31 July 2009: Much has been made of US President Barack Obama's closeness to his adorable daughters Malia and Sasha. And it's understandable that his relationship with his girls receives so much attention, as President Obama lights up with happiness every time he is in his daughters' company. Somehow it's easy to imagine these bright little girls growing up to follow in their father's footsteps, pursuing careers in law or politics.
The bond between a dad and a daughter is a special thing - and we can't get enough of photographs of famous fathers with their gorgeous little girls, such as Tom Cruise with Suri, Tiger Woods with Sam Alexis, Brad Pitt with Shiloh, or Ben Affleck with Violet.
A father is a role model, and a study by North Carolina State University published earlier this year showed that the relationship between fathers and daughters is leading to an increasing number of daughters who pursue careers in the same field as their dads.
In fact, evidence of the study's findings is clear when we look at the number of daughters following in the footsteps of their high-profile fathers.
Although, some we have to say, are finding more success than others as dad's doppleganger.
Bonnie, daughter of RTE's Gerry Ryan, seems to be a born entertainer like her dad. The 16-year-old singer has already played support to Westlife as one-third of the girl group Lady Nada, which also featured her school friends Pippa and Jessie.
Source: herald.ie. Shortened for FF
Kian and Jodi
31 July 2009: Former Hollyoaks starlet Jodi Albert and husband Westlife singer Kian Egan are spotted leaving the Metropolitian Hotel in London UK – 30072009.
29 July 2009: Thank you to everyone who has posted messages of condolence for Kian and his family regarding the death of his father Kevin. The Egan family would like to pass on their thanks for your support and kind words.
Source: www.westlife.com
Lonestar's Amazed voted most popular song for wedding first dances
29 July 2009: The pop song came top in a poll of 2,000 wedding videographers, who were asked for the most requested songs for the bride and groom's traditional dance.
Originally released in 1999, the song spent 22 weeks in the UK singles charts and topped the American 'Billboard' country singles charts for eight weeks.
I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by American rock band Aerosmith, released in 1998, came second.
The track, which peaked at number 4 in the UK singles charts, was described by Simon Cowell in series seven of the talent show American Idol as "one of the great songs of all time".
Shania Twain's 1998 hit From This Moment On came third, and Bryan Adams' (Everything I Do) I Do It For You) was the fourth most popular choice.
Released in 1991 and featured as part of the soundtrack for the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the song spent a record-breaking 16 consecutive weeks at number one in the charts, also topping the charts in 10 other European countries.
Selling 1.53 million copies, it was the best-selling UK single since the 1984 'Band Aid' record.
At number five on the poll conducted by PRS For Music, Take That's Rule the World was the only track by a UK artist to enter the top five.
Written for the film Stardust in 2007, the song was the fifth highest-selling single of the year, despite only being released in October, and remained in the top 100 in the UK charts for almost 18 months.
It was also the most recent release to feature in the poll, which favoured ballads from the 1980s and 90s.
Van Morrison's Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, from 1989, came sixth, and Westlife's Flying Without Wings was number seven in the poll.
From Westlife's self-titled debut album, the 1999 track was the Irish band's third UK number one.
Another popular 90s ballad was Robbie Williams' greatest commercial success, the double-platinum single Angels, which came in at number 8 at the poll.
The only artist to have two songs in the top 10, Shania Twain's 1998 single Still The One is ninth in the survey.
Hawaiian singer-songwriter Jack Johnson's Better Together, released in 2006, completed the list at number 10.
Ellis Rich, chairman of PRS for Music, said: "The song at the first dance tends to make weddings more memorable and extra special.
"It is a testament to the power and universality of music that it always accompanies the big events in our lives and gives them extra meaning."
Top 10 most popular wedding first dance songs:
1. Lonestar – Amazed
2. Aerosmith – Don't Want To Miss A Thing
3. Shania Twain – From This Moment On
4. Bryan Adams – (Everything I do) I Do It For You
5. Take That – Rule The World
6. Van Morrison – Have I told you Lately
7 Westlife – Flying without Wings
8. Robbie Williams – Angels
9. Shania Twain – You're Still The One
10 Jack Johnson – Better Together
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
Rock and Roll Kid Bertie in fine form
29 July 2009: Bertie leafed through his form book. He knows his horses, after all. Lucky Bertie's had a few wins on the nags in the past. "Rock and Roll Kid," he said confidently.
What to do? Gamble a second night's entertainment fund (€10) on the word of a politician - even if it is the former Taoiseach. What if he was just being polite by picking that name, given he was at the track to attend Boyzone's Ronan Keating's fundraiser for the Marie Keating Foundation?
It was hard to think straight over the sound of the rain hammering off the windows. It had begun to pour out of the leaden skies just before noon, and it hammered down relentlessly all afternoon.
It made for a dismal beginning to the second day of the Galway Festival. The rain fell and fell like the ISEQ Index, as the hardy punters began to trickle into the racecourse. Maybe it was a combination of the weather depression and economic depression that accounted for the 6,500 drop this year in attendance with 15,741 people going through the gates last night as opposed to over 22,000 last year.
Nor had the racegoers much to smile about for the first two races, as both favourites were beaten. But then the Master of Ballybrit came up trumps for the third, with Dermot Weld's Almolahek giving the crowd something to cheer about in between downpours.
And then Bertie picked his winner. He was at the track as usual, but this time he wasn't wandering around the mazy tented village, or holding court with friends and high-flyers in the Fianna Fail wigwam. Instead he had the best view in the house, right over the finishing-line in a suite in the Killanin Stand - an edifice which he himself cut the ribbon on in 2007.
But it was clear that he missed his canvas domain of the Fianna Fail tent.
"It's definitely taken something from the atmosphere at the meeting," he confessed. "It was built up over 15 years; it started very small with about 80 people and grew from there."
Bertie reckons that the sudden demise of the tented village is a "barometer of the recession - it went from dozens of tents to zero," he said.
"Some of the flak it got over the years was a bit unfair but it never worried me," he added.
The former Taoiseach was in relaxed form, and intended to spend a couple of days at the track before heading off to Kerry for his usual summer holiday with the family - Cecelia will be flying in from the US to join him.
"She has to mind herself this year now," he laughed, referring to his daughter's recently-announced pregnancy.
However, he'll be breaking his hollier for a quick day-trip to the capital to see the Dubs in action on Monday.
And despite his leg still not being completely healed from last year's accident, he is still doing a bit of globe-trotting - he was in the US last week wearing his Co-Operation Ireland hat for a meeting with US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
Though before he left Dublin yesterday, Bertie had to do a bit more peace-keeping himself closer to home, and was brokering a peace deal between the GAA and rebellious constituents who were up in arms over the disruption caused by the U2 concerts in Croker.
"They're all good people, it's sorted out now," he explained. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon should watch his house.
With 100 guests paying €2,500 a table, Ronan was hoping the do would raise between €40,000 and €50,000 for the Marie Keating Foundation.
Also at the event was Cecelia Ahern's long-time partner, actor Dave Keoghan, who is currently working on the bodice-ripping series, 'The Tudors'.
He said he was looking forward to fatherhood. "I'm used to being surrounded by kids - I can change a nappy with one hand at this stage," he boasted. No doubt Cecelia will be happy to let him hone his skills in this field, when the time comes.
Thanks to Bertie, this quids-in punter may be sporting a recession rock by the end of the week. Rock and Roll Kid crossed the line in first place, and then the sun came out. It was nothing short of miraculous.
Now if only Bertie could save the Celtic Tiger from the glue factory, we'd all be in the money.
Source: independent.ie. Shortened by FF.
Pre-Order Westlife Calendar
27 July 2009: The Westlife calendar is available to pre-order on Play. The calendar is due for release on the 1st October. Click here to pre-order your copy.
Source: play.com
Colin McKeon 5-A-Side Tournament
27 July 2009: The "Cos Tribunal" team, including Westlife singer and tournament organiser Paul Irwin were the winners of the 2009 Colin McKeon 5-A-Side Tournament.
The 2009 annual Colin McKeon 5-A-Side Tournament took place from the 14-18 July in aid of the Asthma Society of Ireland.
The Asthma Society would like to thank the event organisers and all those who took part in the tournament. A fun and energetic week was had by all!
This year marks the 13th year of Colin's passing, who tragically died from an asthma attack.
Source: www.asthmasociety.ie
New Shane Poll
25 July 2009: Each week we'll be launching a new poll about a different Westlife member. First up, have your say on your favourite look for Shane.
Click here to vote.
I voted smart jeans and a shirt.
Source: westlife.com
Westlife Twitter Page
25 July 2009: Thanks to Nicky who has confirmed via his twitter page that westlifedotcom is not the official Westlife twitter page.
Westlife star gets OK for supermarket plan
24 July 2009: WESTLIFE star Shane Filan’s company has been given the go ahead for a development in Dromahair involving a supermarket, crèche and gym.
The plan by Shafin Developments will involve the demolition of the now closed Breffni Centre Hotel, which was formerly a well-known dancing venue.
In its place will be a three-storey building, with a 370 square metres supermarket on the ground floor (reduced from an original 600 square metres), a crèche on the first floor (which will open to ground level at the rear) and a gym on the second floor.
The original planning application, which attracted local objections, was turned down by Leitrim County Council in November last. The council was not satisfied that such a large commercial facility was required in Dromahair nor that it would not have an adverse affect on the vitality and viability of the existing town centre and would conflict with the provision of existing retail facilities in the town.
Source: by John Bromley/Sligo Weekender
Happy Birthday Nicole
23 July 2009: Happy Birthday to Nicole who turns four today. Hope you have a great day with Shane and Gillian. xx
Kian's Song For Dad Moves Mourners To Tears
22 July 2009: WHEN Kian Egan stepped up to the altar yesterday for the most difficult performance of his career, his friends stood solid by his side.
The four members of the world's most successful boyband, Westlife, faced the congregation to sing a solemn version of 'You Raise Me Up' in tribute to Kian's father, Kevin, who died of cancer last Sunday.
"Myself and the guys would like to sing this song for my dad. I feel the words of this song really represent the type of man my father was," said an emotional Kian at his father's Requiem Mass in Sligo Cathedral.
And when Kian struggled to fight back the tears as Shane Filan sounded the opening lyrics, he felt the comforting arm of Mark Feehily around his shoulders.
He was finally composed enough to join in a roof-raising final chorus of the moving song which gave the band a number one hit. Then as the last notes still lingered in the hallowed arches, and the congregation wiped away the tears, pals Mark, Shane and Nicky embraced their grieving friend.
Father-of-seven Kevin died in the arms of his beloved wife, Patricia, and surrounded by his children and grandchildren at his home on the Strandhill Road last Sunday morning.
"Dad died at home in mommy's arms as she was saying 'I loved you from the moment I first saw you, and I will love you for always'," his daughter Vivienne said. In a moving tribute, she said her father encouraged all his children to be the best people they could be.
"He loved everything to do with all the Westlife things that happened over the years." But she said her father was so proud of all of his children, "whether they were a Westlife singer or a parent or school teacher".
Kevin, who was in his mid-60s, was too ill to attend Kian's wedding to former soap actress Jodi Albert in Barbados last May.
Leading the mourners yesterday were his wife Patricia, daughters, Vivienne, Marielle and Fenella, and sons Kian, Tom, Gavin and Colm.
Westlife manager Louis Walsh joined hundreds of mourners in the church to pay his respects.
Later, Kian left with the cortege, with his new wife Jodi by his side. They headed to his father's final resting place on the Strandhill Road, not far from the family home that had been a gift from Kian several years ago.
Source: Anita Guidera - independent.ie.
Westlife Star To Bury His Beloved Father Today
21 July 2009: Westlife star Kian Egan will lay his 64-year-old dad Kevin to rest near his home today.
Kian's bandmates - Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Nicky Byrne - will be among those paying their respects in the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Sligo at noon today.
Kevin will be brought to his final resting place at St.Patrick's Cemetery, Scarden, Co Sligo after the funeral.
Kian admitted to friends it is of some comfort to him that he was there for his dad in his final weeks.
"Westlife have been off for the past year and he was able to spend a lot of time with his dad that he might otherwise not been able to," said a pal.
"It's one thing that he's really grateful for."
Former electrician Kevin is also being mourned by his widow, Patricia, and Kian's sic siblings - Vivienne, Gavin, Fenella, Thomas, Marielle and Colm.
The granddad-of-12 died peacefully at home on Sunday morning after a year-long cancer battle.
He had been to unwell to travel to Barbados for the wedding of Kian to singer Jodi Albert in May.
Kian's old bandmate Brian McFadden revealed on Twitter yesterday his sadness at the deaths of Kevin and another close pal.
"Yesterday we lost two great people - our beautiful friend Liam and my friend's dad - all in one day. Why?" he tweeted.
Source: The Irish Star.
We Won’t Be Like Westlife
20 July 2009: JLS star Aston Merrygold has admitted that the band will not be working hard to maintain a "clean-cut" image.
The group, who first found fame on The X Factor last year, are currently celebrating after reaching the top of the UK singles chart with debut song 'Beat Again'.
Merrygold, 21, has now vowed to enjoy the trappings of fame for as long as possible, including attention from female fans.
Speaking to The Sun, he confirmed: "We're not Westlife. We've only been in this job for under a year. We're enjoying it.
"We're not going to sit here and say we never go on dates and we never have sex or whatever. Westlife had such a clean-cut image. There are a lot of ladies out there."
Bandmate Marvin Humes added: "We're young boys in the only boyband in the UK. What do you think is going to happen? It's great."
Tickets for the group's forthcoming UK tour will go on sale on Friday.
Source: digitalspy.co.uk
Kian’s Dad Loses Battle With Cancer
20 July 2009: Westlife star Kian Egan is in mourning after his father Kevin lost his battle with cancer yesterday morning.
Kian (29) and his family had been maintaining a vigil by their dad's bedside in Sligo after he slipped into a coma several days ago.
His dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour in Beaumont hospital in Dublin last year.
Kian's grieving mum Patricia, his three sisters Marielle, Vivienne and Fenella and three brothers, Tom, Gavin and Colm are now organising the funeral.
The pop star was devastated when his dad was too unwell to travel to Barbados for his wedding to stunning pop singer Jodi Albert in May.
However, his father insisted that none of the plans for the big day were changed and the couple were surrounded by the rest of his family when they wed on May 8.
Kian paid tribute to his ill dad Kevin - an electrician by profession - at the wedding.
He told the crowd: "I would like us to remember all those who aren't able to be with us here today, especially my dad who is in my thoughts."
Jodi acknowledged her husband's loss yesterday.
She wrote on her Twitter site: "Loves her husband so much and is so lucky to have him in her life... hopes to bring him happier days."
Kian has always been close to his dad and has said his music-loving parents set him on the road to fame.
Source: Irish Star. Credits: Maya and Chrissy for sending article to Villy @ Westlife.gr
Kian’s Dad Loses Cancer Battle
20 July 2009: Heartbroken Westlife star Kian Egan was being comforted by his wife Jodi Albert last night as he came to terms with the death of his father.
The star, 29, dashed to his beloved dad Kevin's bedside last week when his health took a turn for the worse.
"They are all supporting each other. The Egans are a very close family and they will all be there for each other at this difficult time."
Kevin had been battling cancer for nearly a year and his family were by his side as he slipped away at Sligo General Hospital on Saturday night.
Only two months ago he wrote a touching tribute to Kian which was read at his spectacular wedding to 26-year-old actress Jodi in Barbados.
He was too ill to travel to the ceremony but urged Kian to go ahead with the celebration and "Have the time of his life".
Kian's mum Patricia was by Kevin's side along with Kian's brothers Tom, Gavin and Colm and Sisters Marielle, Vivienne and Fenella.
The singer had always maintained an extremely close relationship with his dad as he toured the world with Westlife over the past 10 years.
He regularly flew his parents over to concerts to spend time with them and he continued to live in Sligo as the band hit the big time.
A family friend added yesterday: "There's no secret that Kian is a complete family man so obviously it's hitting him very hard.
"Jodi is being an absolute rock for him and all his brothers and sisters are getting amazing support and goodwill from their friends and extended family.
All the children want to be there for their mum to help her through the difficult days ahead."
Kian's bandmates and manager Louis Walsh have also rallied around to extend their sympathies.
Source: Irish Daily Mirror. Credits: Maya and Chrissy for sending article to Villy @ Westlife.gr
He’s Back Home
17 July 2009: Shane Filan is set to realise a childhood dream by leading his own soccer team against home town club Sligo Rovers.
The Westlife singer, a Rovers fan all his life, is stepping up several divisions for the game next month.
Shane is striker for his father-in-law's work team from the Sligo Plumbing and Heating company.
He has been playing on the astroturf in Division Two of his local Nightowls League.
The 30-year-old plans to recruit one or two surprise guests for the game at Sligo Showgrounds against League of Ireland Premier Division side Rovers on August 5.
He set up the event for pals Lesley Ann Culkin, 26, and 27-year-old Hilary Jones who are climbing Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, to raise funds for the Irish Red Cross. HR consultant Lesley Ann, whose boyfriend Michael Walsh is Shane's brother-in-law, said they were discussing a football match as a likely fundraiser when the singer volunteered.
She said: "He has so many other things to do that we are absolutely thrilled. I know it will be a great night at the Showgrounds."
Shane has been banging home winners during the past 10 months for his team in the amateur astro-turf league at a sports complex in Sligo. He said: "We've won a good few games. It's good craic. I started off on the left-wing, but I wasn't great there.
"Then I moved up front and I started scoring goals. I'm getting there slowly but surely."
Westlife's link to soccer goes back 12 years to their first TV appearance when they performed at half-time during a Sligo Rovers home match and it was shown on RTE's Nationwide. Shane said: "It was a 30-second clip. We were delighted at the time. It was great exposure and we felt very excited when we saw ourselves.
"We were on telly and we thought we were very famous. We were 17 or 18 years of age at the time with dreams of becoming Backstreet Boys or Take That.
"Little did we know that a year later it would all kick off for us and it's been mental ever since."
Source: Irish Daily Mirror. Credits: Maya and Chrissy for sending article to Villy @ Westlife.gr
Shane To Face Idols For Charity
17 July 2009: Soccer nut and Westlife heart-throb Shane Filan is to play against his home town club Sligo Rovers.
The sexy crooner, 30, tags out for his father-in-law's workplace team from the Sligo Plumbing and Heating company.
But the die-hard Rovers fan will face his heroes in a charity match at Sligo Showgrounds on August 5.
Big-hearted Shane has set up the showdown for pals Lesley Ann Culkin, 26, and Hilary Jones, 27.
The pair will climb Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, this year - to raise funds for the Irish Red Cross, which is celebrating its 70th birthday.
Although Shane will be facing a League of Ireland Premier Division side, the footie-mad celebrity is planning a few surprises for the game.
Source: Irish Sun. Credits: Maya and Chrissy for sending article to Villy @ Westlife.gr
Filan Great About Big Game
17 July 2009: Shane Filan is set to realise a childhood soccer dream.
He's to lead out his own soccer team against his home town club Sligo Rovers on August 5.
The Westlife singer - a Rovers fan all his life - is stepping up several divisions for the game next month.
Shane's striker for his father-in-law's works team from the Sligo Plumbling and Heating company has been playing in Division Two of his local Nightowls League.
The game will help raise funds for pals Lesley Ann Culkin and Hilary Jones who are climbing Kilimanjaro for the Irish Red Cross.
Source: Irish Star. Credits: Maya and Chrissy for sending article to Villy @ Westlife.gr
Westlife's Shane will line out against Sligo Rovers
16 July 2009: The charity football event will take place Wednesday, August 5th at Sligo Rovers Showgrounds, where you will see Shane Filan from Westlife and his football team participate in a friendly football match against football legends Sligo Rovers. This event is in aid of the The Irish Red Cross charity.
Two Sligo girls, Lesley Ann Culkin & Hilary Jones are taking part in The Platinum Peak Challenge trek up Africa's majestic peak, Mount Kilimanjaro this August to help fundraise for the Irish Red Cross 70th anniversary. The Irish Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian aid organization with 97 million volunteers in 186 countries who are on the ground at every natural disaster and conflict zone, bringing life-saving aid to people in desperate need.
The charity football match will take place at the Sligo Rovers Showgrounds at 7pm. Admission on gate entry.
All proceeds raised on the night will go towards the Irish Red Cross.
16 July 2009: I have set up a Twitter page for Filan Forever. I will add the news item headlines to this page so you know when this section is updated.
16 July 2009: Westlife hunk Shane Filan, has vowed to fly with wings, to play for his football team this year.
The now 30 year old singer, will use a private jet to fly home, for as many 5 - 1 side matches as he can once Westlife get back on the road.
A band insider revealed : Shane has loved being one, of the lads and hanging out, with his team...
"He doesn’t want to let them down, now that he will be back at work. He will fly in and out for matches."
Shane and his wife Gillian, are expecting, their third child next year.
Source: The Irish Sun. Credits: Mary for scanning and Jo for typing for WFVIP.
Guy Joins Westies
16 July 2009: Pop sensations Westlife have been secretly recording with the songwriter and producer behind Robbie Williams' biggest hits.
The chart toppers - who went back to work last week after taking a year out - are thrilled to be working with Guy Chambers.
"They are determined to bring out a new album of original songs this time," said a source.
"They don't want to record any more covers so they were delighted that Guy agreed to work with them on a number of songs for the new album."
Source: The Irish Star. Credits: Thanks to Maya and Chrissy for sending Villy @ Westlife.gr the article.
Oxegen hits the perfect pitch for celebrities
14 July 2009: Where Ireland may once have been a musical backwater, Oxegen delivers some of the biggest international and Irish acts.
Elsewhere in the same campsite, under cover and under canvas, Westlife's Mark Feehily had pitched his own tent.
He said: "I come every year and I usually bring my tent. I don't mind the rain. For me it's the perfect break before it gets busy with Westlife. The music is brilliant."
Source: http://www.tribune.ie/news
Jodi's Not So Kian To Start A Family Yet
14 July 2009: Actress Jodi Albert and her pop singer husband Kian Egan won't be joining the Westlife family way anytime soon.
"No babies yet. A good few years before babies," Jodi tweeted on Wednesday in response to a fan's query as to whether she and Kian are planning a family.
Jodi made the comment as her hubby's bandmate Shane Filan and his wife Gillian announced they are expecting their third child later this year.
Source: The Irish Star. Credits: Maya and Chrissy for sending scan to Villy @ Westlife.gr.
Jodi’s Back In The Saddle
14 July 2009: Westwife Jodi Albert, got back in the saddle as she has taken up horse riding lessons in Sligo.
Jodi recently, starting riding in a stable nearby, on a horse called Bambi, and had been furiously updating her twitter with details of her new hobby.
Her spokeswoman said, "She is going out riding in stables in Sligo. With time and experience she would love to have her own horse.
"She used to ride when she was younger and now decided to start again."
Jodi, who is married to Westlife hunk Kian Egan, is part of Louis Walsh's' new girl-band.
The girls go into the studio today for the first time to start recording their first tracks.
Source: The Irish Star. Credits: Mary for scanning and Jo for typing for WFVIP.
DJ Ironik
14 July 2009: (published 12 July 2009) But, perhaps the most unlikely revelation was by rapper DJ IRONIK.
The Tiny Dancer hitmaker chose a little-known WESTLIFE album track - Written In The Stars.
He said: "It's not normally the type of music I listen too but I was so inspired by the lyrics.
"I wrote my own words over the sample of the song and it was my first big hit, Stay With Me, which got me where I am today.
He added: "If I ever met the Westlife boys I don't know what I'd do to them.
"I owe them everthing."
Source: www.thesun.co.uk
2009 annual Colin McKeon 5-A-Side Memorial Tournament
14 July 2009: The 2009 annual Colin McKeon 5-A-Side Memorial Tournament will take place from the 14th-18th of July in aid of the Asthma Society of Ireland.
This year marks the 13th year of Colin's passing, who tragically died from an asthma attack.
Kick off takes place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th and Friday 17th of July.
The venue for the tournament is the PSLC Pitches in Portmarnock, Dublin.
The cup final will take place on Saturday the 18th of July. This will be a "Family Fun Day", with a Football Speed Cage, Face Painting, etc. There will also be an Over 35's match,a Shield Final and a Cup Final. The day will be followed by a "Jigs and Reels" party in the PSLC lounge featuring Susan Ginnety of Riverdance fame. There will be a prizes presentation following this for the winners and runners-up of the tournament.
Source: www.asthmasociety.ie
Celebrity Couple Dine Out In Long ford
12 July 2009: (published on 10 July 2009) There was an air of excitement in Longford town's Escabar last Sunday afternoon when Westlife star Nicky Byrne and his young wife Georgina Ahern arrived for a spot of lunch.
Diners were amazed to see the blonde singer and the daughter of the former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern sitting amongst them without a bevy of minders at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon.
An observer told the Leader, "It was amazing they were just sitting there with a group of friends.
"They had their backs turned away from the other diners so not that many people recognised them and there were no autograph hunters trying their luck.
"They just relaxed and had their meal in peace – nobody approached them at all."
The celebrity couple and their friends had travelled to Sligo earlier in the weekend to help fellow band member and friend Shane Filan celebrate his 30th Birthday Party in style in his home county.
They had a weekend off from minding their twin two year old sons Rocco Bertie Byrne and Jay Nicky Byrne instead traveling to Longford with three female and three other male friends.
A member of staff working in Eascabar who served the couple their meal said that they were very down to earth.
"They just called in for a quick bite on their way back from Sligo and they were very polite. I've met them before so it wasn't really a big deal for me."
"Another staff member said: "Everyone that interacted with them found them lovely. They were in the restaurant with a group of friends and they were all in great form.
"When they were leaving they said that the food was lovely so we hope to see them again in the near future."
Earlier on Sunday afternoon the couple was also spotted walking down Longford Main Street much to the delight of a few female fans who were lucky enough to get a glimpse of their Westlife idol Nicky Byrne.
Source: www.longfordleader.ie - credits: Born2bemrsNB for finding the article.
Shane Gets Good News
12 July 2009: (published on 7 July 2009) SHANE Filan's wife Gillian gave him a surprise present for his 30th - by revealing she's pregnant with baby number three.
Gillian, 30, broke the news to her happy husband just minutes before his birthday bash at their house in Sligo at the weekend.
The couple already have one girl Nicole, aged three, and a boy Patrick, aged ten months.
Paddy Power Bookies are already betting 4/1 that the couple will name their third born - Michael after the recently deceased 'King of Pop'.
A spokesperson for Paddy Power said: "Shane is huge Michael Jackson fan. He often performed the famous moonwalk at school in his younger years. Michael is also the name of Gillian's father and brother so it would be a fitting tribute to all the Michael's if the couple chose the name!"
And the bookies are also offering alternatives should the little nipper be a girl. Michael is 14/1 while Michaela is 33/1. Other names on the bookies list include Peter, after Shane's dad and brother at 12/1 and Nicky after Shane's band-mate at 25/1. It's 50/1 that the couple name their new addition Louis, after music mogul Louis Walsh.
Should baby number three decide they want to follow dad into the limelight, bookies Paddy Power are betting 25/1 that they top the charts before their 21st birthday!
Shane was joined by his Westlife bandmates in an impromptu gig for the 150 guests at his birthday bash.
Security men guarded the front gates and a marquee was set up for the party in the back garden.
Source: Sligo Weekender
The Insider
12 July 2009: (published on 7 July 2009) There are some startling odds being given this week that Westlife star Shane Filan and his wife Gillian will name their third baby after the King of Pop.
The happy couple have just announced that they'll be welcoming the new addition to the family next January. The pair - parents to Nicole (3) and 10-month-old Patrick - confirmed the news during Shane's 30th birthday bash in Sligo last weekend.
Now bookies are giving odds of 4/1 that Shane, a massive Jackson fan, will name the baby Michael after the late Michael Jackson.
Michael is also the name of Gillian's father and her brother.
Source: Insider (on herald.ie site)
West Wishes to Shane
12 July 2009: (published on 7 July 2009) Pop sensations Westlife celebrated band member Shane Filan's 30th birthday with a huge party in Co Sligo at the weekend!
Shane hosted a bash for his bandmates, friends and family to mark his big 3-0 at his mansion in Carraroe.
The massive party, which kicked off on Saturday evening, continued well into the early hours of yesterday morning.
Bandmates Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily all gathered for the bash along with Shane's family and friends at his €2 million house.
Shane has no problem accomodating hundreds of guests as the house which he describes as a "mini-castle" - complete with a tower and turret - is 10.000 square feet in size.
He has kept the third storey of his house as a massive party room of 3.000 square feet.
The birthday bash follows just days after the band met up in the recording studio last week for their first day of work after taking a year off.
The band will jet to Los Angeles shortly where they will begin work with a host of new producers and songwriters.
However, they've made it known that they are not in a rush to release a new album this year.
"They want this album to be full of original songs - if they don't get the right songs, it may be next year before they release it," said a source.
Source: The Irish Star – Credits: Villy at westlife.gr - Thanks to Maya and Chrissy for the scan
Here’s Your Birthday Present: Baby No. 3
12 July 2009: (published on 6 July 2009) - SHANE Filan's wife gave him a surprise present for his 30th birthday - by revealing she's pregnant for the third time.
Gorgeous Gillian, 30, broke the news to her Westlife hubby just before his birthday bash.
The pop sensation couldn't wait to spread the news to stunned guests after he blew out the candles on his cake.
Shane staged a spectacular champagne celebration at his sprawling Sligo mansion for special guests.
And he even joined his Westlife bandmates in an impromptu gig for the 150 guests.
The Irish Daily Mirror was invited along for the big night as Shane revealed in a speech: "My wife Gillian has been asking me a lot about what I'd like for my birthday. I just told her to surprise me.
"I thought she was going to get me a watch or something. But she has definitely surprised me - by telling me she is pregnant with our third child."
Shane's family and friends burst into huge applause and hit the dance floor in celebration as the star toasted the good news with a glass of champagne.
As the drinks continued to flow Shane told the Irish Daily Mirror: "I'm absolutely delighted with the news. Gillian and I decided to announce it tonight as a surprise for everyone.
"The baby is due in January and we are both so excited. I feel like I am on top of the world. Tonight is the perfect night to celebrate. "Gillian has gone to so much effort to plan everything and it's been a great party."
The couple already have a daughter Nicole, three, and 10-month-old son Patrick but Shane has always said he was planning to add to the clan. Gillian converted their six-bedroom mansion into a spectacular party zone on Saturday.
And a team of top chiefs, waiters and cocktail bar staff were drafted in to cater for guests who were served unlimited champagne, cocktails and wine as birthday boy Shane mingled.
Then the singer's bandmates Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily joined him on stage and performed their first concert together in over a year.
As the stars belted out hits including World Of Our Own, Flying Without Wings and You Raise Me Up, their partners - Georgina Ahern, Gillian Filan, Jodi Albert and Mark's boyfriend Kevin McDaid - danced in front of the stage.
Source: Paul Martin at The Irish Star – Credits: Villy at westlife.gr - Thanks to Maya and Chrissy for the scan
Baby Joy: Shane Gets Good News For His Birthday
12 July 2009: (published on 6 July 2009) Westlife frontman Shane Filan has revealed that he is preparing for a third edition to his family.
Shane's wife Gillian told her husband the news just before his 30th birthday party at their Sligo mansion. And the singer announced that his childhood sweetheart was pregnant after he blew out the candles on his birthday cake in front of 150 guests. In a speech, the singer said that he was bowled over by the news.
"My wife Gillian has been asking me a lot about what I'd like for my birthday. I thought she was going to get me a watch or something," Shane said.
"But she has definitely surprised me - by telling me she is pregnant with our third child."
The crowd burst into cheers and then hit the dance floor in celebration. Shane's Westlife bandmates then hit the stage for an impromptu gig, performing their hits World of Our Own and Flying Without Wings.
The Filans already have one daughter, Nicole (3), and a 10-month-old son Patrick. "I'm absolutely delighted," said Shane.
Source: herald.ie – credits: Claire Murphy
A Special Announcement from Shane
12 July 2009: (published on 6 July 2009) Hi everyone
I know a lot of you have already heard the rumours, but I wanted to confirm to you myself that Gillian and I are expecting another baby.
We’ve been keeping it a complete secret from everyone for a while, and made the announcement at my 30th birthday party on Saturday. The baby’s due early next year and we’re completely over the moon about it. The thought of becoming a dad for the third time is just amazing!
Thanks, as always, for all your support
Shane x
Source: westlife.com
I Am Back
12 July 2009: Hola everyone, yes I am back from my holiday in Spain. And what a lovely break it was. ;o). While I was away I got a text from my good friend giving me the fabulous news that Shane is going to be a daddy again.
I would like to say a big congratulations to Shane and Gillian on their news. xx
Now I am back, I will start to update the news section from last week.
Shazzy xx
Westlife To Reunited For A Birthday Bash
02 July 2009: Published on 01.07.2009: POP toppers Westlife will perform together for the first time in a year this weekend - to celebrate band member Shane Filan's 30th birthday.
Shane is hosting a huge party to mark the milestone at his home outside Sligo town on Saturday.
All of Westlife will gather for the bash at the €2 million mansion along with Shane's large family and many friends.
"They're planning to do a live performance at the party," one source revealed.
Source: The Irish Star. Credits: Maya for finding - Villy at Westlife.gr
Happy 30th Birthday
02 July 2009: As I will be on holiday when Shane turns 30 on Sunday. I couldn’t leave without posting a happy birthday message. Hope you enjoy your special day with Gillian, Nicole and Patrick. xx
It’s Great To Get My Life Back On Track
02 July 2009: Westlife are looking forward to returning to the grind, after a year-long break. The chart topping foursome, will meet up before heading to an LA studio, to get cracking on a brand new album.
And Dublin lad Nicky Byrne, told The Irish Sun "Even though we have had a full year off, we got together a few times to write songs."
"We haven't had an album out since 2007, that is really hard to believe."
"But a year off did us all the world of good, and after 10 years we really needed it."
Nicky, dad of two year old twins, Rocco and Jay, admitted: "Leaving them is going to be very hard."
Fellow westdad Shane Filan is also going to have to leave, his own tots Nicole and Patrick.
He told the Irish Sun, "Being a father is the best job ever, and going to work again will take getting used to."
"I can't wait till the kids are able to come and see us to perform."
Source: Irish Sun. Credits: Mary and Joanne at WFVIP for article.
Westlife Are Back Tomorrow
30 June 2009: Yay it is the day we have been waiting for… the end of the lads break. I am so excited to hear Westlife are back in the studio tomorrow.
On Nicky’s twitter page he says…tmrw is just the start of the process of making a brilliant pop album..so who knows how long it will take ? lotsa new producers, writers on board so lets see where it takes us…
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