The Fourth Annual Cliona Ring Foundation Commemorative Night

Hi Everyone,

On Saturday, the 22^nd of January I attended the Fourth Annual Cliona Ring Foundation Commemorative Night which took place in Bulgaden Castle, Co. Limerick. 

The Cliona Ring Foundation was set up in 2007 by Brendan and Terry Ring following the loss of their daughter, Cliona. Cliona was diagnosed with an inoperational brain tumour at a very young age and over the following years, Brendan and Terry met numerous families who were suffering financially as well as having very sick children. As a result, Brendan and Terry created the Cliona Ring Foundation to support the families of children with life-threatening illnesses with their non-medical expenses. 

Samantha Long with Terry & Brendan Ring

Saturday night marked the fourth year of the charity’s existence and the local community’s night of remembrance for Cliona. The theme of the evening was "Transformation" and reflected how Cliona has transformed the lives of her parents, her community and, of course, all of the people the foundation has helped. 

The highlight of the evening was meeting the "Operation Transformation" team of locals who underwent a weight loss and exercise regime for the previous three months under the guidance of nutritionalist Anna Gleeson and fitness instructor Brendan Bourke in order to raise funds for the Cliona Ring Foundation. In total, they lost an impressive 5 stone 12.5 lbs! 

Operation Transformation Team & nutritionist Anna Gleeson

The night also featured special guests in the form of local sporting stars the Bruff Rugby team who recently won the Munster Senior Cup and who were presented with a plaque, the Bruff Rose Eibhlín O'Sullivan and Hurling stars. The MC on the night was Tom Tierney, a trustee of the organisation. NightFall provided entertainment and there was a raffle with sixty-five prizes up for grabs, including a family trip to EuroDisney, as well as quizzes for the many children present to get involved in. 

Bruff Rugby Team Presentation

I had an absolutely fantastic evening being welcomed into the community that so loved Cliona, despite the fact that I unfortunately did not know her. What I do know is that she was an incredible and inspirational person who has made a difference to so many people's lives. I would like to thank Brendan and Terry for inviting me to what has to be one of the most touching occasions I have ever experienced.

Until Next Time,
Samantha (Sami) Long
Miss United Nation Ireland 2010
Miss United Nation Europe 2010

The Gooseberries

Hi Everyone,

On Thursday, the 20th of January, I attended the Fourth Annual Gooseberry Awards which took place in The Sugar Club on Lower Leeson Street. The Gooseberries honour the worst in Irish music and media and all awards are voted for by the great Irish public on www.thegooseberries.com.

Guests included Madeline Mulqueen (the bridesmaid from Horse Outside) who is an absolute sweetheart, Dermot Whelan (from Republic of Telly), RTE’s Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain, Paddy Cullivan who hosted the ceremony and of course the organisers, Barbara McCarthy and Oisin Davis.

Dave Morrissey, Madeline Mulqueen, Samantha Long & Adam Elligott

 
I was there on the night to present the Gooseberry for Worst Irish Single of 2010. "He Drinks Tequila" by Crystal Swing was the winner but unfortunately none of the members of the quirky trio were there to accept the award. However, a kind randomer from the audience decided to accept on their behalf.

Samantha Long and Paddy Cullivan

The inaugural ‘Gooseberry for being Great,’ went to the Rubberbandits for offering excellent entertainment in 2010. The producer and the director of Horse Outside were there along with Madeline to accept on the Limerick lads' behalf.

Samantha Long & Madeline Mulqueen

 CiCi Cavanagh was good enough to come along and collect the award Fade Street won for Worst Irish TV Programme of 2010. Unfortunately she was the only nominee to come from the "Worst" section.

The Sugar Club

 
The Ivory Closet were kind enough to provide me with a dress for the occasion - a yellow and black Lanvin for H&M dress - while the Salon in the IFSC did my hair, make up and nails.

Samantha Long.

Here is a list of all  the winners:

1.Worst Irish Act of 2010 - Crystal Swing
2. Worst Irish Ad of 2010 - News of The World TV Commercial
3. Worst Irish Radio DJ of 2010 - Neil Prendeville
4. Worst Irish TV Programme of 2010 - Fade St
5. Worst Irish Single of 2010 - "He Drinks Tequila" by Crystal Swing
6. Worst Irish Album of 2010- "Planet Jedward" by Jedward
7. Worst Irish TV Host of 2010 - Ray Foley
8. Worst Irish Concert of 2010 - Guns n Roses @ The O2
9. Worst Irish Publication of 2010 - News of The World
10. Worst Irish Journalist of 2010 - Bertie Ahern

The night was filmed so you should be able to see it all for yourself very soon.

Many thanks to everyone behind the Gooseberry awards for putting on an absolutely fantastic night!

Until Next Time,
Samantha (Sami) Long
Miss United Nation Ireland 2010
Miss United Nation Europe 2010

Aware's DAWN 2011 Launch

Hi Everyone,

As you may or may not know, I have been working with Aware, the charity which helps to defeat depression, since soon after I won the Irish title. It is an organisation which is very close to my heart and very important given the amount of people who are affected by depression at some point in their lives - one in four.

Monday, the 17th of January marked the start of Aware's Depression Awareness Week Nationwide (DAWN) 2011. I was delighted to attend the media launch which took place in the Buswells Hotel on Kildare St. in Dublin.

Samantha Long & Sandra Hogan, PRO of Aware

The theme of this year's campaign was "Sometimes it's easier to type than to talk", in accordance with the organisation's new Online Support Groups which launched on the same morning. Guest speakers included David Carton, Kevin Smyth and Agnes Rowley.

Aware's DAWN 2011 Media Launch

The Chairman of Aware, David Carton, spoke about the need for awareness that exists. He referred to the various services which Aware offers including the literature (available to download on the website) and the support groups online. He also encouraged others to initiate help for those who can't do so themselves and referred to how you can now "Let your fingers do the walking and/or the talking." He also spoke directly to the media present and noted that there are 400,000 people in Ireland who want to hear that they can be helped and urged the media to let this be known.

Samantha Long & David Carton

Aware's Chief Executive, Kevin Smyth, spoke about the newly redeveloped website and the importance of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, in keeping with the theme of this year's DAWN. He explained that the Online Support Groups are available from the home page of the website to ensure maximum accessibility. Also stressed was the idea that "getting help should be the first choice, not the last resort". He also noted that 95% of those who seek help will recover.

Samantha Long & Kevin Smyth

Aware volunteer Agnes Rowley spoke about her own experience of suffering from depression and welcomed the new Online Support Groups. She referred to the stigma which continues to surround the illness and the difficulty that there is for men to reach out. She stressed the fact that the Online Support Groups are totally confidential and stated that "Aware will now cover all the bases". 

Check out the following video for a recap from DAWN 2011:

Until Next Time,
Samantha (Sami) Long
Miss United Nation Ireland 2010
Miss United Nation Europe 2010

My Homecoming Party

Hi Everyone,

Unless you've been totally ignoring facebook, then you'll know that my belated homecoming party finally took place on Friday, the 14th of January in Pier One in Limerick.

Photo by munsterimages.ie

The night was a great success and gave me the chance to celebrate my new European title with family and friends. It also acted as the launch of my new role as Miss United Nation Europe 2010.

Photo by Kevin Wallace

I have to say a huge thank you to the incredibly generous co-owners of the newly renovated Pier Hotel, who treated my party guests to a champagne reception, finger food and a fantastic DJ. Clive Power of Xtreme Occasions transformed the venue, including the addition of a red carpet. I also have to say thank you to Louise Clifford, Sales and Marketing Manager of the Pier Hotel and Maureen O'Halloran. If it wasn't for these people, this party would not have happened. I am so grateful to them.

Photography by Keith Wiseman

Guests included celebrity stylist Maureen O'Halloran, Deputy Mayor Cormac Hurley, Miss Limerick Gemma Reilly, Singer/songwrite Raquel Rocca, Diarmuid Ring, proprieter of the Pier Hotel, Maggie Red of Maggie Red Blog, Kevin Wallace of Kevin Wallace Photography, Pat Browne of Munster Images, photographer Keith Wiseman, Joan Birchal and Clive Power of Xtreme Occasions.

Photo by munsterimages.ie

One of the highlights of the night has to be being presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers by the Deputy Mayor, Cormac Hurley. I felt incredibly honoured to be receiving such recognition.

Photography by Keith Wiseman

 Since winning the title in November, I have received amazing support from the people of Limerick and there was no lack of it on the day of my party - The Ivory Closet, Limerick provided me with an amazing Rachel Gilbert evening gown to wear, freelance MUA Claire Kelly did my make-up and Halo: the Urban Retreat did my hair. As always, the crown I wore was designed, commissioned and handmade by Carol Shaw.

Photography by Kevin Wallace

I would like to say thank you to everyone who came. I had an absolutely amazing night!

Until Next Time,
Samantha (Sami) Long
Miss United Nation Ireland 2010
Miss United Nation Europe 2010

My Homecoming Party

Hi Everyone,

If you're a friend or fan of mine on Facebook then you will know by now that my (very belated) Homecoming Party is taking place tomorrow night at 9pm in Pier One, Limerick.

I would like to invite you to join me in celebrating my new title.

There will be photographers there on the night so dress to impress. In fact, the dressier - the better!

Things will be kicking off at 9pm.

Wanna bring a plus one? Go ahead! The more the merrier.

For those of you traveling to Limerick for the party or those who want to make a night of it, the Pier Hotel is offering a special room rate of €39 exclusive to my party guests for a double.
To book, call 061 317179

Hoping to see you there...

Until Next Time,
Samantha (Sami) Long
Miss United Nation Europe 2010.

Happy New Year!!!

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year. I also would like to thank everyone who helped to make 2010 the best year of my life, despite the many obstacles it presented.

Here's to 2011 being even better!!!

Until Next Time,
Samantha (Sami) Long
Miss United Nation Europe 2010.