Eclectic mix at evening party

CONVENTION CENTRE: AN ECLECTIC mix of people from various walks of Irish life attended last night's indoor garden party and concert at the national convention centre in Dublin on the third day of the State visit by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

The royal couple's final public engagement in the capital was hosted by the British embassy as a "return event" which the visiting country hosts during state visits.

The event, organised by Docklands entrepreneur Harry Crosbie with Riverdance founder John McColgan acting as artistic director, was designed to showcase the best in Irish music and culture. It was attended by President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin, together with some 2,000 guests from the worlds of fashion, sport, business politics and entertainment.

The royals were treated to a festive occasion which included music from the Chieftains, Westlife, X-Factor contestant Mary Byrne, 1996 Eurovision Song Contest winner Eimear Quinn and the National Symphony Orchestra, as well as a fashion show.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his wife Fionnuala were also present, as were former taoisigh Bertie Ahern, John Bruton and Albert Reynolds, along with British foreign secretary William Hague and the British ambassador to Ireland Julian King. Mr Ahern arrived with his daughter Georgina.

Others who attended included one-time Formula One boss Eddie Jordan, businessman Denis O'Brien, theatre director Garry Hynes and writer Colm Tóibín.

Manager of Westlife and Jedward Louis Walsh, broadcasters Gráinne and Síle Seoige, film-maker Gerald Heffernan, actor Robert Sheehan and magazine publisher Norah Casey also attended.

Newly elected Senator and hospital consultant John Crown attended, as did Independent TD Shane Ross.

The Catholic primate, Cardinal Seán Brady, who recently attended the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in London's Westminster Abbey, was also there, as was former president Mary Robinson and the chief executive of children's charity Barnardos Fergus Finlay.

From the world of sport, former world snooker champion Ken Doherty attended, as did Ireland rugby manager Declan Kidney, former Ireland soccer manager Jack Charlton, Kerry football star Kieran Donaghy, Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin and former rugby star Keith Wood.

Guests also heard a specially commissioned fanfare composed in honour of the Queen by musician Brian Byrne.