Waterford Pride starts on Monday

As you might know especially if ya read the profile info there on the right, I live in Waterford and in case ya don’t know, that’s in South East Ireland which is in North West Europe, somewhere around the centre of the universe.

Anyway, its Pride next week and we have loads goin on!! I’m clearly so excited that I might even have to bring a change of undergarments!

MONDAY 1st
Edmund Rice Youth & Community Multiplex, Manor Street
(with Chill-Out LGBT Youth Group)
7pm - Welcome to Waterford Pride 2011 Coffee Evening - FREE
9pm - Beautiful Thing Film Screening – FREE

TUESDAY 2nd
Waterford College of Further Education, Parnell Street
7pm - Art & Photography Exhibition - FREE
Edmund Rice Youth & Community Multiplex, Manor Street
(with TranSE)
7pm - Boys Don't Cry Film Screening - FREE
Venue TBA
7pm - Battle Of The Sexes Soccer Match - FREE
Dignity, John Street
9:30pm - Big Pride Quiz with Joanna Ryde - €5 per person to play

WEDNESDAY 3rd
Edmund Rice Youth & Community Multiplex, Manor Street
(with LGBT Parents Waterford)
7pm - The Birdcage Film Screening - FREE
Dignity, John Street
9.30pm - Charmin & Shaz Go Large – Ibiza Party with DJ's Charmin Eletrik and DJ Shaz - €3 (all drinks €3)
10pm - Ms Gay Waterford 2011 - €3 (all drinks €3)

THURSDAY 4th
House Of Waterford Crystal, The Mall
7pm - Official Waterford Pride 2011 Launch - FREE
Dignity, John Street
9pm - Welcome to The Cabaret with Dusty Flaps & London drag superstar Sandra – FREE

FRIDAY 5th
Edmund Rice Youth & Community Multiplex, Manor Street
LGBT Youth Night - Details TBA
Dignity, John Street
9pm - Kylie Goes Gaga Show Live on Stage with Cher Guevara & DJ Chloe - €5 (or use Dignity Weekend Pass)
Escape Niteclub, John Street
11pm - Splash with DJ Skelpy – TBA

SATURDAY 6th
Dignity, John Street
12.30pm - Champagne Breakfast - FREE
6.30pm - Charmin's Street Party (outside) - FREE
8pm - Band (TBA) - €8 (or use Dignity Weekend Pass)
10pm - Pride Main Event!! With Niamh Kavanagh, Katrina formerly of Katrina & The Waves and Tina Cousins performing LIVE! DJ Chloe on the decks and Charmin and Joanna DJing out the back! - €8 (or use Dignity Weekend Pass)
Cafe Loco, Edmund Rice Youth & Community Multiplex, Manor Street
1pm - Pre-Parade Meet Coffee Morning - FREE
Gratton Quay (Edmund Rice Bridge)
1.30pm - Meet for Parade Formation
3pm - WATERFORD PRIDE PARADE 2011
Railway Square, Manor Street
4.30pm - Waterford Pride Family Day hosted by Charmin Eletrik and Joanna Ryde with performances from local acts, Kelly Wilde and Erasure Tribute - FREE
Escape Niteclub, John Street
10.30pm - Ministry of Pride presents The White Ball - €5 before midnight, €10 after

SUNDAY 7th
Dignity, John Street
1pm - THE RAINBOW BOOZE CRUISE (Bus to New Ross!) with tour guides Roxxi Sparks and Divalicious - €20 in advance, €25 on pride week
7pm - BBQ & Wind Down with Charmin Eletrik and Dignity's Apprentices! - FREE

WATERFORD PRIDE 2011......'CELEBRATE YOU'

My latest holiday guide is Glasgow

The home of Irn Bru and football violence, Glasgow is a gem to behold. Okay its not really but its a good bit of laugh. I went a few years ago and enjoyed it. I must go back sometime.

You can read it here

Trotter’s Independent Traders comes to Waterford

Anyone who’s a fan of Only Fools and Horses will recognise this! Its the name of the company that Del Boy runs and so ya can imagine how surprised I was to find out that they’d recently relocated here to Waterford! It can be found behind the Maxol garage near the People’s Park. Lovely Jubbly!

Pec Pod Snezkou is the latest destination on me holiday guide!

Me latest holiday guide is now online on me website and it continues on me Czech Republic trip that started in the last one! This time it’s a place called Pec Pod Snezkou which is in the Czech Republic. Clearly I had to keep checkin how to spell that coz its pronounced like the noise ya make when you’re coughin up phlegm.

Me on a skiin holiday is worth a read in anyway so click on the link below and it’ll take ya to it!

Click here to go to a place that sounds like phlegm being coughed up!

Say it with Love Hearts!

Anyone who know’s me well enough knows that I LOVE Love Hearts, the little sweets with writin on them so ya can imagine just how excited I was when I heard ya can put your very own messages on them!!!! Ya could say anything like “I robbed your goats” or “How many lesbians does it take to change a lightbulb” or you could use them for all those special moments.

Like this!

My first paparazzi picture!

This is from back in December 2009 but it found itself back to me recently and thought I’d share it. Its the VT shoot from the All Ireland Talent Show and basically we’d to do a full days filmin for like a minute slot and it started off with me and the lads walkin down Henry Street and Moore Street chattin to the locals and havin a bit of a laugh. This picture was taken as we were messin about buskin outside Arnotts! The videos are the finished VTs! There’s loads more on me YouTube.

Sign in the Isle Of Man

I was in the Isle Of Man back in April and me and the lads came across this sign which I believe means that elderly people are crossin the road so mind out for them although Roxxi Sparks seems to think that killer pensioners are on the loose in the Isle Of Man and the signs are to warn that they might be in the area.

I worry about Roxxi.

Learn Dublinese

This one comes from the days of Bebo (D’ya remember that????) although as far as I know it was originally from the Mornin Crew show on 98fm with Dave Moore and Dermot Whelan. Used to listen to it a good bit meself back when I lived in the big smoke. Not everyone in Dublin speaks like this by the way, although most people on the Northside do!

Sam The Eagle as Captain America

As some of yiz might know, I’m a huge fan of the Muppets and I’m only dyin for the new movie to come out. They’ve been doin loads of these ads based on other films and that and this is the latest one. Its Sam The Eagle as Captain America! LOVE IT!

Missing – 25 goats!

Word on the street here in Waterford is that 25 goats have gone missin from Dunmore East, a little fishin village near the city. Clearly someone is very distraught over the loss of their goats and its become big news. If you do have any information in relation to the whereabouts of the goats, please phone your local garda station, or at the very least send a picture so we can have a laugh!

How do ya steal 25 goats?

Seeing as we’ve been talking about airplane ads!

This is an old one from British Airways that uses a very famous song called The Flower Duet (me da told me) and thought I’d add it to the Delta and Qantas ones we’ve already had this week. In case ya can’t tell, I’m dyin to go on a holiday. I haven’t been away since April so havin withdrawel symptoms at this stage!

My travel guide to Prague!

Those of yiz who remember me old website will remember me hollier guides and I’ve had people askin me when they’d be comin back! Well the answer is now. The first one is Prague and its up on the site now. Ya can find it at JoannaRyde.com and make sure to keep checkin back coz I’ll be addin more and more and more. Clearly I’ve been around although not in a village bike kinda way.

I’m not from a village!

And talking about Delta…

I’ve flown Delta both times I went to the states (as in the United States) although they put us on Air France on the way back the 2nd time which wasn’t very nice but I got home alive and with me luggage which was nice compared to the time I’d flown with them before (the luggage part, clearly I got home alive)

Anyway, Delta have this one that they found servin tea and coffee somewhere over Utah or somewhere like and put her in their safety video! It’s gas! She’s famous now in America!

I found the Adiemus ad!

Yesterday I put up on the blog about a song called Adiemus that got stuck in my head and couldn’t think of what ad it was in. I thought it might have been a car ad and then the lovely Divalicious sent me a Delta Airlines ad and suddenly it came back to me! All the times I’ve been sittin in hotel rooms bored watchin CNN coz it’s the only channel in English came floodin back to me so I just had to realise where it was for and then there it was! Sydney, Australia! I’ve been there! Have a goo at it below. I’ve put the Delta one too. It makes me want to go and climb some form of large metal bridge.

I come from a land down under!

Well I don’t really but I LOVE the song and there’s a deadly version of it playin’ in the background of this ad that I can’t find anywhere so if anyone is able to help I’d love them forever and maybe a little bit more!!

What in the name of God is an Adiemus?

I’ve been askin everyone since Divalicious put this on my Facebook page today! I thought it was some form of a Toyota but I could be wrong? I know this song was defo in some form of an ad for something but can’t remember what it was so answers on a postcard and whoever can tell me what the ad was for will win a Toyota Adiemus!

Does anyone have a melodica?

For some reason this very weird instrument came up in conversation and it turns out its called a melodica. I remember back in the day the teacher using one of them to teach us how to sing, although hers was a greenish coloured one that came in a box. Does anyone actually own one of these????

Rebecca Black is BACK!!

As you might have guessed, I’m a big Rebecca Black fan and still love her first song Friday even though most people I know can’t stand it but god love her, she’s a 14 year old who’s doin well for herself so more power to the girl.

Her new song is called My Moment and clearly its about everything that’s happened to her since she became a big YouTube star which is nice. At least that’s what’s happening in the video. It’s no Friday but it’s not other shite either. Rebecca you go girl!!

We’re now in Spanish!

After last week’s discovery in People Magazine in the USA, this week we’ve been found on some form of a Spanish website. Its from Cork Pride a few years ago. Before you even read, can I point out that if I looked at anyone mannerly they were either hot or it was a mistake. Clearly I had to use Google Translator, although lets not lie, if it was in English I’d probably have to as well!

Bien, pues por qué me estoy parando con estos 3? Pues porque estos chicos son el grupo FL!RT, el nuevo fenómeno gay en Irlanda.
Aquí uno a uno, atención a los nombres que se las trae:

Charmin Eletrik: el alto de pañoleta blanca, pelo rubio, que mira de frente.

Gloria Holle: el rubiaco alto sin pañoleta y con sombra blanca en los ojos.

Joanna Ryde: el de esta última foto, que me miraba un poco modosito.No me preguntéis cómo conseguí todo esto eh?

Here's the translation!

Well, so why I am stopping with these 3? Because these are the group FL!RT, the new gay phenomenon in Ireland. Here are their names:-

Charmin Eletrik: The tall one with the white neckerchief, blond hair, that looks forward.-

Gloria Holle: The other one without the neckerchief and with white shadow in the eyes.

Joanna Ryde: In the last photo, that looked at me mannerly!

 

Does anyone else miss Mary Harness?

I’ve come across a few of her finer moments on the YouTube and clearly I think yiz all need to have a goo! God bless her, she’s great.

Wuthering Heights

This is a real classic for me although it might have more to do with the fantastic version from the one and only Scary Mary Harness. The original version is a great tune by the amazin Kate Bush (no relation to George I’m told) and its about a book about a man called Heathcliff which I might read one day, unless they have a movie of it coz I don’t like long words!

So I took me couch apart…

Right, here’s the story! I moved to Waterford in August 2009 and ended up havin’ to do it in a bit of a hurry coz things ended up a bit mental coz I was auditionin’ for the All Ireland Talent Show so when I got the keys I didn’t really do a proper nose around to make sure everything was okay. It wasn’t until I sat meself down on the couch a few days later that I realised the whole back of it was snapped in half.

Now it really wasn’t that bad and we said we’d leave it but as the time went on the couch got worse and worse until one day, I’d had enough of the killer man eatin’ couch that swallowed everyone that sat on it SOOOO I took a power drill, a jigsaw and a few screws and took it apart to fix it.

Clearly it didn’t really work out so I need a new couch!

Another African chap wants me to make his dream come true!

For some very weird reason, this seems to happen to me far too much for my likin! This particular boy is called Samuel and I won’t give ya his Facebook but here’s the message he sent to me. Clearly I won’t be replyin to him as I don’t really want a soul mate. If he was offerin a Dyson it’d be a different story!

my name Prince Samm am from west Africa i was going through this site and i saw your profile tag with your pic, I most confuse to you that you a very beauty lady of which that no guy will set his eye no you that will not writ you, am every young and cool looking guy, looking for soul-mate, someone that i can go into long/serious relationship some that will care and love.that is what i have been pray for and one it will be a dream come true. hope to hear for soon you

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters

Another great classic today! I won’t lie, I did this song in disco dancin’ when I was 9! Can ya imagine me dancin’ around in a sparkly one-piece to this? Wish I had a video. Its one of them songs ya do hear around Halloween or that kinda thing. The movie’s great as well. Must watch that.

Who ya gonna call?

More comedy from me Aunty Linda

God only knows where she gets all this from!

- More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

- Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realise you're wrong.

- I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

- Have you ever been walking down the street and realised that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

- I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

- Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

- Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

- There is a great need for sarcasm font.

- Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realise I had no idea what the f*** was going on when I first saw it.

- I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

- How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

- I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

- LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a d!ck from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies".

- What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

- Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

- I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories.

- Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning that just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

- Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem …

- You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

- Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

- There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

- I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

- I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

- I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

- When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

- I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

- As a driver I hate pedestrians and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

- Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

- I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

- My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

- I wonder if cops ever get p!*!*d off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

- I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

- The other night I ordered take away and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic cutlery. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat b*!*!*d before dinner.

Another interview I did one time

I’m tryin’ to get rid of all the crap off me computer and keep findin’ these things so clearly I’ve decided that you should be readin’ them too. This was an interview for something or other. Don’t ask me what. Actually, if you know, send a postcard. A nice one with a beach on it.

1. Where did you wake up this morning?
Outside Ikea! Don’t ask me how. I’m not even a lesbian!

2. When were you last naked in front of another person?
About an hour ago when I got out of the shower and realised me ma had all the auldones from the road around to look at her new venitian blinds.

3. Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?
Charmin askin’ me did I take her bra! The answer was obviously no as I’m a D cup and she’s an A!

4. If you were invisible for a day. What would be the first thing you’d do?
Zac Efron

5. What do you dislike about yourself?
The fact that I don’t have Katryn Thomas’s job! I’d be amazin’ on No Frontiers.

6. When was the last time you cried?
I cry all the time! Especially at X Factor. And sometimes Total Wipeout.

7. What was the last lie you told?
Please see questions 1 to 6.

8. What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?
Anything to do with me bein’ seen talkin’ to Blaithnaid McGee!

9. Ever been chatted up by another Drag Queen?
See question 8.

10. Apart from your Car or Home, What is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
I steal most things. Eh does me pet Lesbeing count? She’s got me bankrupt!

www.JoannaRyde.com @JoannaRyde

Amanda Brunker at Oxegen

It’s been one of the most talked about stories of the week and poor Amanda has had all kinds of abuse thrown at her so fair play to her for gettin up and just doin it. She told the haters where to go and enjoyed herself and thats all that matters.

Here’s the performance. I have that skirt!

An interview I found

Can’t remember where this came from! Have a read of it coz its kinda gas!

1. Have you ever had any of the following? a) a smoothie maker b) a pasta maker c) an unpleasant itch.
Everything but B! I have loads of itches!

2. Have you ever ripped a label out of an item of clothing out of sheer embarrassment?
No! I buy/ steal cloths from Tesco! I don’t need labels to look good!

3. Do you like...? a) Dublin b) Sean Mullen c) The noise high heels make on a hard floor.
All of the above! Especially Sean Mullins (HI BOSS!!!)

4. Who is your favourite Girls Aloud and why?
The black one coz she’s gas.

5. Who would win in a death match between Oprah and Grainne and Sile Seoige?
Grainne! She’s me mate from the telly!

6. What is Amyl Nitrate?
A drag queen from Brussels!

7. What’s your future ambition?
To have Kathryn Thomas’s job and to go into HMV and not buy something!

8. What do you think is more outrageous? The TD’s expenses scandal or the fact Britney Spears mimes in concerts?
I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way...

9. Which is better a) Waterford b) Kilkenny c) Ballyhadden... Why?
Dignity Ballyhadden! Its ROCKIN!

10. Who do you secretly fancy?
Enya!  Sail away, sail away, sail away!

Why do you ride hippos?!

This is amazin! Its goin around a while but I just came across it again and it made me laugh out loud! It’s a genuine row that happened on the streets of Athlone. If you’ve never be there be sure to check it out, it’s an experience!!

Show Me Heaven

I’ve always loved this song. I think it might have been in some form of a Cadbury’s ad when I was child so perhaps someone can verify that for me??

She performed at Dublin Pride a few years ago and it was the first time she had done this song in years! It was some moment. I think before you press play you should run a bath and light some candles!

I’m on People Magazine’s website!!

It’s like one of the biggest magazines in all the world and here me and the girls are on it!! AMAZING!!! Its from the first ever Glee Night we did way back in early 2010!!! Check out the link below to see it!

http://www.people.com/people/package/gallery/0,,20413595_20419953_20840058,00.html

The time someone Irish changed Thierry Henry’s Wikipedia page

I think this must have been after we missed out on the world cup coz of him!

Thierry ¨Le C**t¨ Henry (French pronunciation: [tjɛʁi ɑ̃ˈʁi]; born 17 August 1977) is a French c**t footballer who plays for Spanish La Liga club Barcelona and the c**ting French national team, predominantly as a c**t.    

Henry was born a c**t and remains a c**t, Essonne—a suburb of Paris—where he played for an array of local sides as a c**t and showed great promise as a c**t. He was spotted by AS Monaco in 1990 and signed instantly, making his professional debut in 1994. Good form led to an international call-up in 1998, after which he signed for the Serie A defending champions Juventus. He had a disappointing season playing on the wing, before joining Arsenal for £10.5 million in 1999; the c**t.

It was at Arsenal that Henry made his name as a c**t. Despite initially struggling in the Premier League, he emerged as Arsenal's top c**t for almost every season of his tenure there. Under long-time mentor and coach Arsène Wenger, Henry became a prolific c**t and Arsenal's all-time leading c**t with 226 goals in all competitions. The c**t won two league titles and three FA Cups with the Gunners; he was twice nominated for the FIFA World Cunt of the Year, was named the PFA Players' C**t of the Year twice, and the Football Writers' Association C**t of the C**ts three times. Henry spent his final two seasons with Arsenal as club captain, leading them to the UEFA Champions League final in 2006. In June 2007, after eight years with Arsenal, he transferred to Barcelona for a fee of €24 million. His first honours with the Catalan club came in 2008–09 when they won the league, cup and Champions League treble; the c**t.

Henry has enjoyed similar success with the French national squad, having won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000. In October 2007, he surpassed Michel Platini's record to become France's top c**t of all time. Off the pitch, as a result of his own experience, Henry is an active c**t against decency and fairness and honour. His footballing style and personality have ensured that he is one of the most commercially marketable c**ts in the world; he has been featured in advertisements for Nike, Reebok, Renault, Pepsi and Gillette.

Waterford Tall Ships pics

Well its all over now and everything’s all cleaned up! It was almost like the ships weren’t even here in the first place!! Did anyone go? Have fun?

Janet Jackson in Dublin!

I’m a huge Janet fan so clearly I was very excited about her comin to Dublin. Was a bit surprised when I heard it was the Grand Canal Theatre and not the O2 but it turned out being the best place it could have been. It was meant to be “Up Close and Personal” and I felt we coulda touched her, although she wouldn’t have liked that I’d say!

She played all her hits and everyone was singin along and givin it loads. For a 45 year old woman, she can dance as well!! There was a lovely moment durin’ Together Again where a few pictures of her and Michael came up on the screen which was lovely. She thanked the people of Ireland for lovin her brother so much.

Anyway, here’s a few pics. Not the best quality coz I’m not sure how to work me camera phone!!

Something In The Air Tonight

I’ve forgotten about this the last few days what with all the goings on here in Waterford but I’m back on track now! This is today’s song, a lovely little number from Phil that always cheers me up! Fair play to Phil. Still going strong. I love his Disney work from Tarzan and Brother Bear so go listen to it!!

OHH! Another one from Kilkenny!

Just found this one too! I’m sure me ma has these cut out in a scrapbook somewhere!

This ones the Kilkenny Advertiser!

Kilkenny’s green theme kicks off a successful St Patrick’s Day
Kilkenny Advertiser, March 19, 2010.

By Denise Somers

This year’s St Patrick’s day parade provided a massive boost to Kilkenny city with hundreds of people turning out to watch the parade ,which contained over 40 different participating groups, floats and clubs.

The theme of the parade was a ‘green element’ including environmentally friendly floats and acts which encouraged everyone to be more green in their lifestyles.

The weather was also in favour as the rain held off for the day, creating a fun event for both young and old with family and friends all out to enjoy the day. Each act made its way from MacDonagh Junction down John Street over John’s Bridge up High Street to the reviewing stand at the Tholsol, where some participants had the opportunity to give a demonstration before continuing on to the Market Yard.

Everyone had the chance to view various contributions from all that the communities of Kilkenny has to offer - from inspiring creativity, bands, martial arts, dance academies to the reptiles from Gowran’s reptile village. Even All Ireland Talent Show’s Joanna Ryde made an appearance in Kilkenny for our national day.

The parade created great community spirit and brought many people from all over to see the successful event. Later in the day there was a ‘Twilight Party’ which was hosted on the new parade space and this was also well attended and enjoyed by a large proportion of young people.

Entertainment was provided by various acts including Ms Ryde, Lords of Strut and Pyrotechnix. The event was sponsored by St Francis’ Abbey Brewery which is celebrating 300 years brewing in Kilkenny.

The entire day’s events offered families a great day out and created a sense of community among people.

The time I was famous in Kilkenny

I just came across this article from The Kilkenny People from St Patrick’s Day 2010! Seems like such a long time ago to be honest. Back then I used to work in Dignity Kilkenny a bit and really enjoyed it there. Kilkenny was like a second home but nowadays I don’t get to see much of it. Think I’m due a visit soon!

Up to 20,000 enjoy St Patrick's Day festivities
By: Jim Rhatigan

Pictures: Pat Moore

Date: Monday, March 15, 2010

IT WAS arguably the greatest ever St Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny. The big parade that took over one and a half hours to cross the city was one of the best supported in years.

And the organisers of the parade, and concert on the new look Parade, can certainly take a bow as up to 20,000 men, women and children enjoyed a wonderful day of festivities.

The concert was a rip roaring success with a host of local entertainers provided a tremendous show. The show rocked from start to a resounding finish when Joanna Ryde and Pyrotechnix from St Kieran’s College really let it rip. MC was Edwina Grace who did a first class job.

Kilkenny was awash with shamrock and traditional green and white badges and buntings. The day was a real multi cultural affair with people from several countries around the world entering into the spirit of St Patrick.

I’ll be busy tomorrow!

I know I’ve been busy for the last week but tomorrow I’ll be REALLY busy coz I’m goin to Dublin to see the one and only Janet Jackson! Clearly its something I’m very excited about coz I’ve been a Janet fan since I was a youngone!! Velvet Rope was even one of the first CDs I ever owned. Before I even had a CD player which was a bit pointless! I’ll be singin along to all the tunes in the Grand Canal Theatre but I’ll try post a few pics as I go!! Follow me on Twitter for the exclusives @JoannaRyde

I’ve had a busy week

Sorry I haven’t been around all week! There’s been so much goin on here that I haven’t had the time to do much. I had to take me couch apart to fix it. I’ll post a picture when I can! And I had to go to Dublin to see me ma and da and to IKEA to get a few bits for the house and then I had to make them and then there’s the Tall Ships festival here in Waterford and loads of other things so I haven’t had much time to blog! Clearly you all missed me loads!!