New & Noteworthy: Looking back

Over in Hollywood, Colin Farrell kept tongues wagging — in more ways than one — with his amorous exploits, which, this year, have taken on epic proportions. Angelina Jolie, Rosario Dawson, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan can all claim star billing in his personal chick flick.
Speaking of sex, Ballymena-bred star Liam Neeson took the topic out of the gutter and put it up on the silver screen, with this critically acclaimed performance in “Kinsey.” There’s serious Oscar buzz for Liam, who brings wit, dignity and humanity to the character of controversial researcher Alfred Kinsey. Irish screenwriter/director Terry George should also start working on an acceptance speech, just in case — his “Hotel Rwanda” has been hailed by critics and audiences alike as a heartbreaking masterpiece.
Of course, not everything revolves around sex; in many instances, there’s sport involved as well. And, er, literature. Just ask the Beckhams, who weathered quite a scandal this year — and no, that’s not a reference to Victoria’s abortive attempt at a rap record. English soccer god David, who now kicks a ball around for Real Madrid, was caught allegedly offside when his alleged mistress went public with his alleged text messages which — allegedly — were quite suggestive in nature. Allegedly.
So go grab a cup of eggnog — or whatever libation gets you through the holiday season — and let’s revisit the topics that kept us entertained throughout the year. And save space in the part of your brain that you keep for this kind of stuff — there’s more nostalgia on tap for next week.

January
Justin Timberlake and his superstar girlfriend, Cameron Diaz, jetted into Ireland for the ex-N’Sync-er’s sold-out shows in Belfast and Dublin. The glamorous pair bunked down in the posh Four Seasons Hotel in Ballsbridge — what, you thought they’d stay in a B&B? — and did a little charity work for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. They also decided to do a spot of shopping, so they had full run of the Kilkenny Store on Nassau Street, where they stocked up on $50,000 worth of Waterford Crystal. “I can’t believe I’m checking off so many gifts on my Christmas list!” squealed Cameron, between sips of Champagne.
Moving from teen idols to stars of more mature vintage, it’s important to remember that older fans can get just as crazy as the whippersnappers. Just ask Donegal dreamboat Daniel O’Donnell, who was astonished when his middle-aged devotees started throwing their knickers onstage during his concert at Dublin’s Point Depot. “There was moment or two when I thought I was Tom Jones,” he wrote in his Sunday World column. As for the unmentionables that littered the stage, Daniel could only marvel at the economy of fabric. “Sure, they’re only little bits of things these days,” he blushed.
News roundup: Onlookers tried to contain their shock and awe when Westlife star Shane Filan tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh — without a pre-nup or an exclusive picture deal with Hello! or OK! magazines. Bono told Paris Match that he had “the sensitivity of a reptile” — but he meant that in a good way. Louis Walsh, who probably won’t be on the guest list for the grand opening of Castlehyde Manor, snickered to the Sunday Inpedendent that dance king Michael Flatley “has the funniest haircut” he’d ever seen. Which, assuming he checks the mirror every morning, is saying a lot. Charlize Theron, still weeks away from her Oscar win for “Monster,” revealed that she prefers a pint of plain to the fanciest Champagne. “I drink Guinness by the pint,” she confided. “I love the stuff.”
Miss World, aka Irish beauty queen Rosanna Dawson, caused a firestorm of controversy when she gave an interview trashing her former nanny. The woman, who at 19 had an affair with Rosanna’s father, Chris DeBurgh, refrained from comment, and the Miss World organization insisted that their girl had been misquoted. Rosanna, though, stuck to her guns, and during a radio interview on the “Lateline” show, snapped that callers should mind their own business.

February
The month began with a surge of ethnic pride, as practiced by pop phenom Dido. The singer, whose real name is Florian Cloud Debounvialle Armstrong — which answers the question why she goes by “Dido” — was the bookies’ favorite to take the top prize at the prestigious British Music Awards. But there was one hitch: the singer, who was born in England and holds a British passport, lists her nationality as Irish in documents filed by her record company.
Pop divas made news. Mariah Carey received a public scolding from a youth group, who declared that her long hair, low necklines and short skirts made her an inappropriate role model for young people. Or at least for young people whose fashion sense has evolved past 1988. Samantha Mumba seemed like a grizzled showbiz veteran, but in reality, the singer from Dundrum just turned 21. She celebrated her first really grown-up birthday with a celebrity-filled bash at Dublin’s Four Seasons Hotel, complete with big bucks, exclusive picture deal with Hello!
Colin Farrell popped up in the pages of N&N, after making the list of All-Time Party Animals, as chosen by the readers of a British lads’ magazine. Surprisingly, the hard-living Dub didn’t top the list, but he did manage a respectable fourth place, behind legendary elbow-benders like Oliver Reed, Richard Harris and Richard Burton.
Former Atomic Kitten and Westlife wife Kerry Katona battled bugs, the elements and fellow contestants in the jungles of Australia during the filming of the Brit series “I’m a Celebrity — Get Me Out of Here.” But she put aside some time to tell the world that she’s a one-man kind of gal. And that one man is Bryan McFadden.
“If I was in a room on my own with Colin Farrell, and he said, ‘You and me now, no one need know about it,’ I would definitely say no,” she told TV presenters Ant and Dec. “No one compares to my Bryan — nobody!” she declared, in a phrase fated to tempt the gods . . .
Later in the month, Kerry beat out the other B-listers, most notably the cranky punk icon Johnny Rotten, for the title of Queen of the Jungle. She learned plenty of important lessons in the outback: teamwork, perseverance, and proper way to scarf down a handful of squirming bugs. “I can’t believe I’m here,” she said afterward. “I’m gobsmacked.”
News roundup: Liam Neeson, who played a Jedi Knight in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” got another crack at immortalization via action figure tie-ins. The actor signed on to play a villain in the new “Batman” movie. Plotting alongside him will be fellow Irishman Cillian Murphy, who plays another bad guy who wants to torment star Christian Bale. Colin Farrell broke his foot and wound up in a cast, much to the chagrin of “Alexander” director Oliver Stone. The actor was forced to keep his bum tootsie hidden during filming.

March
There were plenty of nominees with Irish connections at this year’s Oscar ceremony, but the Hibernians mostly came home empty-handed, thanks to the “Lord of the Rings” juggernaut. But for every disappointed Sheridan — Jim and his daughters were nominated for their “In America” screenplay — there was a happy face. Irish-American actor Sean Penn — who, for some of us, will always be The Guy Who Married Madonna — earned the Best Actor prize for his role in “Mystic River.” South African actress Charlize Theron, the fiancee of Dublin-born actor Stuart Townsend, grabbed the best actress statuette for “Monster,” and Sir James Galway received an award for his work on the soundtrack of “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.”
Galway’s favorite rockers, The Saw Doctors, released their first-ever concert CD, “Live in Galway,” as well as a live performance DVD of the same name. They reworked many old favorites, like “Green and Red of Mayo” and “I Useta Lover,” giving them more of a rock ‘n’ roll, garage band feel.
George Clooney, who can set feminine hearts aflutter with by just breathing, decided to harness his celebrity for the common good. In an effort to raise funds for his dad’s Congressional campaign, the dashing star of “ER” and “Ocean’s Eleven” offered to wash cars for a modest donation of $4,000. Which just goes to show that politics doesn’t have to be a dirty game.
News roundup: Northern Ireland rockers The Revs were delighted to hear that they had become pin-up boys in the land Down Under. The twist was that it wasn’t teen girls sighing over their chiseled countenances — it was members of the country’s gay community. “Roll on the madness,” laughed the band’s lead singer. “We’re the next Culture Club!”
“James Bond” star Pierce Brosnan went public with the news that he might have shaken his last martini. The 50-year-old star revealed that producers hadn’t been returning his calls regarding his future as the super sleuth. “If [‘Die Another Day’] is to be my last, then so be it,” he said. “My contract is up. They can do what they want.”

April
Former Boyzone front man Ronan Keating might look like a sweet, innocent lad, but even at the tender age of 16, the kid was a shrewd judge of the entertainment industry — and the publicity machine. Back when Louis Walsh was auditioning singers for Boyzone, Ronan campaigned against the hiring of fellow Dub Colin Farrell. “Don’t give him the gig,” Ro pleaded with Walsh. “If you do, it’s going to cause real problems.”
Apparently, Ronan sensed that Colin’s brooding good looks would make him a favorite with the girls. “It was obvious,” Walsh laughed later. “All the girls were watching him at the audition.” Possibly sensing the youngster’s wild streak, Walsh passed on Farrell, who was forced to content himself with Hollywood superstardom. But in case you were wondering, it wasn’t a lack of talent that kept Colin out of the band. “He couldn’t sing,” laughed Walsh. “But then, none of them could.”
Contrary to that Cranberries’ album title, Dolores O’Riordan found that there was a Need to Argue — in court, facing her children’s former nanny. The Limerick-born singer found herself in front of a judge, defending against allegation that she and her husband mistreated child minder Joy Fahy during her brief period of employment with the family. The couple countersued, saying that Fahy had quit without proper notice. The juiciest detail to emerge from the testimony was that O’Riordan would sometimes iron clothes “for hours on end.” Oh, those crazy, debauched rockers.
News roundup: “Lord of the Dance” star Michael Flatley split with his longtime girlfriend, Lisa Murphy — for good this time. The Rathfarnham-born model walked away with a knucklebuster of an engagement ring, a flashy sportscar, and bags full of designer gear. Michael got custody of the houses — and his $500 million fortune.
Bryan McFadden dropped a bombshell when he announced that he was leaving Westlife to spend more time with his family — and maybe, just maybe, launch a solo career. The press conference was awash in tears as the bandmates contemplated the truth of Neil Sedaka’s observation that breaking up is hard to do.
It’s hard to believe, but Madonna stirred up some controversy when she announced that her “Reinvention Tour” would land in Ireland — but that the gig would take place on a Sunday, rather than the traditional Saturday. It seems that Madonna — who now goes by her Kabalah-inspired name, Esther — wasn’t doing any shows on the Jewish Sabbath. Predictably, protesters lamented that no one would be able to get to Mass, and they’d all go to hell in a handbasket, etc. Because you can hold those All-Ireland sports matches on Sunday, but a concert? Nahhh . . .

May
As Posh and Becks weathered the storm caused by unsavory revelations from the soccer god’s purported mistress, Rebecca Loos, British magazines sold millions of copies containing salacious details of the scandal. In a textbook example of target advertising, the Spanish gossip sheet Interviu went so far as to take out animated billboard ads that flashed during David’s games with Real Madrid. The Beckhams’ posse of celebrity pals remained loyal throughout the scandal. American actor Kevin Spacey, who made headlines when he was mugged in a London park while walking his dog at 4:30 a.m., joked with reporters that he’d sacrificed himself to give the celebrity couple a break from public scrutiny.
In another unprovoked celebrity melee, Pogues singer Shane MacGowan was attacked by two men in a London pub. The 45-year-old singer was kicked and beaten with an iron bar, but, happily, didn’t suffer any permanent injuries. But it did teach him not to sing, “You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy . . . ” unless he’s onstage.
News roundup: “Dawson’s Creek” heartthrob Joshua Jackson, who played longsuffering stud muffin Pacey on the WB angst-fest, nearly turned Trinity College’s Historical Society into the Hysterical Society. The star, who traveled to Dublin to take part in one of the school’s legendary debates, attracted 400 swooning fans to the event.
Irish comedian and talk show host Graham Norton revealed that when it comes to celebrity interviews, he’s so not interested. But that’s OK, because the interviews wind up being so bad, they’re good. “I’m useless,” he confessed. “Because it’s an edited show, I’ll throw them a bone and have them tell a long, boring story.” Graham would occasionally throw in a “hmmm . . . fascinating” so they’d know he was still awake.
Over in Hollywood, Colin Farrell kept tongues wagging — in more ways than one — with his amorous exploits, which, this year, have taken on epic proportions. Angelina Jolie, Rosario Dawson, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan can all claim star billing in his personal chick flick.
Speaking of sex, Ballymena-bred star Liam Neeson took the topic out of the gutter and put it up on the silver screen, with this critically acclaimed performance in “Kinsey.” There’s serious Oscar buzz for Liam, who brings wit, dignity and humanity to the character of controversial researcher Alfred Kinsey. Irish screenwriter/director Terry George should also start working on an acceptance speech, just in case — his “Hotel Rwanda” has been hailed by critics and audiences alike as a heartbreaking masterpiece.
Of course, not everything revolves around sex; in many instances, there’s sport involved as well. And, er, literature. Just ask the Beckhams, who weathered quite a scandal this year — and no, that’s not a reference to Victoria’s abortive attempt at a rap record. English soccer god David, who now kicks a ball around for Real Madrid, was caught allegedly offside when his alleged mistress went public with his alleged text messages which — allegedly — were quite suggestive in nature. Allegedly.
So go grab a cup of eggnog — or whatever libation gets you through the holiday season — and let’s revisit the topics that kept us entertained throughout the year. And save space in the part of your brain that you keep for this kind of stuff — there’s more nostalgia on tap for next week.

January
Justin Timberlake and his superstar girlfriend, Cameron Diaz, jetted into Ireland for the ex-N’Sync-er’s sold-out shows in Belfast and Dublin. The glamorous pair bunked down in the posh Four Seasons Hotel in Ballsbridge — what, you thought they’d stay in a B&B? — and did a little charity work for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. They also decided to do a spot of shopping, so they had full run of the Kilkenny Store on Nassau Street, where they stocked up on $50,000 worth of Waterford Crystal. “I can’t believe I’m checking off so many gifts on my Christmas list!” squealed Cameron, between sips of Champagne.
Moving from teen idols to stars of more mature vintage, it’s important to remember that older fans can get just as crazy as the whippersnappers. Just ask Donegal dreamboat Daniel O’Donnell, who was astonished when his middle-aged devotees started throwing their knickers onstage during his concert at Dublin’s Point Depot. “There was moment or two when I thought I was Tom Jones,” he wrote in his Sunday World column. As for the unmentionables that littered the stage, Daniel could only marvel at the economy of fabric. “Sure, they’re only little bits of things these days,” he blushed.
News roundup: Onlookers tried to contain their shock and awe when Westlife star Shane Filan tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh — without a pre-nup or an exclusive picture deal with Hello! or OK! magazines. Bono told Paris Match that he had “the sensitivity of a reptile” — but he meant that in a good way. Louis Walsh, who probably won’t be on the guest list for the grand opening of Castlehyde Manor, snickered to the Sunday Inpedendent that dance king Michael Flatley “has the funniest haircut” he’d ever seen. Which, assuming he checks the mirror every morning, is saying a lot. Charlize Theron, still weeks away from her Oscar win for “Monster,” revealed that she prefers a pint of plain to the fanciest Champagne. “I drink Guinness by the pint,” she confided. “I love the stuff.”
Miss World, aka Irish beauty queen Rosanna Dawson, caused a firestorm of controversy when she gave an interview trashing her former nanny. The woman, who at 19 had an affair with Rosanna’s father, Chris DeBurgh, refrained from comment, and the Miss World organization insisted that their girl had been misquoted. Rosanna, though, stuck to her guns, and during a radio interview on the “Lateline” show, snapped that callers should mind their own business.

February
The month began with a surge of ethnic pride, as practiced by pop phenom Dido. The singer, whose real name is Florian Cloud Debounvialle Armstrong — which answers the question why she goes by “Dido” — was the bookies’ favorite to take the top prize at the prestigious British Music Awards. But there was one hitch: the singer, who was born in England and holds a British passport, lists her nationality as Irish in documents filed by her record company.
Pop divas made news. Mariah Carey received a public scolding from a youth group, who declared that her long hair, low necklines and short skirts made her an inappropriate role model for young people. Or at least for young people whose fashion sense has evolved past 1988. Samantha Mumba seemed like a grizzled showbiz veteran, but in reality, the singer from Dundrum just turned 21. She celebrated her first really grown-up birthday with a celebrity-filled bash at Dublin’s Four Seasons Hotel, complete with big bucks, exclusive picture deal with Hello!
Colin Farrell popped up in the pages of N&N, after making the list of All-Time Party Animals, as chosen by the readers of a British lads’ magazine. Surprisingly, the hard-living Dub didn’t top the list, but he did manage a respectable fourth place, behind legendary elbow-benders like Oliver Reed, Richard Harris and Richard Burton.
Former Atomic Kitten and Westlife wife Kerry Katona battled bugs, the elements and fellow contestants in the jungles of Australia during the filming of the Brit series “I’m a Celebrity — Get Me Out of Here.” But she put aside some time to tell the world that she’s a one-man kind of gal. And that one man is Bryan McFadden.
“If I was in a room on my own with Colin Farrell, and he said, ‘You and me now, no one need know about it,’ I would definitely say no,” she told TV presenters Ant and Dec. “No one compares to my Bryan — nobody!” she declared, in a phrase fated to tempt the gods . . .
Later in the month, Kerry beat out the other B-listers, most notably the cranky punk icon Johnny Rotten, for the title of Queen of the Jungle. She learned plenty of important lessons in the outback: teamwork, perseverance, and proper way to scarf down a handful of squirming bugs. “I can’t believe I’m here,” she said afterward. “I’m gobsmacked.”
News roundup: Liam Neeson, who played a Jedi Knight in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” got another crack at immortalization via action figure tie-ins. The actor signed on to play a villain in the new “Batman” movie. Plotting alongside him will be fellow Irishman Cillian Murphy, who plays another bad guy who wants to torment star Christian Bale. Colin Farrell broke his foot and wound up in a cast, much to the chagrin of “Alexander” director Oliver Stone. The actor was forced to keep his bum tootsie hidden during filming.

March
There were plenty of nominees with Irish connections at this year’s Oscar ceremony, but the Hibernians mostly came home empty-handed, thanks to the “Lord of the Rings” juggernaut. But for every disappointed Sheridan — Jim and his daughters were nominated for their “In America” screenplay — there was a happy face. Irish-American actor Sean Penn — who, for some of us, will always be The Guy Who Married Madonna — earned the Best Actor prize for his role in “Mystic River.” South African actress Charlize Theron, the fiancee of Dublin-born actor Stuart Townsend, grabbed the best actress statuette for “Monster,” and Sir James Galway received an award for his work on the soundtrack of “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.”
Galway’s favorite rockers, The Saw Doctors, released their first-ever concert CD, “Live in Galway,” as well as a live performance DVD of the same name. They reworked many old favorites, like “Green and Red of Mayo” and “I Useta Lover,” giving them more of a rock ‘n’ roll, garage band feel.
George Clooney, who can set feminine hearts aflutter with by just breathing, decided to harness his celebrity for the common good. In an effort to raise funds for his dad’s Congressional campaign, the dashing star of “ER” and “Ocean’s Eleven” offered to wash cars for a modest donation of $4,000. Which just goes to show that politics doesn’t have to be a dirty game.
News roundup: Northern Ireland rockers The Revs were delighted to hear that they had become pin-up boys in the land Down Under. The twist was that it wasn’t teen girls sighing over their chiseled countenances — it was members of the country’s gay community. “Roll on the madness,” laughed the band’s lead singer. “We’re the next Culture Club!”
“James Bond” star Pierce Brosnan went public with the news that he might have shaken his last martini. The 50-year-old star revealed that producers hadn’t been returning his calls regarding his future as the super sleuth. “If [‘Die Another Day’] is to be my last, then so be it,” he said. “My contract is up. They can do what they want.”

April
Former Boyzone front man Ronan Keating might look like a sweet, innocent lad, but even at the tender age of 16, the kid was a shrewd judge of the entertainment industry — and the publicity machine. Back when Louis Walsh was auditioning singers for Boyzone, Ronan campaigned against the hiring of fellow Dub Colin Farrell. “Don’t give him the gig,” Ro pleaded with Walsh. “If you do, it’s going to cause real problems.”
Apparently, Ronan sensed that Colin’s brooding good looks would make him a favorite with the girls. “It was obvious,” Walsh laughed later. “All the girls were watching him at the audition.” Possibly sensing the youngster’s wild streak, Walsh passed on Farrell, who was forced to content himself with Hollywood superstardom. But in case you were wondering, it wasn’t a lack of talent that kept Colin out of the band. “He couldn’t sing,” laughed Walsh. “But then, none of them could.”
Contrary to that Cranberries’ album title, Dolores O’Riordan found that there was a Need to Argue — in court, facing her children’s former nanny. The Limerick-born singer found herself in front of a judge, defending against allegation that she and her husband mistreated child minder Joy Fahy during her brief period of employment with the family. The couple countersued, saying that Fahy had quit without proper notice. The juiciest detail to emerge from the testimony was that O’Riordan would sometimes iron clothes “for hours on end.” Oh, those crazy, debauched rockers.
News roundup: “Lord of the Dance” star Michael Flatley split with his longtime girlfriend, Lisa Murphy — for good this time. The Rathfarnham-born model walked away with a knucklebuster of an engagement ring, a flashy sportscar, and bags full of designer gear. Michael got custody of the houses — and his $500 million fortune.
Bryan McFadden dropped a bombshell when he announced that he was leaving Westlife to spend more time with his family — and maybe, just maybe, launch a solo career. The press conference was awash in tears as the bandmates contemplated the truth of Neil Sedaka’s observation that breaking up is hard to do.
It’s hard to believe, but Madonna stirred up some controversy when she announced that her “Reinvention Tour” would land in Ireland — but that the gig would take place on a Sunday, rather than the traditional Saturday. It seems that Madonna — who now goes by her Kabalah-inspired name, Esther — wasn’t doing any shows on the Jewish Sabbath. Predictably, protesters lamented that no one would be able to get to Mass, and they’d all go to hell in a handbasket, etc. Because you can hold those All-Ireland sports matches on Sunday, but a concert? Nahhh . . .

May
As Posh and Becks weathered the storm caused by unsavory revelations from the soccer god’s purported mistress, Rebecca Loos, British magazines sold millions of copies containing salacious details of the scandal. In a textbook example of target advertising, the Spanish gossip sheet Interviu went so far as to take out animated billboard ads that flashed during David’s games with Real Madrid. The Beckhams’ posse of celebrity pals remained loyal throughout the scandal. American actor Kevin Spacey, who made headlines when he was mugged in a London park while walking his dog at 4:30 a.m., joked with reporters that he’d sacrificed himself to give the celebrity couple a break from public scrutiny.
In another unprovoked celebrity melee, Pogues singer Shane MacGowan was attacked by two men in a London pub. The 45-year-old singer was kicked and beaten with an iron bar, but, happily, didn’t suffer any permanent injuries. But it did teach him not to sing, “You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy . . . ” unless he’s onstage.
News roundup: “Dawson’s Creek” heartthrob Joshua Jackson, who played longsuffering stud muffin Pacey on the WB angst-fest, nearly turned Trinity College’s Historical Society into the Hysterical Society. The star, who traveled to Dublin to take part in one of the school’s legendary debates, attracted 400 swooning fans to the event.
Irish comedian and talk show host Graham Norton revealed that when it comes to celebrity interviews, he’s so not interested. But that’s OK, because the interviews wind up being so bad, they’re good. “I’m useless,” he confessed. “Because it’s an edited show, I’ll throw them a bone and have them tell a long, boring story.” Graham would occasionally throw in a “hmmm . . . fascinating” so they’d know he was still awake.