I caught up with one of the women behind caKe, Anna McCarthy, and asked her what was the main idea behind the night. She told me:

We wanted to start up something that could put funds back into the community. Especially in the hard economic times we feel that it’s so important for the community to be self-sustaining.

CaKe has become known for its themes, which have in the past included: Weather caKe, To bake or not to bake? caKe, Her Girl Friday caKe, caKe saLe, DollyMix caKe, Birthday caKe, Christmas caKe, Celebrating Tom Selleck caKe (where everyone got a moustache going in!), oven caKe, Rainbow Sprinkles caKe, and Wedding caKe. CaKe has also hosted the launch of the Pink Calendar and last month moved to Ballinlough Castle to let us all have some caKe with our MILK . Personally, I’m pushing for them to do a caKe-jumper caKe….You know you want them to!

 The theme for this week is Telephone caKe and is helping to raise awareness of the Dublin Lesbian Line. However, unlike Lady Gaga who wants you to Stop calling! Stop calling! I don’t want to talk anymore, I left my head and my heart on the dance floor, the Dublin Lesbian Line do want your calls, so don’t forget to check out DLL’s website here: http://www.dublinlesbianline.ie/

CaKe is held on the 2^nd Friday of every month in The Academy, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1.

 Doors open at 10.30pm, and you should arrive early for your free shots and birthday cake.

 Admission is €10, and €8 for students.

 For more on this event, see:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148500951839600&index=1

What makes the perfect CaKe? Take a dollop of pop, a pinch of electro, a hint of alternative, and a dab of retro, and leave to dance til late…

Related posts:

1. CaKe Review
2. Get some MILK with your CaKe 9th July
3. Christmas CaKe, Saturday 12th December

Tough female cops are hot, there’s no way round it. They are, and hopefully will ever be, a stable of TV. But who is your favourite? Do you like them understanding fighting for a cause like Olivia Benson, or fluffy and cute like Stacey Sheridan? Vote and let us know who your favourite TV cops are. Here are a delectable selection in absolutely no order whatsoever. Now, before you get all annoyed with the lack of Sara Sidle and Penelope Garcia, those two are scientists/geeks in my book and not cops. Don’t worry, a scientist/geek list is on its way.

Cagney & Lacey

For years, women only appearred on cop shows as victims, wives and hookers. Then came Cagney and Lacey. It’s interesting to hear people’s memories of Cagney and Lacey. Younger women, while appreciating the sea change brought about by the show, see great acting in bad clothes. I remember watching it with my mam and liking it but I was too young too see nuances and way to young to appreciate the chemistry. And boy was there chemistry.

Basically, the writers took a typical housewife and made her kick-ass – a genius, and revolutionary, move at the time. Then they gave her a partner who was the type of woman every feminist-hater would loathe – Christine Cangey, all blonde, fly-away hair but could kick your ass into next week. She had her issues though; alcohol and crappy men. Her problem was that she should have married her partner; the perfect butch/femme relationship.

Stacey Sheridan

Cagney and Lacey are a tough act to follow, but no one better than Officer Stacy Sheridan. Ok, TJ Hooker was pretty pants and her character was all giggles and hair-flicks, but a prepubescent lady-lover could easily fall for such a seductress. We didn’t even question why, everytime she went undercover, she had to wear a bikini.

Olivia Benson

For me, Olivia is where female cops begin and end. She is my alpha and omega. Ooops, too stalkerish, ahem. From the moment she came onscreen backk in 1999, Olivia had us. She works her arse off, she cares for the victims and is drop dead gorgeous. Always treated exactly like the guys on the show, Olivia is equal to them in her professionalism but, because of her background, is way ahead of them when it comes to heart. Plus, those tight sweaters. Add her sexually-charged relationship with ADA Alexandra Cabot into the mix and you have homo, hog heaven.

Jane Tennison

You want brains? You want hard-hitting? You want a case solved? Get DCI Jane Tennison on the blower. Not only does Jane have to deal with rapists and murderers, but the lads on British telly aren’t as open to a woman in her postion as those on US shows. She is a woman in a man’s world, but it only serves to make her work harder to nail the bad guys. However, beneath this no-shit, awfully British woman there is heat. How can there not be when you’re played by Helen Mirren? She is all woman, all attitude and sexy as all hell.

Lilly Rush

If ever there was proof that the people in TV-land in the US, look for ideas in the UK, Cold Case is it. Waking the Dead was doing well so why not Americanise it, it worked in Canada with Cold Squad. But who to cast as the lead? She had to be etheral, almost like a ghost in this world looking into the past. They needed a woman who would seem cold on the outside but melt you with her eyes.

Kathryn Morris is the perfect ice-queen, with a smouldering heart. Not until later episodes does Lilly have anyone in the world except her two cats; one has one eye and the other has three legs. The only connections she has are with victims, past, present and feline. Lesbian much?

Plus, an Irish connection, back in 2005 the cast were in an ad on TG4. It showed a murder suspect from Ros na Rún being interregated by Rush and the Irish dude refuses to speak English so the two of them jump into Irish.

Jane Rizzoli

How anyone can believe that Jane Rizzoli was called “roly poly Rizzoli” in school is beyond me. The woman is the epitome of gorgeous. However, you have to hand it to Angie Harmon, she may not be the greatest actress in the world, but she makes you believe that Rizzoli has no idea how beautiful she is.

Rizzoli is a tomboy, as caustic as sandpaper and, in direct contrast with the other female cops on US televison, is crap with victims. She wears the badge and gun like they came out of the womb with her, and is “a damn good cop”. She is also in love with her best friend, Medical Examiner Maura Isles. They just don’t know it yet.

Pepa Miranda

Los Hombres de Paco is one of those shows that is like a flashback to the 80s when you were totally into the storyline until you started to notice that the walls were made of cardboard. It’s a huge hit in Spain, and elsewhere, so why they don’t spend more money on the set is anyone’s guess.

However, why would anyone be looking at the walls, or paying attention to the dodgey storylines, when Pepa Miranda is on the screen? Hoooo-mam! Pepa is the only lesbian in our list too. She came to the show as the titular Paco’s sister and proceeded to out-maverick the male cops and steal the heart of the ME who she went on to marry. We’ll end there before the tears start.

Charlie Buckton

While Pepa was seducing Silvia in Los Hombres de Paco, Charlie (Chaaah-lee) was Down Under (f’narr) driving herself, and us, mad when she fell for Joey. Just lob the gob for god’s sake woman! It was all very storm in a tea-cup, this is a soap opera after all, and Charlie is now with that blonde gobsheen, Angelo. But boy can she rock a utility belt. And have you seen her in a leather jacket? Streuth!

Olivia Dunham

Has anyone ever worn a white shirt like Olivia? Crisp collar, open just enough to be professional yet with just a hint of something feminine. Enough objectivication; Olivia is (like her namesake in SVU) wounded after a difficult childhood; horrible father, victimised mother. To make things worse, though, she is experimented on by batty doctors and then things get all head-scratchy with parallel worlds and Cortexiphan and Olivialternate and stuff. Through it all, even working with Pacey, she keeps her head up and explains the unexplanable to us as though we care for anything but her.

And then they did this:

Ana Lucia Cortez

Did you even wonder why the tank-top was invented? Enter Michelle Rodrigez. Everyone on Lost wore the garment but she rocked it. Ana Lucia is the leader of the tail section (she can lead my tail section anytime). She had been in the LAPD but left after she was shot. She’d been pregnant at the time and lost the baby, so, like any kick-ass female cop smoked the mofo who shot her. Boo-ya!

According to writers on the show, “Ana Lucia is somebody who does not want to be a victim. She was a victim once and she swore to herself she would never be a victim again”. She is broody, difficult and we all know she just needs a bosom for a pillow.

Dana Scully

One half of one of the greatest duos on television, in contrast to the usual male/female dynamnic on television, Scully was the cold, brainey one and Mulder was the passionate one. Scully had it all; brians to spare, gorgeous, dedicated and compassionate.

The writers also played with her character’s cerebral devotion to morality, making her a believeable mix of contrasts: she is Catholic but doesn’t believe in the unexplainable; her loyalty is total but never blind; she is a doctor but is unwilling to believe she can fix everyone; she is a cynic but is able to understand and reason with Mulder without ever dismissing his weird beliefs. And she rocks a power-suit.

Emily Prentiss & Jennifer Jareau

Why the two together? Ask any fanfic writer. These two were meant to be together. The writers on Criminal Minds may not agree, but who asked them?Plus, it bookends the article nicely, so there. Emily Prentiss grew up posh; dead posh. Her mam was an ambassador and they travelled around a lot. As a result, she acted out and was a bit of a rebel. As an adult she’s multi-lingual (insert cunning linguist joke here), an expert at her job and also happens to have a heart of gold. She was going to become guardian of a child at one stage but the teen’s family were located. Prentiss is like a good cup of coffee, dark, deep and full of velvety goodness.

Jennifer Jareau, on the other hand, was a good girl, with real lesbian potential. She played soccer in school, she plays darts, she volunteers as a counsellor and her best friend is Penelope Garcia. Hello? JJ is like a good gelato, cool, comforting and loved by all.

Fans of the pair will be none-to-happy to that they won’t be getting much screentime from now on. JJ is axed and Prentiss won’t be on as much. The rest of the cast aren’t impressed, with Kirsten Vangsness (Garcia) getting a petition together in the hopes of convincing the powers-that-be to keep them on.

Related posts:

1. Rizzisles
2. And the winner is
3. The Real L Word Recap 5

Years later, my partner, her sister and I do our work outs, have our showers and then sit together, clean for the only time of the week, to watch The Real L Word. From Dusty Bin to television garbage; my life in trash TV. Oh! There’s a title for my auto-biography. It beings a tear to my eye, and that’s just the thought of Rose.

The off-screen question this week is: Have you ever cried during/after sex? Oh god, here’s the question Jill will have an answer for. Sigh

Nikki – the first time she had sex with a woman was so emotional, she cried.
Rose – she’s had girls cry after sex. Must be when they sober up and look across the bed.
Whitless – has no idea that this could happen. Emotional-free sex is her thing y’see.
Mikey – is at least honest enough to say that when a woman cries after/during sex she is lost, has no idea what to do.
Tracy – when she had sex with a woman for the first time, she had a shit-eating grin for weeks.
Jill – oh of course she has. Emotional idiot probably cries when she see water going down the plug hole.

Rose is missing, Natalie for some reason known only to herself is looking for her. I’m hoping she’s headed for Mexico. At least Natalie has good friends who are out for her.
Buggery, Rose is actually still with is. Dammit. She is in a bar with her ex, Angel. Angel who stalked her and was a nut-job. Exactly the person our Rose should be with when her girlfriend is worried about her.
It turns out though folks, that Angel is as her name suggests, sent from heaven. Rose is all “we always said we’d be there for each other”. Angel is all nuh-uh, we di’int.

we had a toxic relationship, a lot of that is because you cheated

Rose tries to come on to her and charm her but Angel just gives her a cold shoulder and says “no” in very certain terms. It seems that Angel was hurt by their break-up and has worked hard to get over it.

It’s always about you and what you need, it’s never about anything else. I’m done.

I think I love you Angel.

Whit the Shit and Alyssa are cleaning up after their party. We care. Tor is up and about and pissed off with Whit. Get this people…she told Tor that Romi raped her. Raped! Whit that is a powerful word you’re throwing around there, bitch. Can I also remind you that there is TV footage of you…em…taking…Romi? It’s scarred on my retinas.

Jilliki’s wedding. Snore. They choose the house for the venue. Remember the house? Don’t worry, no one else does either.

Mikey. LA Fawk. Big tent.

Natalie is at her mammy’s house and Rose is going over to pretend she gives a shit about her. The dog is so cute!

Mikey is meeting Ava, who is Richie Sambora’s daughter. She wants to model in LA Fawk so one of the other models is showing her how to walk. Her mom is there too – she looks like Heather Locklear’s wax model, and it’s sunny out.
Mikey had a crush on Heather when she was a kid and is a bit star struck. Not so much that she takes off her damned sunglasses though.

Whit and her friend Scarlet are having like lunch? And they’re talking about, like, Sara? And, like, Romi? And the, like, drama? Scarlet is Romi’s friend and is worried that Whit the Tit is going to hurt her. May I suggest lube?

Tracy is on the phone to her mammy who says that she can’t come to the big 30th birthday. Tracy is broken-hearted. While on the phone, there’s a knock on her door and guess what? It’s mammy!!! YAY!!! Actually it’s a tester-sized mammy, you have to send away for the full-size.
Tracy is over the moon to see teeny Zory, and they chat and chat, hugging like two people who actually care for one another. Cute!

They talk about The Lesbian Issue, quite openly and Zory is still not comfortable. But she’s doing her best. And she’s there, which took guts.

Jilliki go to redeem the voucher for dance lessons that Nikki got Jill for Valentine’s Day. The scene is funny with the two of them managing to have at least six left feet between them. They are laughing their asses off, as each is as bad as the other. No toe is safe.

Tracy is bringing Zory to meet Stamie. Is that O, Fortuna I hear in the background? Why oh why does she think it’s a good idea to bring her to Stamie’s stand-up? The three squeaky-clean people in my flat all went “nooooooooo!” at the same time. Baby steps, Tracy, not lesbian jokes!

It’s understandable though. She’s doing the whole feast after the famine thing. She’s so excited that she wants her mammy to love everything. Now.

Right O So Egotist it is. She’s goes to her grandmother’s house to see her. Her mom is there. Remember they had a big fight? They haven’t spoken in nine months. The whole family is at the granny’s and they all take Rose aside and tell her to apologise to her mother. She does and it’s so funny. She’s like a five year-old who has been told “now say your sorry” by an aunt. She practically whispers it.
Her mother, though, is over the moon. She can’t help crying constantly. You’d think Rose had told her that she loves her more than herself or something. The fact that it’s such a big deal goes to show how rarely Rose apologises. Bitch.

Tracy and Zory arrive at the cafe in which Stamie does her stand-up. Stamie greets them and I wonder if anyone has a knife to cut the tension. Oh look! Tumbleweed. And this is before the performance. There’s O, Fortuna again.
The comedy begins (right). Zory is either dyspeptic or not impressed. She’s had a lot of botox so it’s hard to tell. She claps in all the right places but it ain’t looking good. Tracy, what were you thinking, girl? She admits that it wasn’t the best idea in the world. No shit?

Mikey and finally, finally, finally LA Fawk is happening. Look people, the sooner it starts, the sooner it’ll be over. There are loads of gorgeous people arriving and “the energy is really vibing”. Vibe is a verb now?
As the gorgeous people are arriving, some of the lights go off. Mikey flips and there is much running around and Annika Rice-like camera chasing while she tries to fix the problem. Her bum isn’t as nice though.

Tracy is having her sisters over for dinner with her mammy and Stamie. Tracy and Stamie have been asked by Zory not to have PDAs, which is tough for two women so used to being open physically. Stamie says it’s hard as she loves hugging Tracy and kissing her and

You haven’t seen her naked, she’s fucking hawt

Sigh, we believe and envy you.

Whit is having dinner with the make-up department of Clery’s. Oh, actually it’s Romi. Blend, Romi, blend! Anyway, she tells Romi about Sara moving to LA. Plus, Whit says that she’s going to have a child in the next two or three years. What!?!?!? Whit you are a child. Grow up first. Sheesh.

Mikey, LA Fawk. Light. She fixes it. I know! I was on the edge of me edge there. Famous people who we should probably recognise start to make their way down the red carpet. Mina Suvari asks why Mikey has her sunglasses on indoors. Hee hee, I paid her to do that.
The runway show. Snore.

Tracy’s place. Stamie and Zory are being polite and trying their best. Things are going well. Until, that is, Tracy asks Zory if she’d like to meet Stamie’s kids. Someone brought the tumbleweed and the knife from the comedy show. Tracy is disappointed by her mother’s reaction but Stamie is pissed. These are her kids, in fairness, why not want to meet them? She’s good about it though, telling Tracy not to put her mother on the spot.

Day two of LA Fashion Week. Weekend? What?! It’s not a week at all? What the fuck?! Why has Mikey been  going on and on and on and on about LA Fashion Week if it’s just a weekend? LA Fashion Weak more like.
Pfft.
So, it’s the second, and last, night of LA Fashion Weakened and all of our Real L Word girls are invited. It’s all very E! with everyone arriving and getting their piccie taken.
Mikey is watching her, em, watch, and wating for her lady, Raquel, to arrive. Raquel is late, as usual, but Mikey holds the show for her. She’s her lucky charm after all.
Raquel arrives and immediately asks Mikey “what do you need?”. Cool! See how partners are together in real life?
Urgh, runway show. Snore.
Once the show (and therefore the whole LA FAWK) is over, Mikey and her intrepid sunglasses take the stage to much applause. She does all of the necessary thank-yous and then asks Raquel to come up on to the stage.
Raquel is all “wha?” and goes up looking confused. As she arrives, Mikey goes down on one knee and asks her to marry her. Caaauuuute! Thank Sappho she said yes.
Mikey explains that she knows Raquel likes big gestures and this was the biggest way she could think to ask her to marry her. It’s lovely, really a gorgeous tender moment. Nice one Mikey.

Related posts:

1. The Real L Word Recap 2
2. The Real L Word Recap 7
3. The Real L Word Recap 5

I was chatting with a colleague last week, comparing notes about our adorable little ones, when she asked ‘do you have any friends who come over at night?’ Huh? Then she said it ‘I don’t know how you do it. I go home and have my husband to help with the baby. Don’t you have anyone come over in the evenings to help you?’ I’m getting used to it, but there is a fine line between acknowledging that single parenthood is bloody hard work and acting like raising my son, the greatest joy in my life, is some sort of tragedy.

I am not divorced. I did not have a crisis pregnancy. I am an educated professional single woman in my 40s. I carefully considered how I would parent solo, and I had my son after years and years of concerted effort. He is the result of deliberate planning and hard work, not the result of personal crisis or loss. None of it has been easy. In my first year of motherhood, I cried a lot. Some weeks, I cried every day. But I’ve never laughed so much in my life. I’ve never felt such joy or such passion for anything or anyone. I’ve never had so darn much fun.

Everything is a trade off. Many of the people who marvel at my ability to prepare a proper dinner every night (okay, most nights) find time for a couple hours of tele every night. I’d waaay rather read Everywhere Babies or I Am A Bunny than watch some tele family’s silly drama. I’ve traded a lot of unfulfilling, time wasting activities for the joy of sharing Christmas morning with a child (my child, every year), for the wonder of deciphering his first words, for the rush of love when he crawls up on my lap for a cuddle. I was on the far side of 40 when I became a mother, and that means I had decades to go clubbing and take holidays. I did, and I enjoyed that. But no way does sitting in a crowded bar having beer spilled on me compare to the joy of parenthood. (But in the interest of full disclosure, I have to say my clothes have been doused in far worse than beer since my son’s arrival.)

Yes, it is hard. But for me, being childless was much, much harder.

Even attachment parenting experts Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears, RN had a totally irrelevant go at single mothers in their Baby Book, which was updated in 2005.

“Our hearts go out to mothers who by choice or by circumstance begin their parenting careers without a mate.” (My emphasis)

Really? You acknowledge an adult made a choice and still your heart goes out? The book is full of useful advice, but the good doctor can shove his heart right up another part of his anatomy.

My heart goes out to women who stay in miserable relationships thinking it’s best for their children. My heart goes out to women who cook for and clean up after both their children and their partners. In fact, older married straight mothers are the people who have been most reassuring. I’ve been surprised at how many of them bluntly told me that really, aside from finances, they were pretty much parenting solo.

The most sensible comment I’ve had came from a little neighbour boy who was very curious about my son. I explained a bit about our family of two in an age appropriate way, and he smiled and said ‘I bet he makes you real happy.’ Yep, he does.

Related posts:

1. It’s fun to shame single moms
2. Becoming The Mammy, part 3
3. All the Single Ladies

Firstly, I think its been well established that here at Gaelick Towers we do love Glee. What’s not to love? There’s a new promo!

* fans self *

I cannot wait!

From the sublime to the ridiculous. The good ole Focus on Family are at it again. This time its all about our agenda. I still haven’t received it in the post. Just that make me a bad gay?

Focus on the Family is targeting anti-bullying efforts in schools, claiming that they actually push the so-called “gay agenda.” According to The Denver Post.

Fancy getting hitches somewhere different? Why not enter this competition

An airline has launched a competition to find a couple who will participate in the world’s first airborne same-sex wedding, today.

Global carrier SAS Scandinavian Airlines will host the ceremony on one of their Airbus A340s between Stockholm and New York on 6 December.

Interesting article here on late blooming lesbians

Richard Lippa, a professor of psychology at California State University who has done a series of studies on sexual orientation, says most men are strongly attracted to one sex or the other —they have a preferred sex and an unpreferred sex.

But “there are more shades of grey to women’s attraction,” he says. Women, he says, tend to have a preferred sex and less preferred sex. Women are much more likely than men to report some degree of same-sex attraction.

Good news for Tasmanians Gay marriages recognised in Tasmania

Poor Nathalie Portman, she finally gets a non-cute role in what looks to be an excellent movie, Black Swan and all the media can talk about is her and Mila Kunis going sapphic. Natalie Portman shocks Venice Film Festival with steamy lesbian sex scene

Pink News reports New South Wales adoption bill passes lower house

A bill to allow same-sex couples to adopt in New South Wales, Australia, has narrowly passed in the lower house.

It passed a vote 46-44 yesterday, and after amendments were made, passed 45-43 today.

It’s not easy being gay

My confused prepubescent days are behind me, but I find myself in mourning – grieving for the heterosexuality that might have been. I would never have chosen to be a lesbian. I hope that feeling changes.

Ad Tells Women: Freshen Up Below for Career Advancement

Career women, take note: If you want to get that big raise, make sure you freshen up down below. That’s the message, anyway, in a new print ad from feminine care products brand Summer’s Eve.

The ad, which appears in the October issue of Woman’s Day, gives eight tips for women who hope to get a salary bump at work.

The first tip, under the subhead “How to Ask for a Raise,” includes this kernel of advice: “It should start with your usual routine … including showering with Summer’s Eve Feminine Wash or throwing a packet of Summer’s Eve Feminine Cleansing Cloths into your bag for a quick freshness pick-me-up during the day.”

I think the above says it all…

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2. A Suppa Earl Gae
3. A Suppa Earl Gae

There Will Be Rain is the brainchild of writer and actor Marc McCabe, who was one of the quartet in the play Working Late, one of the biggest successes of this year’s Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. When they finished the week-long run of Working Late, Marc approached the play’s writer, director and producer, Rebecca Walsh, to see what she thought of his script.

When I met an exhausted Rebecca between rehearsals, she talked me through the process. They arranged a read-though, edited it a bit, read though again and eventually thought that they could be on to something, Rebecca remembers.

Marc wanted me to direct it, so, we had a reading and I asked everyone how long it would take to get off-book. They’re all professional actors so I said that if everyone can get off-book in one week, we’ll do it and I’ll direct it. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. With Working Late I spent two months rehearsing and with this, just one.

Obviously it would be impossible to do all of this without a great team and Rebecca is full of praise for everyone from Marc and his writing as well as his ability to wear an owl costume to Siobhan Killian stage manager and, if my hunch if correct, the person who is keeping her sane. But let’s get down to it, what’s There Will Be Rain all about?

There Will Be Rain is set in the Emerald Forest. A recession is after hitting the forest and Jerry Squirrel, a drey construction worker, has lost his job. His son, Peter has a fiance called Sergei and they are planning their civil ceremony. Sergei is from a neighbouring forest and speaks with an Eastern European voice. So he has to deal with a little bit of racism. The couple are trying to put together a wedding, last minute on a shoe-string.

Sergei and Peter are in love, lest anyone think them marrying purely for an Emerald green card, but there’s a problem.

the Emerald Forest has its issues; Sergei is an Emerald citizen and has an Emerald passport but is still treated differently. He has to go home to a neighbouring forest to tell his parents about the wedding, but his parents are very homophobic. Also there is a forest fire and he can’t get a crow back to the wedding, so he may not make it.

What will the lovers do? Never mind that, do they cure their recession and, if so, how? Sounds like the Brians may need to take a trip to Electric Picnic this weekend.

It’s very surreal. But it’s a story that needs to be told. It’s the first one about civil partnership but it also touches on the recession, racism and all these other issues.

It all sounds like good fun, but Rebecca is right in her ascertain that there’s more to it than grown-ups in squirrel makeup.

It’s good to put it on its head like this, like a fable. If it’s funny you can say all of the things you want to. You get away with more.

Getting to show at Electric Picnic is no mean feat, but There Will Be Rain also has the honour of being shown in the Fossett’s Circus tent. That’s Ireland’s National Circus, people. It’s a big deal, and one that Rebecca plays down, caring only about the stuff a director should.

They have a great sound system and a new lighting rig so it’s going to be great. The production values are going to be pretty high.

Fossets’ Circus has been going for 122 years and is a family-run business so they are kinda taking a bit of a risk with this subject matter. But Electric Picnic is the best place to launch it, as it has a more bohemian audience.

Feeling like a boho homo or a quirky queer? Then make sure you check out There Will Be Rain in the Fossett’s Circus Tent on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of September at5:30pm sharp. It’s free!

Related posts:

1. The Real L Word Recap 5
2. Share the Secret
3. You Gotta Have Harte

For those not in the know, Archie Panjabi plays Kalinda in The Good Wife. She is the no-shit private detective for the law firm in which Julianne Marguilies plays Alicia, the titular character. Oh and Kalinda is… ahem.. “sexually ambiguous”; bi to you and me. The two actresses burn up the screen with chemistry, as I wrote before.

I was absolutely convinced that this one was sewn up with Christina Hendricks practically dusting off a spot for the gong, and if you watch the clip below you’ll see why. The cheer she gets as her name is called out among the nominations, is the biggest cheer of the lot. That could have something to do with the whole Mad Men crew being half-cut though.

I love Christine Baranski’s reaction; never has a woman been so happy to lose an award.

Glee did exceptionally well too, with a win for Best Director of a Comedy, which means that the industry is taking it very seriously. Plus, it got some acting nods and it’s the queers who led the way. Jane Lynch and Neil Patrick Harris won for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy and Best Guest Actor in a Comedy, respectively.

Looking delicious in your gúna Jane, me auld flower, (that’s the wife sitting pretty beside her). It also seems that she’s as funny in real life as on the screen.

Glee was also part of the big opening number for the award ceremony. Jimmy Fallon must have been thanking the god of award ceremonies for a show that he could use in the opening. It made his life pretty sweet.

Thanks to FJNDCC for all of the YouTube work.

Related posts:

1. Emmy Night
2. Everyone’s a winner baby
3. Getting Your Gleek On

This year, Glee has been nominated in most categories, but insiders agree that they probably won’t win any of the big ones. Glee is an Emmy anomaly in that it’s youth-led; based in high-school with unknown actors. Most of the acting nominees have been around for years. Plus, it’s inclusion in the Outstanding Comedy Series category was seen as controversial as it’s not an out and out comedy like previous winners, such as Frasier and 30 Rock.

Here’s my rundown of what’s nominated and what I think will win. It’s all perfectly subjective though, so feel free to pull me up on anything.

Actor in a Comedy Series
Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm
Steve Carell in The Office
Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory
Tony Shalhoub in Monk
Matthew Morrison Glee
Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock

Who should win – I have a small lesbian crush on Will Schuster so I want him to win obviously. However, it’d be great to see Jim Parsons get it; new blood is desperately needed in this category.
Who will win – Tony Shalhoub or Alec Baldwin. Again. Enough please.

Actress in a Comedy Series
Toni Collette (right) in United States of Tara
Julia Louis-Dreyfus in The New Adventures of Old Christine
Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie
Lea Michele in Glee
Tina Fey in 30 Rock
Amy Poehler in Parks and Recreation

Who should win – any one of them to be honest. This is one of the strongest categories.
Who will win - an open race really, although it’d be a huge upset if Lea Michelle won.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell in Modern Family
Jesse Tyler Ferguson in Modern Family
Chris Colfer in Glee
Neil Patrick Harris in How I Met Your Mother
Jon Cryer in Two and a Half Men
Eric Stonestreet in Modern Family

Who should win – Chris Colfer!
Who will win – All of the different nominations for Modern Family could split the vote, plus Neil Patrick Harris has been nominated four years in a row but not won. This will probably be his year.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Julie Bowen in Modern Family
Holland Taylor in Two and a Half Men
Jane Lynch in Glee
Sofia Vergara in Modern Family
Jane Krakowski in 30 Rock
Kristen Wiig in Saturday Night Live

Who should win – Jane Lynch!
Who will win - this is another open race, none of these ladies have won before but I wouldn’t be surprised if either Holland Taylor or Jane Krakosski won. However, I have a feeling in my bones that Jane Lynch will do it. She’s popular and they are going to want to give Glee something.

Actor in a Drama Series
Kyle Chandler in Friday Night Lights
Michael C. Hall in Dexter
Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad
Jon Hamm in Mad Men
Matthew Fox in Lost
Hugh Laurie in House

Who should win - I love Hugh Laurie in House and anyone with any connection to Stephen Fry is a winner in my book.
Who will win - interestingly, this is the first time any actor from Lost has been nominated for lead. He won’t win though. I think it’ll be Jon Hamm, Mad Men is huge at the moment.

Actress in a Drama Series
Connie Britton in Friday Night Lights
January Jones in Mad Men
Glenn Close in Damages
Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife
Mariska Hargitay (right) in Law & Order: SVU
Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer

Who should win – wow! what a category of acting powerhouses. Any one of them deserves it.
Who will win – who cares? What a strong year for women on the telly.

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Andre Braugher in Men of a Certain Age
Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad
Michael Emerson in Lost
Martin Short in Damages
Terry O’Quinn in Lost
John Slattery in Mad Men

Who should win – Andre Braugher in the excellent, Men of a Certain Age. This little-seen show is about the disappointments of 40-something men who tried to follow their dreams but life caught up with them.
Who will win – If only one Lost cast-member had been nominated, they would have been a sentimental shoo-in. As it is, the vote could be split. I still think one of them will win though.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Christine Baranski in The Good Wife
Christina Hendricks in Mad Men
Rose Byrne in Damages
Elisabeth Moss in Mad Men
Sharon Gless in Burn Notice
Archie Panjabi (left) in The Good Wife

Who should win – Archie Panjabi. She has taken a small role and scorched the screen with it.
Who will win - this is Christina Hendricks’ year. She’s incredibly popular, and I certainly won’t be complaining when she takes the stage.

Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Arnett in 30 Rock
Mike O’Malley (right) in Glee
Jon Hamm in 30 Rock
Eli Wallach in Nurse Jackie
Neil Patrick Harris in Glee
Fred Willard in Modern Family

Who should win – Kurt’s dad! If Jane Lynch doesn’t win for Glee, then Mike O’Malley should be a shoo-in.
Who will win - Mike O’Malley (crosses fingers)

Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Christine Baranski in The Big Bang Theory
Jane Lynch in Two and a Half Men
Kristin Chenoweth in Glee
Elaine Stritch in 30 Rock
Tina Fey in Saturday Night Live
Betty White in Saturday Night Live
Kathryn Joosten in Desperate Housewives

Who should win – Kristin Chenoweth. Look I love Glee ok?
Who will win – Betty White without a shadow of a doubt. She was sensational in SNL.

So there’s my run down of the main categories. Am I right or, as usual, completely off the mark? The Emmy’s will be on tonight at 8pm in the states, but will also be televised on RTE2 at 9.30pm tomorrow evening.

Related posts:

1. And the winner is
2. Getting Your Gleek On
3. Gay Clare / OutWest Ireland / Gay Westmeath club night

A couple of weeks ago, we all celebrated along with swimmer Grainne Murphy as she won a silver medal, shredding the Irish record…twice…in the 1500 metres freestyle at the European Swimming Championships. But was it on the telly? Of course not! OK, neither was Barry Murphy so maybe it was just on at a bad time.

However, and I know I’ve said this before, but RTE, have you any idea that we have the best pound-for-pound amateur boxer in the world? Oh, you’ll be all over her for the Olympics, but she’s winning everything at the moment and nadda. No coverage. Zip. Can you imagine if Katie Taylor (right) was a man? They’d be all over her. We’d be sick of the sight of her on billboards and on the telly.

We all know just how starved Ireland is of sporting heroes and here she is, a boxing sensation, and we never get to see her. Did you know that, just three weeks ago, she retained her European Amateur Championship title, for the fifth year in a row? Or that she’ll be fighting to retain her World Amateur title in September? Sure how would you know?

Don’t get me started on the Women’s Rugby World Cup. If it hadn’t been for Click Here’s coverage, would you even know it’s on? Sky have the rights to show the matches and are only showing the big games, ie. when England and any of the Southern Hemisphere teams are playing. We got to see Ireland last week, but only because we were playing England. We beat the US and now need to beat Kazakhstan on Saturday to be in with a chance of going through to the next round, something we’ve never done before. Do RTE care? If this was soccer (men’s soccer that is) we’d have delayed coverage on RTE. But they just don’t give a damn about women’s sport. And you can be sure that next year’s Rugby World Cup will be everywhere.

I have Sky Sports (I love my Leinster Rugby) and was looking forward to seeing some women play the game I love, in the green I love. On Saturday, there are four matches. Why not shove them on to Sky Sports 4 and let us enjoy ourselves?

Sky Sports 1 – Cricket from 10.30am until 6pm

Sky Sports 2 – Soccer from 12.30pm until 3pm, followed by WWE

Sky Sports 3 – WWE from 10am to 12, followed by golf

Sky Sports 4 – OMG! Women’s rugby! One match at 1.30 and then the real rugby, South African v Austrailan men, followed by Speedway

Or, RTE and Setanta, how about some delayed coverage? It’s not like anyone will ruin the result for us.

RTE 1 – Ocean’s 11, followed by Midsommer Murders and then, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep. I kid you not.

RTE 2 – Kidnapped, followed by Everest ER.

Setanta – French Top 14 rugby. French! Where are the bloody Irish eh?

Is there something misogynistic going on here? Is the problem the fact that these are seen as masculine sports? Sonia O’Sullivan was hounded by the Irish media and can you imagine if we had some woman in Wimbledon for example? We’d be experts on backspin and cross-court lobs in no time.

Rugby and boxing, though. Men’s sports and not for the girls. Sure they could hurt their little selves.

Related posts:

1. Ireland’s captain fancies our World Cup chances
2. Rugby World Cup: Meet Team Ireland (part 2)
3. Rugby World Cup: The story so far

Our first game on Friday was up against the old nemesis, England. The team fought bravely with some amazing tackles, but England were way too strong a team – with their number 7, Alphonsi, playing amazingly.

The Rugby World Cup website summed things up:

The England back row stood up to be counted when they needed to and played a pivotal role as the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010 hosts overcame an error strewn performance on a damp and gloomy Surrey evening to defeat Ireland 27-0.

It was physical, bruising stuff with Ireland refusing to be dominated by their English counterparts and Philip Doyle’s side can certainly hold their heads up high despite the look of the scoreboard in their Pool B encounter.

England will be happy with the win and relieved to get the bonus point at the death, whereas Ireland will face the rest of the tournament with relish knowing that they can be a match for anyone they face.

In the end, the Ireland side remained scoreless, while England racked up 27 points and a bonus point for their team.

Our second game of the tournament was yesterday (Tuesday), against the US of A. A physical team on the US side, this game was always going to be tough. Ireland started out well, earning the first points of the match when, on her 50th cap, Neville scored the first try of the game for Ireland; but the Americans were determined to fight back. At one stage, they led 7-5 against Ireland. What may have been the clincher for them, however, and helped our side was when one of their number was sin-binned late in the first half. A few minutes later, Briggs seized an opportunity to nick a try before half-time.

In the second half, Ireland continued this theme, quickly scoring yet another try when Neville made it over the line again after a line-out. Not long afterwards, Ireland’s Rosser managed another try, also earning Ireland a bonus point. USA sought to make a comeback late in the game, with a try; unfortunately the conversion wasn’t to be, and the final score remained 22-12.

Ali Donnelly of ScrumQueens explained the importance of the game:

Ireland prevailed in this exciting and tough pool B clash on day two of the Women’s Rugby World Cup where they secured a 4-try bonus point in a well earned victory.

This was always going to be a key game in this pool and with Ireland having lost their opener against England, a win was very much needed to keep any hopes of a semi-final spot alive.

The official Rugby World Cup website had post-match commentary from both sides, including Ireland’s Joy Neville and coach, Philip Doyle:

Ireland try scorer Joy Neville: “No, absolutely not [there is no better way to mark my 50th test), I’m very happy with that but overall I’m so happy with the performance the team put in. It wasn’t about my 50th cap today it was putting in the effort, today was going to be the hardest game of the tournament and just happy to say we came through. We are in a good position now, we’ve a lot to work on still and just looking forward to improving upon a lot of the set pieces and attacking options.”

Ireland coach Philip Doyle: “Ireland today were outstanding from the kick off really. Literately in the first two minutes we were on America’s line and we just stuck with it. We stuck to our tactics in the first half and then using the wind in the second half, absolutely outstanding, couldn’t have asked for anything better from one to 22.”

“Well we did a lot of talking, we did a lot of soul searching you know. We knew we put in a performance against England, we knew we could go toe to toe with the best in the world and we just had to back ourselves with that performance and to be honest it told you know and we knew we could play rugby against America and we certainly did.”

Check the World Cup site for full information on fixtures and results.

Ireland’s next game is against Khazakhstan this Saturday at 4:30pm.

• Games are being broadcast by Sky Sports (except Ireland’s game today, unfortunately) and are streamed to non-UK and Ireland residents on rwcwomens.com

Related posts:

1. Rugby World Cup: Meet Team Ireland (part 1)
2. Rugby World Cup: Meet Team Ireland (part 2)
3. Ireland’s captain fancies our World Cup chances

To comply with this judgement, the government are currently in the process  of introducing legislation allowing Trans* individuals to obtain Gender Recognition Certificates (GRC); legally recognising their gender identity.

A gender recognition advisory group has been set-up, inviting comments and input from the general public on issues such as legal recognition and the right to marry. Realistically, I feel that all legislation should allow input from the communities it will affect. How much better would the Civil Partnership Bill be if we could all collaborate, and have that information transformed into legislation? This is an opportunity to ensure that the correct legislation is implemented from the onset; ending Dr. Foy’s 13-year struggle for recognition, and introducing equal rights for all Trans* people in Ireland.

There is an open call until Friday, September 17^th. That’s just enough time to get your ideas together and make sure your voice is heard!

With input from the Trans* community, allies and supporters, we can prevent a carbon copy of the UK legislation from being put forward and correct the major errors other countries have encountered. Ireland is one of the LAST countries in Europe to implement this legislation, so let’s try to make sure we’re known for having the BEST model for gender recognition and equality.

Having family and friends in the Trans* community, I don’t want Irish legislation to prevent people from gaining access to the rights they deserve. Nobody should be forced into having surgery to conform to someone else’s definition of who they should be, or excluded from having a loving union with their partner. Loving your partner regardless of gender identity isn’t something that should be punished with annulment, instability, and a financial burden.

Young Trans* people should not have to fight a battle to be accepted, as they pursue their education. Following gender recognition the numbers opting for civil partnerships will grow, putting further pressure for equal rights with the partner we choose to spend our lives with.

Before I get further into this topic, I’d like to highlight my opinion of the Gender Recognition Act. This is not representative of the community at large, but a founding stone to continue thinking about recognition.

Remove the obstacles surrounding marriage and gender recognition; no exclusions, and create an ability to redefine a union on paper.

One of the questions posed by the group is: “Should persons in an existing marriage or civil partnership be excluded?”

As previously covered by Orange, the UK legislation has many dubious additions. Individuals who don’t want to annul their marriage (or divorce in Scotland) are not permitted to obtain a GRC, so cannot access these rights. The UK (minus Scotland) provides an interim- GRC to use as grounds to have your marriage annulled. Though cheaper than a divorce, when the couple want to continue their union, why is annulment mandatory?

Following gender recognition, you may apply for civil partnership. This assumes that the partnership will be between same-sex couples, but what about heterosexual unions? If one of the main arguments against gay marriage is that a union must be between a man and a woman, will I be legally entitled to marry my FTM partner? Or is marriage something that you can only be forced OUT of? This emphasises the link between Trans* and LGB rights.

Until marriage equality is established, not only are same-sex couples being deprived of their rights, but Trans* unions will also be downgraded from marriage to partnership.

If Civil Partnership is the only avenue open for same-sex couples, I feel that Irish legislation should include an ability to convert to civil partnership, so that dissolving a loving family unit is no longer a requirement. In the time between annulment and partnership, you could be vulnerable to hidden catches alongside the financial burden; loss of pension rights, your partner not a benefactor during this period, an effect on joint accounts or property; not to mention the implication if children are involved.

Can you imagine your family being caught in a legal loophole? While we fight for equality, couples should have the RIGHT to choose whether to continue with their union in its new capacity, avoiding this term of instability, or to annul and have a new celebration of their partnership.

Model the application process on the system used to obtain an Irish passport; not by surgical requirements.

In certain countries surgery, or a form of forced sterilisation, is required to be granted gender recognition, and the rights that go with it. I think the application process for an Irish passport should be adopted for GRCs; proof that you have been living in that gender for at least two years; your deed poll (if a name change is required); and a “diagnosis”. Surgery or hormones should not be required, as this automatically excludes people who opt not to, or can’t (for a variety of reasons), take those paths.

Will birth and death records be listed by biological gender, or identified gender?

The GRC will come from a separate gender register office, similar to the UK, with no effect on the original birth certificate. Both will still exist, and be equally valid for use. While I can see the need for a certificate with the previous name, without amending the birth records the individual will still be recorded by their biological gender, not their identified gender. Will the death records follow suit? If the GRC can be ignored for biological gender, I see this as transphobic, and you have to question its validity.

Applicants must be 18 years or over, but what about Trans* youths?

With more information available, people are becoming aware of their gender identity much younger, and the gender recognition act could lift some of the pressure around transition. While positive in itself, this could become an issue for Trans* youth in schools when registering their preferred name and gender. Could the advisory group foresee this issue and put legislation in place to cater for these children without an individual having to first take a case against the equality authority? This could offer a level of privacy for young Trans* individuals, and be the difference between continuing in education and dropping-out.

Related posts:

1. Civil Partnership Bill 2009 – Committee Stage resumed
2. Gay Marriage in Argentina
3. Sindo’s post-pride edition: now with extra transphobia

Assembling at Dublin City Hall, Lord Edward Street, the march set off at 2pm wending its way down Dame Street, by the gates of Trinity College Dublin, and along Nassau Street before turning up Kildare Street.  There, the march passed by the gates of Dáil Éireann and turned left at The Shelbourne Hotel onto St Stephen’s Green where the mass of people streamed around the Green (past the Loreto school) to the steps of Iveagh House where the Department of Justice and Law Reform is headquartered (no longer is the portfolio of Equality included in the Department’s remit).

And so, piccies!

From @gaelick (c’est nous!):

From @Golden_Gaytime:

From @patrickmooney:

From @natural20:

From @dougal_ie:

From @icanhascook:

From @colmogorman:

From @esilke:

News coverage elsewhere:

• RTÉ News

• Belfast Telegraph

• Wicklow People

Related posts:

1. Marriage equality almost there in Portugal
2. March with Marriage Equality and LGBT Noise
3. IDAHO 2010

Here there be spoilers!

The film itself is silly to the max. Angie (really she did) plays Evelyn Salt a CIA agent who may or may not be a Russian spy. Those damn Russians! It turns out that the wiley Russians have sleepers assassins all over the mighty U S of A, ready to take out a target when required. Is Evelyn one of these agents or has she been set up? If she is a Russian spy, why is she wearing a ushanka?

End of the spoilage

It is impossible to come out of Salt and not mentally compare it to The Bourne Identity. Both are one-against-the-agency action films, with the central character’s identity a mystery. Salt ain’t no Bourne though; the action sequences aren’t as polished, the central character isn’t as likable and everyday, even the music isn’t as good. Had anyone but Angie been in the main role, this film would be a flop.

With all of the hoopla around her life and the fact that she is so gorgeous she’s almost ugly, it’s easy to forget that Angie is a damn good actress. Well-seasoned as she is, she single-handedly drags Salt from midweek movie to get out of the rain, to Saturday night must-see with the mates.

If you’re going to see the delectable Ms Jolie, you may surprised that she tones down the sexy. Only in the middle section, when she’s all Nikita with the jet black hair, is she smoking. Overall, Salt is a laughable and, if you like action films, it’s one to see.

Related posts:

1. Review: And Then Came Lola
2. Review: Cracks
3. Review: So-Ho

Thomas first broke into broadcasting while studying Arts in UCD (English, Sociology and Information Studies). After an open competition, she landed her first presenting job on children’s programme, Rapid. Shortly after, she progressed to the enviable position of travel-show host on No Frontiers, which was an impressive achievement for the then 21-year old. After ten years at the helm, Thomas’ tenure on No Frontiers appears to have come to an end (The show is on hiatus for one year and whether it will be resumed will be re-evaluated in 2011) but there appears to be no sign of her slowing down. She is currently in triathlon tr-43nbgs90hy… sorry, I dropped my keyboard…*ahem*… triathlon training. As for her wanderlust? Well, that shows no signs of abating. Her most recent project, The Festival Roadshow, was a three-part series which took her and co-host, Rob Ross, on the summer festival circuit around Ireland. The programme kicked off at the Galway Arts Festival, then beetled down to the Killarney Summerfest, before finally wrapping up and at its final destination, the Kilkenny Arts Festival.

Over the past few months, Thomas has occasionally stepped in for Ryan Tubridy on Radio One’s The Tubridy Show (Weekday mornings, 9.00am). Her first stint in radio has been well-received; and probably due to her immensely likeable and outgoing personality which would find a snug fit in the leisurely, jovial timbre of The Tubridy Show. And her dulcet-sometimes-gravelly voice was certainly a welcome addition to my morning wake-up routine. What’s next for Thomas? It’s anyone’s guess but the Montrose rumour-mill speculates that she may be a late-summer addition to The Afternoon Show. Thomas herself however is keeping tight-lipped about her future:

When people ask me where I see myself in five years time I’m so bad at answering that type of question, because I’ve always been somebody that lives from day to day. To have worked on No Frontiers for the last ten years has really been my dream job, so I’ve already achieved that. For me it’s not about having the ‘chat show’ or ‘day time show’ it’s about working to my strengths, and for me those strengths are working with people.

So, delectable or detestable: what say you of Kathryn Thomas?

Related posts:

1. Álainn or Appallin’: Lucy Kennedy
2. Alainn or Appalling: Joan Jett
3. Alainn or Appalling: Chely Wright

The off-screen question this week seems to refer to sex toys. The answers are all boring and predictable.

Whit the Tit is all on for one fun with “marital aids”. She likes strap-on sex, but stresses “giving it”. You like to fuck people (over) don’t you Whit?

Jill is scarleh talking about them and was just as scarleh when she went into a sex shop for the first time.

Tracy (hi Tracy!) was over-whelmed by the amount on offer at her local sex shop.

Mikey thinks there are some “great contraptions” out there. She advises on hygiene, though. Do not put your strap-on in the dish-washer. Rule 69.3 in your lesbian handbook (f’narr):

Upon the dissolution of your relationship, please dispose of any and all sex toys. Should you wish to avail of the pleasure of sex toys with any new sexual partners, a fresh batch of accoutrement are waiting for you at your local sex shop.

According to Mikey this is what makes lesbian relationships so expensive.

Nikki is “very open in the bedroom”…ewwww. She has some “things in her drawer”.

Rose is a cow and I can’t stand her. Her opinion matters nothing. Bitch.

Mikey, La Fawk, running around the office making calls, sunglasses indoors.

Tracy’s mother is having problems with her sexuality, so Tracy is trying to help her cop the feck on.

Ridiculously Overt Super Ego finds it hard to be in a relationship and “behave”. Is that blood on my shirt? Did my heart just bleed?

Whit being a tit.

All up to date? Cool here we go.

Oh, Mikey LA FAWK. Yes, we’re still there. This time it’s  all about the RSVP list and the seating chart. I’m getting to like Mikey but I just don’t care about this shite.  And Mikey? Take off your fucking sunglasses!!!!

Jilliki are at home and meeting Dan, a friend who could just be the gayest man in the world. He’s a designer and they need his help as Passover is coming up. Huh? What does a Jewish holiday have to do with design? Well, this is Hollywood baby! Jilliki are having friends over for their very first Passover in their own home. Therefore the home must be pimped. Moses would approve.

Dan basically takes over the house; the curtains, the walls, the table – you name it, he hates it. Nikki is just all about appearances. She “needs a chandelier in here”, and she looks like she means “need”. You need air and to put on 50 pounds Nikki, no one “needs a chandelier”.

So, for the rest of the show Jilliki have taken a break from their “off the hook” wedding to organise their “off the hook” passover.

Rose (left) visits her granny who raised her. Not such a good job there granny. Ok, ok we’ll blame nature not nurture.

Stamie is bringing Tracy to her first psychic reading. The psychic is “off the hook”. To prep herself for the reading she makes what can only be described as aeroplane sounds. Zooom, Psh, Pishawww, FlimFlim, Zap!! It’s like watching someone read a Batman comic. Poor Tracy is chewing a hole in her cheek trying not to snot herself. After all of the loopy shite, the psychic tells her all stuff we know. Tracy is impressed, but maybe she just watched the last few episodes.

Whit the Tit and friends are going paint-balling. So, in true Whitless style, she has a bet with Tor. Whoever wins gets to shag the loser with a strap-on. Whit, I underestimated your skankiness. I am truly depressed. And Tor, what are you thinking? I had high hopes for you. Don’t tell me you actually like this piece of fluff? Women…

Jilliki are having their life-or-death chandelier installed and it’s huge. As in, did you steal that from Versailles huge. It takes over the whole room. But of course, they sit back and watch open-mouthed. This is your house ladies! If you don’t like it, stop them.

It’s paint-ball time and who is there but Whitney and crew, Rose and kids and Mikey. WTF? How do these people know each other? It turns out that Rose and Mikey have known each other for years. I thought this was supposed to be about random lezzers in LA, not a bunch of mates.

Anyway, cue paint-ball montage that no one cares about. Whitless wins so she gets to shag Tor.

<rant> Can I just take a moment and stress that this is not representative of lesbians anywhere. These women, while having every right to act like arseholes, represent only arseholes and not the majority of the gay world. For most gayers sex isn’t something to be won or lost. And dreads are just smelly. </rant>

Tracy (right) goes to some Zen garden that is deserted but for her and her lunch. Why is she drinking out of a urine sample bottle? She calls her mam to see if she’ll come out to LA for her 30th birthday.

Tracy has lovely hands, tapered fingers. …Sorry, I have a thing about hands. *cough*

So, Tracy says to her mammy that she wants to be able to talk openly about her life with Stamie.  Her mam says that it’s not easy for her, she can’t help how she feels and many other mothers would feel the same. I feel sorry for her to be honest. She actually carts out the old “some people go through stages, they are confused, they like to experiment” chestnut. Lord mam-Tracy you’ve a huge learning curve ahead. She has avoidance down though, “my phone is going to go any minute.” Ha!

Jilliki are acting like organising dinner is something from NATO. It’s a dinner party with friends, relax. Get people drunk and they’ll be happy. Oh it’s Passover, not Christmas, sorry, my bad. Suddenly, CRASH, SMASH. Has the psychic arrived? No! It’s the ridiculous chandelier crashing to the floor in a million pieces. LOL! It really was a life-or-death chandelier.

Of course, Jilliki over-react. Someone could have died, one of the dogs! The dogs! Won’t someone think of the dogs! Nikki, of course, has her heart set on the enormous tawdry piece of tack, and tries to convince Jill that they should try to re-install it.

Whitney and her mate Scarlet go to a sex shop to buy a strap on. They buy one. Much screen time is wasted.

Rose’s granny is in hospital. She hasn’t been well for a while and it turns out she has pneumonia. Rose is, understandably upset and all over the shop. Natalie tries desperately to be there for her but Rose is, quelle surprise, all about herself. Poor Natalie wants to help but “I can’t read her mind and I don’t know what to do for her”. Rose actually says “I need you not to be a bitch right now,” when was she being a bitch? You da bitch, bitch! Look, I tried to be nice, her granny is sick after all, but Rose is just a Creature of Unlimited Narcissistic Tendencies.

Whitless and Tor wake up in  bed; the winning deed has been completed. Ick! Poor Tor actually thinks they have something together. Tor, Tor, Tor it’s called mindless sex.

It’s Passover, Dan completes the finishing touches to the house. The table is laid and it looks ridiculous. How can people see each other over all of those flowers and candles? Nikki is stressed out coz everything has to look perfect. See, Passover comes from the old days back when people would visit friends and family, but if your house wasn’t decorated well enough, your friends and family would pass-over your house and ignore you. See? So all of this may look superficial but it’s central to the Jewish holiday. Glad I could educate you.

From trashy displays of money to displays of white trash. Whitless and her friends are having a white trash party. Lots of jello shots, beer and crappy food later and they are all trashed. Looks like fun, though.

Mikey, LA FAWK. You have to be as sick of reading those three words as I am of writing them. Mikey is running around like a mad yoke trying to get things done, and is starting to get a bit “I’m the boss, bitches, why am I doing all the work?” Maybe they’d see how you feel if you took of the fucking sunglasses! Eventually she has a conniption. Stuff ain’t being done. She actually shouts at one of her employees though. Girl, not cool.

White trash party, Romi shows up. Is that a fin I see in the water?

Tracy and Stamie on the beach chatting. Tracy’s birthday is coming up and she wants her mammy to be there. Hey is that deja vu? Is there a glitch in the matrix?

Beer games at the white trash party. Whitless (left) is as pissed as can be and is dragged into her bedroom by Romi. Now ladies, Romi obviously wants a career in soft porn, or maybe she has a career in soft porn, who knows? Why else in the world would she be comfortable having an orgasm on television in front of hundreds of thousands of people watching from behind their hands and then rushing to the toilet to vomit? Seriously, am I old or does she have absolutely no self respect? Keep your hairless ho-ho to yourself.

The scene is gross. As sexy as Mikey’s sunglasses in the rain. Romi seems to be having fun but I can’t watch. I do notice, though, that Whitless put the strap-on on over her underwear. Niiiice! Plus, is it clean? You only used it last night. In that same bed. With someone who is outside the door. A tool with a tool.

Jilliki, perfect Passover in perfect house with perfect table settings.

Rose has to go to a party but is all up in her head about her granny. See Rose, that means that you worry about your granny. Not that you worry about you. You always worry about you. This is your chance to worry about someone else for a change. But you don’t know how to, do you? Can U Not Try?

Natalie is trying to take all the bitchiness and understand Rose but, being human and normal and all, she’s losing patience.  Woop! In the car, as Rose is snipping at everyone in the world, Natalie tells her to calm down. Fight! Rose is all, “I’m asking you to stop right now”, pretending to be cool. But our Natalie is switched-on bitches! “Don’t talk to be like you’re my mom, coz you’re not.” WOOHOO!! Best line in the series so far. Kick it to her Natalie. Rose refuses to walk with her into the party. Muppet.

Mikey and her lady Raquel are out for date night. All Mikey can talk about is La FAWK. Raquel suggests that they talk about something else. Mikey agrees. Moments tick past, was that tumbleweed?

Rose tells Natalie to leave her alone so Natalie does. Of course, Rose is pissed off. What? She’s doing what you want. Stupid woman. So, Natalie spends the evening hanging with her sister who is the DJ at the party. Meanwhile, Rose’s ex-stalker-girlfriend, Angel, texts her support about her granny’s illness. Rose is touched. WTF?!?!? Your girl has been trying to support you all effing day, being there for you when you treat her like shite and leaving you to it when you ask. And a text from a stalker means something to you? You are as much a Rose as she is an Angel.

So Rose leaves the party without Natalie. Natalie is not impressed. You know, being a human being and all.

Whitless, unsexy sex with Romi. Tor is upset. All of Whitless’ friends are pissed off with Whit and her lack of sensitivity. Whit the Tit goes to apologise to Tor. Tor rips her a new one. Hah! In fairness to Whit, she takes it coz she knows she deserves it. The whole episode makes Whitless feel like the turd she is and she finds a quiet spot to fall apart.

Natalie gets a lift home from one of her mates. No Rose. Plus, Nat doesn’t have her keys. So she goes back to her friend’s house and they have a good auld bitch about Rose. Can I join in? Please? She’s a **** and deserves to be ******* ******. You deserve so much better Natalie. Even Whitney would be an improvement. Yeah I said it. Words of wisdom:

“Rose doesn’t care how I feel and is going to do whatever she wants.”

“You give people the benefit of the doubt all the time. Realise what she’s like.”

“Leaving would be unfortunate but my mom always thought me to love myself first.”

One of Natalie’s mates tells her that Rose is with Angel. They deserve each other. Couple Uf Nasty Twats.

Related posts:

1. The Real L Word Recap 5
2. The Real L Word Recap 6
3. The Real L Word Recap 3

So what is Sisters’ exactly I hear you cry.  Well, according to their website:

Sisters’ boutique night is a community event designed to celebrate women and their unique contribution to our LGBT community. Showcasing the best talents of our diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer and intersex communities Sisters’ is a celebration of women in all their forms. With different themes, Sisters’ will reflect the many roles and capabilities women have in the modern world

Live music acts, drag artists, singers, actors, dancers and performance artists are all invited to volunteer their performances by contacting: lesbatron at gmail dot com

Hosted by Ms Lesbatron, the event is at 9pm til late.

Admission €7/€5.

• Sisters’ Boutique

• Sisters’ Boutique on Facebook

Related posts:

1. What’s On Guide
2. Ireland’s captain fancies our World Cup chances
3. Rugby World Cup: Meet Team Ireland (part 1)

Mairead Kelly

Kelly is a member of the all conquering UL Bohemians and yet another alumnus of University of Limerick. She also plays for Munster. She is a Financial Analyst and also enjoys Gaelic Football. With seven caps, Kelly normally lines out at centre or on the wing.

Caroline Mahon

Mahon is an experienced player with UL Bohs, Leinster and Ireland, where she plays on the second row. She has amassed 34 caps coming into the World Cup. She is a teacher and attended University of Limerick. She has also scored two tries for Ireland.

Claire Molloy

Claire is one of two Connacht players in the RWC squad. She plays her club rugby for Bristol and is a student at Cardiff University. She is a flanker and has been in the squad for the past two seasons, earning six caps.

Joy Neville

One to watch during the World Cup, according to ScrumQueens.com, Neville is one of the most experience players in the squad and has captained the side in previous seasons. She plays at 8 for her club, UL Bohemians, and for her country. Amassing 48 caps, Neville has scored over 50 points. She is a student in Limerick IT.

Yvonne Nolan

Nolan hails from Tullamore and plays her club rugby for Blackrock at hooker. Nolan also plays for Leinster. She has earned 20 caps with Ireland. A graduate of UCD, she is a solicitor and enjoys golf and skiing as well as rugby.

Kate O’Loughlin

O’Loughlin is another Clonmel RFC member. She lines out on the second row at 4 or 5 for club and country, earning 11 caps. She also plays for Munster. She attended DCU and is a full time Teacher. She also plays Gaelic Football and enjoys cycling and hill walking.

Joanne O’Sullivan

O’Sullivan is one of Ireland’s most experienced players with 51 caps to her name. She plays for Richmond RFC in England and is the sole Exile in the Ireland squad. O’Sullivan plays at outhalf, centre or fullback.

Mary Louise Reilly

Reilly is a relatively new face in the squad having made the breakthrough this season. She has earned five honours, and plays her club rugby for Navan RFC, and lines out in the second row at 5. She plays for Leinster at provincial level. She attended Scoil Dara in Kilcock and is a sports development officer.

Tania Rosser

Ireland’s got a Kiwi! Another hugely experienced player, with 47 caps, Rosser has been ever present in Ireland teams in recent seasons only taking time out for the birth of her children. That’s dedication. She plays scrumhalf; her club is Blackrock and her province is Leinster. She is a teacher and hails from New Zealand where she attended Wangamui University.

Sinead Ryan

Another former Scoil Dara pupil, Ryan is a Microbiologist who attended NUI Maynooth. Her position is flanker, playing at 7 for her club, Blackrock RFC. She has 17 caps and also plays for Leinster.

Jackie Shiels

Shiels is a relative newcomer to the squad with only one cap under her belt so far. She plays for Richmond and Leinster at centre or fullback. Shiels is a Teacher and also plays Gaelic, soccer and enjoys swimming.

Nora Stapleton

Stapleton is a promotional officer for the GAA. She attended UCD and plays her club rugby for Old Belvedere RFC. She also plays for Leinster. With four caps, Stapleton lines out on the right wing.

Carol Staunton

Staunton is a student at Galway. She plays her club rugby for Galwegians and is one of two Connacht players in the squad. With 4 caps to her name, Staunton normally lines out at 6 as flanker. She also plays soccer.

• Click here to find out about the rest of the Ireland squad (A – H)!

• Ireland’s full World Cup squad line-up:

Backs (12)

Louise Beamish (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Niamh Briggs (Clonmel/Munster)
Helen Brosnan (Highfield/Munster)
Lynne Cantwell (UL Bohemians)
Amy Davis (Blackrock/Leinster)
Eliza Downey (Cooke/Ulster)
Shannon Houston (Blackrock/Leinster)
Mairead Kelly (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Joanne O’Sullivan (Richmond/Exile)
Tania Rosser (Blackrock/Leinster)
Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Leinster)
Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

Forwards (14)

Louise Austin (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Orla Brennan (Blackrock/Leinster)
Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians/Leinster) (Capt.)
Laura Guest (Highfield/Munster)
Chris Fanning (Highfield/Munster)
Caroline Mahon (UL Bohemians/Leinster)
Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht)
Joy Neville (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Yvonne Nolan (Blackrock/Leinster)
Kate O’Loughlin (Clonmel/Munster)
Marie Louise Reilly (Navan/Leinster)
Sinead Ryan (Blackrock/Leinster)
Carol Staunton (Galwegians/Connacht)

Related posts:

1. Rugby World Cup: Meet Team Ireland (part 1)
2. Rugby World Cup: The story so far
3. Ireland’s captain fancies our World Cup chances

My friend, being from just down the road from the festival site, said we should go the back way as it would be faster, yet he managed to get us lost. Asking the locals for directions did however add greatly to the hilarity of the over-all trip.

All the ahem…others…have gone that way

You just need to go straight… (cue smiles all round)…straight down the road there…you’ll come to a load of fella’s in pink jackets, that’s the spot

For anyone who has ever wondered, Ballinlough Castle is not, as one may think, in Ballinlough! We found it eventually, and the security men were indeed in pink hi-vis vests (which I thought was a pretty great touch). All that remained was to collect the tickets, park the car and set off on our MILK adventure. After a brief bag search, during which the lovely security guys offered to mind the bottled beer until people got something plastic to put it in, we were through and set off looking for a spot to pitch the tent. I pretty much decided as soon I arrived that I was going to have to camp, the buzz was that great right from our arrival.

The campsite was a small enough area, which was brilliant as it was easy to find everyone (as well as your tent when it was pitch dark) yet everyone still had enough room to be fairly spaced out. There were also ample portaloos near enough to the tents, which made the 4am toilet expeditions that bit more bearable!

Once we were all set up, had found our group for the festival and had dispatched my tent-mate back out to collect a few bits from the shop, it was time to head into the main area itself. The maps we were handed out were really cute, and showed us, in the gayest way possible, where we had to go. We followed the rainbow-flag topped walkway through the trees into the concert area to be greeted with a veritable wonderland of giant tea-parties, trees covered with knitting straight out of that advert, and rainbow as far as the eye could see!

We settled ourselves on a patch of grass with a fantastic view of the stage, and sat back to enjoy the Heathers. They were fantastic as always, especially their encore rendition of Remember When. When they finished up, we set off to fully explore the site. We caught a few minutes of the Pony Girls who were performing in the Harvey Milk tent, and carried on our travels to the Pink Palace (the dance tent) where we danced our socks off to some tunes with DJ Karen on the decks before wandering back to the campsite to change.

When we came back into the concert area, we listened to some of Panti’s wonderful MC-ing before pulling up a patch of grass to watch Samantha Fox. During her set, I was informed that I was dangerously close to having my lesbian card revoked as I hadn’t a notion who she was…It transpired that I knew her songs, just not her name it would seem. She gave a really good, energetic performance and was definitely a crowd pleaser.

After that, we headed off to the Music Box stage to listen to The Pulpit, my friend’s band. They were up against Bananarama but certainly held their own and the crowd loved them! I then went over to watch the end of Bananarama’s set before returning to Harvey’s Tent to watch Bunny’s Hutch (every Tuesday in Pantibar), which featured everything from burlesque dancing to drag kings and everything in between. This particular act was definitely a big hit with the lesbians!

Alexandra Burke had taken to the Main Stage when we wandered back over to that area, and we got our dance on with the rest of the crowd to Bad Boys and Broken Heels, as well as swaying with lighters to Hallelujah. She went down an absolute storm with the crowd, and no one wandered too far after as Sophie Ellis Bextor was up next.

We stuck around to hear her sing Take Me Home, but we weren’t impressed enough to make us want to miss Roisin Murphy in the dance tent, so we quickly moved to the opposite end of the site and into the dance tent. She was originally meant to just be doing a DJ set, but ended up doing quite a long live set, much to the delight of the crowd. She certainly lived up to expectations for everyone who heard her.

Seb Fontaine was headlining the Pink Palace, and despite him being amazing, we headed back to the campsite to get ready for the Mother headphone disco that was going to take all the revellers into the small hours.

MILK really did have something for everyone on the day. The music was brilliant, the site was gorgeous and everyone was having a fantastic time. The atmosphere at the festival was so amazing that I can’t even find words to describe the buzz. Previous to MILK, Oxegen was my only festival experience, and this was a world away from that. The crowd was lovely, and everyone seemed so laid back and happy, there was no trouble whatsoever. I have heard loads of stories of cameras etc getting lost and being returned to the owner the next morning (unheard of at a lot of gigs). Indeed one of the vendors at the site said that:

It was such a great atmosphere and lovely crowd we could have walked away, left the till open and they’d have put the money in for us!

Speaking of the vendors, everything you could have wanted was available…there was even a Belgian chocolate fountain! There was also a stall selling just neon stuff so you could light up the dance tent with your body paint!

Another big plus point for the festival was the fact that the portaloos were actually usable and plentiful, and the hand santiser seemed to not run out, which is always a good thing….

MILK has definitely been one of the high points of my 2010, and I’m already really looking forward to MILK 2011!

Related posts:

1. MILK Music Festival
2. Get some MILK with your CaKe 9th July
3. Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival 2010

Now the lady with dubious political beliefs (she’s a Republican but sure we can’t all be perfect), is in a new show that is causing all sorts of murmurings on t’internet. Rizzoli and Isles is a cop show. So far so meh, but it’s a cop show in which the two main characters are women. “Oooh, tell me more Hal”, I hear you say.

Based on the books by Tess Gerristen, Rizzoli and Isles is pretty much your usual procedural cop show. Jane Rizzoli, played by my lookalike, is a tomboy – Boston homocide cop from a close Italian family. Her dad, played by Chazz Palminteri, is a plumber and her mother, played by Lorraine Bracco, is your typical over-bearing Italian mama.

Rizzoli’s best friend, and the Boston medical examiner, is Maura Isles played by NCIS’s Sasha Alexander. Maura comes from money, lots of it, and was schooled in a “fancy French boarding school” as Rizzoli says.  Maura is a bit of a genius, but with genius comes madness and she’s plenty of that too.

They are opposites but it works and, in Angie Harmon’s words, “if the two of them were one woman, she’d be heaven”. What has the internet chatting is the fact that the writers and actors have obviously decided to add a layer of subtext to their relationship. The lingering looks are lezzie to the max people!

It’s only four or five episodes in and already there is fanfic and the couple have been nicknamed Rizzisles. In the very first episode they are on a bed together, as friendly as Xena and Gabby. Upon watching the first, I thought it was just Sasha Alexander who had decided to add a layer to her character and have her in love/lust with her best mate. She undresses Rizzoli with her eyes so many times, I felt flush. As the eps arrive, though, Angie is adding some to the mix. She compliments Maura’s outfit at least once an episode.

One of the episodes coming up is called I Kissed a Girl, and Rizzoli has to go under-cover in a lesbian bar. Come on, tell me the writers don’t know who their audience is!

There has been some backlash to all of this though. If there are two men playing cop partners, we don’t immediately think they are a couple. But if it’s two women we look for subtext. Why? Can’t women on television be friends? Or have the powers that be in TV-land been so successful in making women sex-objects, that we assume there has to be some sexual reason for them to be there?

Related posts:

1. Fair Cops
2. Review: Salt
3. The Real L Word Recap 7

Louise Austin

Born in 1981 and hailing from Tipperary, Austin plays in the back row in the position of prop or flanker. She plays club rugby for current All Ireland Women’s League and Cup champions, UL Bohemians. An alumna of Waterford IT, Austin is a teacher (one of eight on the squad!), and also plays tag rugby.

Louise Beamish

With 41 caps to her name, Beamish is one of Ireland’s most experienced players and takes up the position of scrum half for the team. Along with some of her team-mates, she plays club rugby with UL Bohemians. A graduate of the University of Limerick, Beamish works as a teacher.

Gillian Bourke

Bourke is currently studying at the University of Limerick, and lines out for her club, UL Bohemians (I’m sensing a trend here, people). She plays in Ireland’s front row, as prop or hooker. Bourke is also a keen show jumper. Trot on!

Orla Brennan

Brennan is one of the tallest on the team at 5′ 10″ and, like Beamish, is also one of the most experienced players for Ireland with 41 caps. She plays in the back row for her club, Blackrock, her province, Leinster, and for Ireland. A PE teacher, she attended Coolmine Community College and De Montfort University.

Niamh Briggs

Briggs is one of two members of Clonmel RFC in the Ireland squad. A member of An Garda Síochána (so behave yourselves, now), she is a graduate of Waterford IT. With 16 honours, Briggs lines out at out half/fullback for club, province and country.

Helen Brosnan

One of the weenchiest players at 5′ 2″, Brosnan has 12 caps, and normally plays at out half or first centre. Brosnan is a proud Kerrywoman. Still, she went to University College Cork – the treachery! At least it’s Munster, wha? She plays her club rugby for Cork’s Highfield RFC. In the day job, Brosnan works in the technology sector. Her other main sport is soccer.

Lynne Cantwell

Almost as teeny, Cantwell returns to the Ireland squad after spending some time in New Zealand. She thinks the World Cup should be held there, too – some day, perhaps! For now, we’re stuck with Engerland. Cantwell is Ireland’s most experienced player with 57 caps. She has also amassed 65 points for her country. A qualified physiotherapist, Cantwell attended UL and Southampton. She plays for Ireland at first or second centre. She also plays for UL Bohemians club and for her province, Munster.

Fiona Coghlan (Captain)

Another of the team’s most experienced players with 53 caps, Coughlan is Ireland’s captain and her position is as prop. Her club is UL Bohemians but she lines out for Leinster at provincial level. When she is not propping up the Irish scrum, Coghlan is a full-time teacher of PE and mathematics.

Amy Davis

Originally from County Down and having been capped 13 times, Davis lines out for Ireland as a utility back covering scrum half, wing or centre. She is a student in the University of Ulster, plays for Leinster province and plays her club rugby for Blackrock. She is a sports fanatic, and is also involved in athletics, weight lifting and water sports.

Lauren Day (Injured. Replaced by Laura Guest)

Day is one of the newer faces in the Ireland squad but she has already picked up nearly eight caps at prop position. She attended Grosvenor High and Queens University Belfast, and plays her club rugby with Cooke. She is also a keen Hockey and Badminton player. Unfortunately, Day has been ruled out of the world cup squad due to a fractured wrist bone. The IRFU said, “It is a bitter blow for the talented forward who has worked hard in the last two seasons to gain a place in the Irish Women’s squad.”

Eliza Downey

One of the youngest on the squad, and another Ulster player, Downey plays at wing/full back for Ireland and has been capped twice. Like Day, she plays her club rugby for Cooke RFC. A relative newcomer to the game, Downey works full time as a Development Officer for women’s GAA. She is a graduate of the University of Ulster.

Christine Fanning

Fanning plays for Ireland at the position of hooker and has notched up four caps coming into the Rugby World Cup. She is a Waterford IT alumna and plays club rugby for Highfield RFC in Cork and plays for Munster at provincial level. Fanning is a social worker and enjoys tag rugby, cycling and walking.

Laura Guest

A forward with Ireland as prop, Clonakitly’s Laura Guest plays tight-head for Highfield RFC and plays for Munster. She will replace Lauren Day who has been ruled out of the World Cup squad due to injury. A graduate of the University of Limerick, Guest has nine caps, and is a secondary school teacher. She also enjoys golf, cycling, swimming and camogie.

Shannon Houston

Houston has collected an impressive 25 caps coming into the Rugby World Cup as a strong running centre. A doctor by profession, she plays club rugby for Blackrock RFC and for Leinster. Houston enjoys skiing and weight lifting as part of her fitness programme.

• Check back to find out about the rest of the Ireland squad (K – S)!

• Ireland’s full World Cup squad line-up:

Backs (12)

Louise Beamish (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Niamh Briggs (Clonmel/Munster)
Helen Brosnan (Highfield/Munster)
Lynne Cantwell (UL Bohemians)
Amy Davis (Blackrock/Leinster)
Eliza Downey (Cooke/Ulster)
Shannon Houston (Blackrock/Leinster)
Mairead Kelly (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Joanne O’Sullivan (Richmond/Exile)
Tania Rosser (Blackrock/Leinster)
Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Leinster)
Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

Forwards (14)

Louise Austin (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Orla Brennan (Blackrock/Leinster)
Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians/Leinster) (Capt.)
Laura Guest (Highfield/Munster)
Chris Fanning (Highfield/Munster)
Caroline Mahon (UL Bohemians/Leinster)
Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht)
Joy Neville (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Yvonne Nolan (Blackrock/Leinster)
Kate O’Loughlin (Clonmel/Munster)
Marie Louise Reilly (Navan/Leinster)
Sinead Ryan (Blackrock/Leinster)
Carol Staunton (Galwegians/Connacht)

Related posts:

1. Rugby World Cup: Meet Team Ireland (part 2)
2. Rugby World Cup: The story so far
3. Ireland’s captain fancies our World Cup chances