Singing the praises of Irish women, Kieran Lyons, editor of the new women's magazine, iQ, says "women are so much wiser than men" and that they make for better bosses. Here's a bloke who knows what he's talking about. The former editorial manager of legal publisher, Round Hall Sweet & Maxwell, has had a long line of female bosses. There's the odd "hear, hear" from the audience, but unfortunately he is preaching to the converted. Most of the crowd gathered to celebrate the launch of Ireland's newest glossy magazine are "strong and powerful" women. What a shame.
There's no doubt that the object of Kieran Lyon's admiration is 22-year-old Aideen O'Grady - the woman, brains and face behind the new publication. Aideen's beaming parents, Greta and Tom O'Grady are, understandably, overwhelmed with pride for their young daughter, who along with publishing partner, George Cronin - referred to as a "demon proofer" - launch their full-colour monthly magazine with glasses of champagne in the banquet hall at Dublinia in Christ Church. In the background, the Celtic Tenors belt out classical tunes.
"It's mind-blowing to think that we've managed to bring out this magazine," gushes Aideen. "It's a humbling experience." At this point, I'd appreciate it if readers could spare a thought for this particular social diarist, who's feeling like a major underachiever as she used to babysit the young Aideen.
New iQ fashion editor, Ciara Elliott is looking every inch the fashion queen and is suitably proud of her new title. Family, former colleagues and media guests in the crowd are full of admiration for the new venture. Maureen Sheehy, a former colleague of Aideen's from Hot Press, is here. Financial analyst and journalist Quentin Fottrell is among the crowd, chatting with novelist Eamon Delaney. Singer Mary Stokes is here, as is artist Redmond Cabat and Nessa O'Mahony from the Arts Council. iQ goes on sale countrywide today.