen or will he get his pipe and slippers out when he
becomes a granddad during the summer? Granddad suits him better I think!
Ulysses — Ulysses is a 1922 novel by James Joyce.
The book has been and still is the subject of much controversy and scrutiny,
ranging from early obscenity trials to protracted textual Joyce Wars.
Today it is generally regarded as a masterwork in Modernist writing. The
Modern Library ranked Ulysses first on a list of the 100 best novels in
English of the 20th century.
Van the Man — Van Morrison was honoured with a
prestigious award ahead of the Oscars this year. The Belfast-born music
legend was one of three Irish stars who celebrated at the Oscar Wilde:
Honouring Irish Writing in Film party in February, for his contribution
to over 50 films. He is also to become a dad again later this year.
Westlife — The Fab Four were counted amongst the
most highly-regarded musical artists in the world including The Beatles
and Elvis when they released their 14th No. 1 hit single last November.
Can they top that this
year?
X-Factor — Will Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell kiss
and make-up after a year of bickering like school kids and slagging each
other off?
Yuletide — Will Ireland see the same surge of
visitors over the festive period this year?
Zara Phillips — The young equestrian scuppered
Irishman Darren Clarke’s chance of being named BBC Sports Personality
of the Year when she pipped him to the post. Will Darren have any better
luck this year? | 