Back a few weeks ago, we were working away on the fund raiser and we decided to see if we could drum up some extra PR for the event. And here is what we came up with...

We held a photo shoot in the middle of the afternoon at Merrion Square and sent it into the papers the next day. Many thanks to Mary in Fennells Photography for giving us a fantastic photographer. I'm sure you can all see myself and Paul, and the woman in the frame is Virginie Ripoll of Alchemy Events. Lots of fun was had and even the passers by got a look see.

The sad news is that we didn't make it into the papers in the end. It's their loss I say. Still though, to look on the bright side, we got some great pictures and I got to put on a big cloak (star wars anyone? - see below). So it was a success all around.

As you can see we had very little to work with but we gave it the good old college try. This is a great example on how to take your shoe string budget and make it work for you. I must admit that Sarah was quite the director/writer/producer/editor/make-up artist and overall stage manager on set. I think she has a very bright future in the film industry should she choose a career change!

Bishopstown GAA Club played host recently to the launch of Cork GAA Clubs Draw which was attended by over 200 people and, of course, by our own Laura Curtin (COMMUNiCATE & Neo Ireland member). The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Donal Counihan officially launched this year’s draw and Cllr. Tom Sheehan County Mayor of Cork launched the new fundraising website.

In attendance were Cork GAA Board Chairman Micheál O Dubhlain, Jerry O'Sullivan Cork GAA Draw Steering Committee Chairman, Cork hurlers Ronan Curran and Patrick Cronin, Cork Footballers Nicholas Murphy and James Masters, members of Cork city and county GAA clubs, local business representatives and a host of distinguished guests.

The Draw concept is simple – individuals purchase a ticket for €100 and nominate the Cork club they wish to support. The draw has played a crucial part in providing funding to GAA Clubs in Cork city and county, raising over €12 million to date. In addition, this year sees the launch of a website dedicated to the Club Draw – Cork Gaa Draw – with online membership sign up.

The night proved to be a fantastic success with guests partying well into the wee hours of the morning. While many tried to get her to sing, Laura Curtin proved to be very shy in taking the microphone – a first many may say!!

Wednesday 29th August saw me heading down to the launch of the Heineken Green Synergy festival. It returns to the capital this October (Wednesday 10th - Sunday 14th) with an exciting mix of established and emerging international artists performing in Dublin's finest venues over five days. Would you believe that this was my second festival launch in 4 weeks, but also my second ever festival type event! I've never been to a festival, and I think that looking into 2008 that will change.

It was a great launch and there was an excited buzz around Solas, where the launch was held.

Leona Daly, Heineken brand manager said:

"We are delighted to bring back the Henineken Green Synergy Festival for a second year in a row following the success of last year. An eclectic mix of acclaimed and emerging acts will extend the festival season into October again this year."

Heineken a plenty, this festival is shaping up to be quite an amazing few days.

Where will you find us next? Well it has been a busy year and one that I know we will end on a high note (Christmas in November anyone?). We only have a couple of events left, so to all of you who keep telling me that you promise to make the next event - hurry (!), we're running out of events for you to make.

We shall be sending out invitations to this soon, and we would love to see the entire membership at the event.