NEWS ~ APRIL 2007

Kian's Diary Entry – 30 April 2007

With Westlife's enormous tour drawing to a close this week, Kian's sent an update on how the guys are getting on.

Kian's Diary From The Road

Hey guys,

It’s great to be back in Dublin to finish off what’s been an incredible tour thanks to all our brilliant fans.

It’s going to be strange suddenly having all this spare time after performing almost non-stop since February, but me and the rest of the guys are looking forward to getting some much needed rest.

The final show is set to be a corker, so to all of you that are going to be there, get ready for a fantastic night.

Love Kian

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Olivia’s Meeting Pictures With Nicky – 30 April 2007

Olivia met Nicky in Dublin for the first time and got some great pictures. Thanx so much for sharing Olivia!

Credit/Source: Olivia

Kerry’s Pictures Of Mark In Dublin – 29 April 2007

Kerry got two lovely pictures of Mark in Dublin and she’s sharing them with us! Thanx hun!

Credit/Source: Kerry

Happy 27^th Birthday Kian! – 29 April 2007

It’s Kian’s 27^th Birthday today!! I want to wish him Happy Birthdayyy! I hope he will have a lovely one with the people he loves and he will always be happy and healthy.

xxx Villy

Georgina Goes Home Looking Radiant – 28 April 2007

AN EMOTIONAL Georgina Ahern and Westlife star Nicky Byrne returned home from hospital yesterday without tiny sixdayold twins Rocco and Jay in their arms.

The proud parents left Holles Street Hospital in the afternoon, but they were forced to leave their babies behind because they are still too weak to leave intensive care.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's first grandchildren have been in incubators since they were born just before 10am on Friday six weeks premature.

It is believed the tots weighed in at about 3lbs each after they were delivered by Caesarean section in the Dublin hospital.

But despite the testing time, the 27-year-old mother stepped out to meet the waiting media pack looking radiant and surprising slim.

Wearing denim jeans, a long grey tee-shirt top with pink horizontal stripes and a matching pink cardigan, the qualified fitness instructor looked a picture of health.

With only the slightest bump, it was hard to believe she had only given birth six days ago.

The Taoiseach's eldest daughter managed to keep her slim physique during pregnancy and Nicky admitted days before the birth that she was keen to get back into her exercise regime.

But yesterday the pair were just focusing on Georgina's recuperation and the strength of their two sons.

'I'm absolutely chuffed, it's an emotional day, we're going home, but the lads are still here so we'll be back here morning, noon and night,' Nicky said.

'Georgina is keeping really well but she is not 100 per cent yet.

' But you know with these things it always takes time to recover.' He said they were still not sure when the twins would be able to leave hospital, but he added that they were 'very healthy and progressing well.

'We've still no idea when they're coming home so it's a little emotional for us.' He added: 'It's fantastic. God has been good to us you know.' He thanked the 'fantastic staff' and said that they felt as though their children were being cared for in the ' best place in the world'.

The 28- year- old boy band member also revealed that they had decided on the pair's godparents.

'Cecelia, Georgina's sister, and Adam, my brother, for Rocco and Gillian, my sister, and her husband Mark for Jay.' Nicky also said that he already noticed the little differences between the identical twins.

'They look like brothers obviously, but there are differences. I think Rocco looks a little more like me and Jay is the image of Georgina he's got big eyes.'

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

New Picture Of Nicky & His Mum – 28 April 2007

Westlife's Nicky Byrne and his mother Yvonne guests on The Late Late Show at RTE Studios. Louis Walsh's red Wrangler Jeep was also parked outside, Dublin, Ireland - 27.04.07

Credit/Source: www.vipireland.com

No Love Tour DVD – Confirmed By Sony BMG – 27 April 2007

The Admin of the Official Westlife Message Boards said that Sony BMG confirmed that The Love Tour will NOT be released on DVD.

I’m sad about it… It’s always great to be able to relive the Tour and for the people that were not able to go to see it through the DVD. There is nothing we can do about it though so I hope the DVD that they will release will have nice stuff in it for us all.

xxx Villy

Westlife Fans In A World Of Their Own – 27 April 2007

Three of Westlife's biggest fans got the surprise of a lifetime as they managed to wrangle their way backstage and meet their pop idols.

Ten year old Megan Dover and best friend nine year old Chloe Shannon had already seen Westlife four times before Friday's concert, but for seven year old Maya McDevitt this was her debut gig and what a memorable occasion it was.

The Wicklow town girls were joined by Megan's mother Hayley and Chloe's mother Amber, but it was hard to judge who was the more excited about the prospect of meeting Ireland's golden pop boys.

'To be honest with you me and my sister were more excited about meeting them than anyone else,' laughs Amber.

A family friend was able to organise the meeting at the Point Depot. The youngsters presented the band with a scrapbook all about Wicklow, featuring various messages to their heroes. The lads mentioned they had visited Wicklow on many occasions before and intended to read the scrap book before taking to the stage.

They also promised to dedicate 'Uptown Girl' and 'Flying Without Wings' to them from the stage. Only Nicky Byrne wasn't able to meet the girls but he had a good excuse as he was still tending to his wife and new born twins, Rocco and Jay.

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Mum Georgina Goes Home – 27 April 2007

PROUD new mum Georgina Byrne left hospital yesterday with her Westlife husband Nicky.

But sadly, the parents had to leave their six-week premature twins Jay and Rocco at Dublin's National Maternity Hospital Holles Street.

Doting mum Georgina, 27, daughter of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, looked gorgeous in jeans and grey top with pink cardigan as she prepared to head home. Nicky, 28, said yesterday: "It is quite emotional going home without Rocco and Jay.

"We don't know when we will be able to take our boys home but they are healthy and that is the main thing.

"Even though we are leaving now all we are really looking forward to is coming back into the hospital to see Rocco and Jay.

"And we can't wait to take them home."

Georgina was rushed to hospital when she went into labour minutes after Nicky's gig at the Point last Thursday.

The twins were delivered by Caesarean section on Friday morning and could remain in the hospital for several weeks.

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Emotions High As Georgina Heads Home Without Tots – 27 April 2007

Nicky Byrne and wife Georgina Ahern leave Holles Street Hospital yesterday after the birth of their twin sons Rocco and Jay.

A GLOWING Georgina Ahern yesterday stepped out in public for the first time since having twins Rocco and Jay a week ago.

The new mum shyly posed for photographs, with husband Westlifer Nicky Byrne, on the steps of the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street yesterday afternoon.

It was an emotional day for the new parents as they made their first trip home to Malahide, Co Dublin together, but had to leave their six-week premature boys behind.

And Nicky revealed who had been chosen as godparents. Georgina's younger sister and bestselling author Cecelia Ahern and Nicky's brother Adam will be godparents to Rocco, while Nicky's sister and her husband, Gillian and Mark Gallagher, will do the honours for Jay.

Looking remarkably fresh after undergoing a Caesarean section just last Friday, Georgina spent a few minutes at the hospital door before going back inside.

Speaking for the couple, Nicky said they were both still on a high after becoming parents for the first time. "We're absolutely chuffed. It's an emotional day. We're going home but the lads are still here.

"Georgina is keeping well but she's not 100pc."

He said the babies, who were receiving special care due to their tiny size, were already showing different personalities. "They're very healthy and are progressing nicely. We still have no idea when they can come home."

The singer has had a hectic schedule for the past week, rushing between the hospital and the Point, where Westlife is on a 12-night run of shows. So far, only close family and friends have caught a glimpse of the twins.

Breda Heffernan

Credit/Source: www.unison.ie

New Pictures Of Nicky & Georgina – 27 April 2007

Westlife's Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina Byrne leave Holles Street Maternity Hospital after the recent birth of twin boys - Dublin, Ireland - 26.04.07.

Click here to see the pictures

Credit/Source: Wenn

Nicky On The Late Late Show Tomorrow – 26 April 2007

Nicky will appear on the Late Late Show tomorrow 27 April 2007 after the concert at the Point.
Channel: RTE1

Time: 21:30

Credit/Source: Thanx Katrin for the info

Nicky On The Late Late Show Tomorrow – 26 April 2007

Nicky will appear on the Late Late Show tomorrow 27 April 2007 after the concert at the Point.
Channel: RTE1

Time: 21:30

Credit/Source: Thanx Katrin for the info

We Didn’t Expect To Last This Long – 26 April 2007

Thanx Hannah at the Mark & Kevin Lovers Forum for typing up the interview and scanning the pages of the magazine. This interview must have been given before the tour and it’s published now.

Westlife - still flying without wings after almost 10 years at the top- talk exclusively about their private lives

'I can't wait to get married'
KIAN EGAN feared it would be the end of the band when Brian McFadden quit in a bid to save his failing marriage to ex-atomic kitten singer Kerry Katona. Two years later, Westlife is still packing out venues worldwide, and Kian, 26, is happily settled with ex-Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert
'Westlife is the most important thing for the four of us right now. We've formed into a four piece, and that's great - but I do still miss Brian a lot. he was brilliant to have around, and we're still mates. I love seeing him.

Brian's had a lot of ups and downs [his marriage did not survive, despite his exit from the band]. The rest of us have been lucky.

Will I get married? Yes, and I think Jodi is The One. We've been together for four years now and are still going strong.

I look at Shane and Nicky and see how happy they are as married men. And I guess I’m the next in line in the band to tie the knot.

But when we do finally get married, I won't go straight back to work. I'd like to travel the world on a six-month honeymoon.
The band's year is really structured, so when we do get time off, Jodi and I like to spend most of it alone, just the two of us. I work hard at keeping my relationship fresh.'

'I want five kids'
NICKY BYRNE, 28, is looking forward to being a parent with his wife, Georgina, daughter of former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern.

'Georgina and I are expecting twins in June, so Shane and i are now both doing the baby thing. [Shane’s wife Gillian, gave birth to their daughter, Nicole, in July 2005]. Gillian and Georgina are good friend, so will swap advice.

We had the second scan, but we don't want to know what sex the twins are. a midwife told us if parents don't know the sex of their baby, the look on their faces when she delivers is amazing.

Having two kids is different and will be tough, but they can look after each other. I want three more - five altogether - so we're not done yet.

We always wanted children, but to be honest, we didn't expect Westlife to last this long. The band had just signed another album deal, but Georgina and I went for it anyway. We thought we couldn't sit around and wait, so we decided to mix the band and having kids.

The band's made us happy, and we realised we can be parents ad pop stars. The most successful stars often have kids - it grounds you.

The twins are due when we're in Ireland, so it’s working out well. The tour ends and then we're home in June. The last two weeks of it are in Dublin anyway.

I'll be away for three weeks and it will be hard, but I’ll be there for Georgina when we get back.'

'I'm gay. People should know'
It made headlines when MARK FEEHILY, 26, revealed he was gay two years ago. But there was no need to worry about the fans' reactions.

'I'm not asking for sympathy or to be a role model. It’s just time people knew the truth. I realise there will be a lot of interest in my personal life. But all I want to say is I’m happy and I’m lucky enough to have found a companion [23-year-old Kevin McDaid].

I have amazing parents, who just gave me a hug and said it didn't matter when i told them. Their only concern was that I’d been living under huge pressure trying to keep my private life private,' Mark said at the time.

Today, the pair are still together. 'Things are going well for me at the moment. I'm still with Kevin and looking forward to Westlife's next tour.'

'Now love two girls'
He's more Rat Pack leader than boy band star these days. But SHANE FILAN, 27, still believes he has the best job ever - even if it means he misses his wife and the new love of his life, baby Nicole, whenever he's on tour

'I still want to be singing in Westlife when I’m 30. I think we all do. It's hard to believe we've been together for almost 10 years now. But I’m enjoying it more than ever, especially the tours.

My little girl, Nicole, is 18 months old, and she's a bundle of joy. She comes with me everywhere, and i just bought a house in London so we can be together more. We spend five months down in London, and now she has a garden to play in. She's even coming on tour.

Being a dad is better than I expected. I love her so much and I'd like to have another child in a few years. [Shane is married to his childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh, who is also Kian's cousin.]

The main thing for me was getting used to another person in my life - the fact that your life revolves around the baby and you have to plan around her. I used to just miss Gillian, and now it's two of them I miss.

It's my plan to carry on with Westlife for at least another few years. It's hard to know what will happen, though. But we're enjoying it and are seeing the rewards.

Our families have comfortable lives. We look forward to things like the tours, now sharing them with our families, then coming home afterwards.'

Taken from: Love It, Issue 63

Credit/Source: Love It Magazine / Hannah

Miriam Meets The Two Tiny Bundles Of Joy – 26 April 2007

MIRIAM Ahern finally met her grandchildren Rocco and Jay yesterday when she visited Holles Street Hospital in Dublin.

She jetted in from South America after cutting short her holiday there.

Celebrity parents Westlife singer Nicky Byrne and Georgina Ahern now want to stay out of the limelight as they adjust to their roles as parents of twin boys, Jay and Rocco.

The twins were born prematurely last week and stayed in hospital yesterday with their mother.

"They are just being private parents," a spokesperson said.

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Top Gift To Twins – 26 April 2007

BERTIE Ahern was on the ball yesterday when it came to starting his twin grandchildren off as Dublin football fans.

The Taoiseach accepted two tiny blue jerseys for Rocco and Jay Byrne.

His daughter Georgina, wife of Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, gave birth to the twins last Friday.

The cute strips were presented by David Tighe, chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, when Bertie stopped off to address the group's AGM in Mount Juliet, Kilkenny.

An onlooker said: "Bertie hopes that the grandkids will go gaa-gaa over them."

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

My 6am Dash Got Me There In The Nick Of Time – 25 April 2007

NEW dad Nicky Byrne revealed yesterday how he made a dramatic dawn dash across Dublin to witness the birth of his twin sons.

And the Westlife singer described Friday - the day Rocco and Jay arrived - as the happiest of his life.

Nicky was joined by his beaming father-in-law Bertie Ahern at Holles Street to see his grandsons for the first time yesterday, after the National Maternity Hospital waived its own strict "Parents Only" rule in the special care unit.

But Nicky and wife Georgina, both 26, are keeping mum about what their little bundles of joy weighed in at, after their dramatic birth seven weeks early.

Speaking as he arrived at Holles Street Hospital yesterday afternoon, clutching a Penneys shopping bag, doting dad Nicky said: "To be honest, I haven't stopped smiling.

"Anyone who was at the show at the Point last night was laughing and grinning with me. As any new dad will tell you, it was the happiest day of my life. I just couldn't even describe it. We are together since we were 16, it's one of the blessings of our relationship. The reception I got last night at the Point Depot was amazing. The lads all came up to congratulate me on stage, it was full of balloons. I'm on top of the world."

Nicky said that, although the boys were delivered early, they are breathing on their own and doing well.

He said: "Obviously it was a bit sooner than expected, but the two lads are doing great and they're keeping well. Georgina is in fine form now, it's all good. She deserves all the credit. What a day we had yesterday, and it was just absolutely brilliant. She gave it everything and there you are, we have two little baby boys. We're the happy little family. I'm just grinning, I'm speechless."

He also revealed his dawn dash to across the city from Malahide to Holles Street on Friday morning after Georgina went into labour.

He said: "We went in the day before and they did a couple of scans on Georgina. And they kept her in for observation for 24 hours. I did the first show at the Point and I came back to her and then I went home around 1am. And about 6am she called me and said she was getting a little bit uncomfortable and stuff and was in a bit of pain."

He added in a phone call to 2FM: "So I flew back in to her and then all of a sudden then, we were rushed up and everything was kind of done and dusted.

"It was brilliant, there were anxious moments, but it was fantastic. And the two little lads, as I keep saying, they were a little bit early, but they're doing absolutely fantastic, which is all we can hope for at this time. Obviously it was a shock but, not so much an alarm. They weren't in any distress. She had gone into a kind of early labour.

Everything was fine.

"Even in the caesarean, there was no panic, it was as good as gold. The boys had a good first night. It was really peaceful. We held them last night. After the Point gig, I came back and I spent a good hour with them. We kind of held them on our chests for a while, it was really special. They're really well...they're doing fantastic. And they're in a great place and the staff there are brilliant."

Nicky was also quick to point out that the twins are not as premature as first feared.

He said: "Twins are generally due around 37 weeks instead of the normal 40 weeks, so based on that, she is about three or four weeks early. But they're doing well and they're nice and healthy and that's all we can ask for. We didn't reveal their weights because the two little lads, they're a little bit on the small side, so we thought, we'd keep that to ourselves."

But what about the names they have chosen for their sons? Are they called after anyone and are their second names Bertie and Nick, after the doting granddads?

Nicky said: "Rocco and Jay are two names we've always loved and we always thought that if we had little boys, that's what we'd call them. Because obviously when we found out it was twins, there were a couple of scenarios - two boys, two girls or a little boy and a girl. We didn't have a clue. So they were the two names for the boys. They're not really after anybody at all, they're just two names we kind of thought were cool. I saw Bertie on the news last night doing his interview, and referring to them as Rocco and Jay. We haven't finalised the middle names yet, but we're taking about referring to Bertie and my dad Nick." But Nicky said it's too early to say when he and Georgina can bring their little boys home.

He added: "We're not too sure yet when they're coming home. I'd say it will be a couple of weeks anyway. But it might be even longer. We're not even thinking about that."

Because they were premature and underweight the little boys are kept under strict 24-hour monitoring from the nursing and clinical staff. The babies could be kept in the hospital until their due date or, if they are in good health, they pass the 4lbs 8oz milestone.

Nicky explained: "Louis was asking me last night if he could manage them when they're older because he reckons they're going to be the new Bros."

And three hours after Nicky arrived at the hospital, Taoiseach and proud grandda Bertie visited his daughter and grandsons.

He said: "I'm delighted, needless to say, because she was seven weeks premature, there were some worries but everything is fine. I'm very happy for them. They are a great couple. I think Georgina will be a great mam and Nicky will be a great dad."

And when asked about his daughter's choice of names for her little boys? Bertie laughed: "They are different anyway. "Once they're happy and the two boys are alright, then I'm happy."

And after an hour-and-a-half long visit, a beaming Bertie emerged with youngest daughter Cecelia and her boyfriend David Keoghan who clutched two blue teddy bears. The special care unit waived its rules to admit Bertie and Cecelia.

A hospital source said: "The reason for that is that this is a high security area with a lot of sick babies. They need special care and if we admitted aunts, uncles and grandparents then the place would be over run and crawling with people."

But although proud Bertie got to see his grandsons he didn't get to hold Rocco or Jay.

He said: "No, they're in their units but it's lovely to see them."

And sister Cecelia said she was delighted with her new nephews.

She added: "It was a real shock. I've waited a long time to see them. But I'm very excited as I'll be a Godmother."

And she said that the experience hadn't made her broody at all.

She added: "I think that was enough baby excitement for one family for the moment!"

Credit/Source: Sunday Mirror / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

We Won’t Sell Our Baby Pix – 25 April 2007

NICKY and Georgina will definitely NOT be selling the exclusive first pictures of their twin boys, Rocco and Jay.

Insiders say they could make more than EUR1million for the pictures of the babies. ut the new parents have decided they definitely won't be taking that route after the debacle of their wedding in 2003.

Last night a spokeswoman for the couple said that although they have received numerous big-money offers from celebrity magazines, there's no way they will sell pictures of their sons.

Joanne Byrne added: "Once we issued out the statement, we had various magazines coming back to us asking if they'd be interested in doing a deal.

"But there's no negotiations, because there won't be any deal. Absolutely not."

The couple were paid EUR1million for the rights to their fairytale wedding in France by Hello magazine.

But their big day turned into a nightmare when furious locals in the tiny French village of Gallardon jeered and shouted abuse at the couple as they sneaked into the chapel, hidden from public view by a massive white tent.

And armed security hired by the magazine viciously at tacked Irish photographers there to cover the event.

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Ahern Gets Some Baby Kissing Patience – 25 April 2007

The sign at the entrance to the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin makes it clear. "No visiting. Please respect patients' need for rest," it says with a big red line between a little Mama and Papa sign. The visiting hours, the sign explains in small print, are between 3pm and 4pm and 6pm and 8.30pm, but there are exceptions, and the most important exception in the country arrived just after 2.15pm on Saturday to see his grandchildren for the first time.

There to greet the Taoiseach was an expectant crowd. One half, the media, were there for him, the other half, a crowd of teenage girls, were there for his son-in-law, Nicky Byrne.

Nicky came bounding down the steps of the hospital entrance as Mr Ahern got out of the car and the two hugged each other as grandfather and son-in-law would expect to do after the birth of a first child, or children as in this case."Georgina loves flowers, so we kept it simple," the Taoiseach said in response to a question as to what he had brought his daughter.

"Nicky described it as the happiest day of his life. How does it feel for you?" he was asked. "I'm delighted. When we heard they were seven weeks premature, I was bit worried, but everything is fine."

"Taoiseach, they arrived two months early. Will you call the election now and go right ahead?" elicited only laughter from the new grandfather. "Will this be the first time you ever kissed babies before the election?" "I'm afraid not," he replied.

Credit/Source: The Irish Times / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Newest Celebrity Arrivals Have 'Strong Personalities' – 25 April 2007

THEY are not even a week old but Ireland's newest celebrities Rocco and Jay are already displaying their "strong personalities".

Their mother Georgina Ahern is not expected to be discharged from the National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street until later in the week.

Georgina and new dad Nicky Byrne, pictured with fans outside Holles Street yesterday, have been glued to the premature twins' bedside since their arrival last Friday. A spokesperson for the proud parents, Joanne Byrne, said yesterday the babies were doing well.

"Everybody's very happy with their progress. Nicky and Georgina are spending every spare moment with them. The doctors are happy with their progress and they already have very strong personalities," Ms Byrne said. She added that Georgina would have to spend a few days in hospital but was expected to go home towards the end of this week.

Credit/Source: www.unison.ie/irish_independent

Joy For Bertie As Taoiseach Becomes Grandad For First Time – 25 April 2007

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern became a grandad for the first time last weekend.

Daughter Georgina gave birth to twin boys Jay and Rocco early on Saturday morning at Holles Street Hospital in Dublin.

She had not been due to give birth until June or July.

Georgina and doting dad - Westlife's Nicky Byrne - explained how the early arrival had taken everyone by surprise. He said: "Georgina just went for a couple of scans and she was kept in for observation so it was a bit of a shock that she gave birth to the twins by caesarean not long after that.

"But everything is fine. There was no panic."

The only Ahern missing from the celebrations was Georgina's mum Miriam who was caught short by the twin's early arrival as she is on holiday thousands of miles away in Chile.

The twins will be in hospital for about a month before they are allowed home with their parents.

The double celebration comes weeks before Mr Ahern sets about trying to secure a record third term in power.

Georgina's sister, author Cecelia Ahern, is set to become godmother to the boys.

Credit/Source: www.irishpost.co.uk

Why Rocco And Jay? Because They’re ‘Cool Names’ – 25 April 2007

NEW dad Nicky Byrne has finally answered the question we've all been asking ourselves since the birth of his and wife Georgina's twin boys Rocco and Jay on Friday.

Where did they get the names from?

'We just thought they would be cool names for two boys,' he revealed on RT's Liveline.

He added: 'It seems to be causing a little bit of a stir but I think as soon as they grow up and you see their little characters.

'A name's a name at the end of the day.' The babies are recovering well in incubators at Holles Street Hospital in Dublin and have their parents constantly by their side.

Although the boys are undoubtedly the most in demand celebrity babies at the moment their proud dad has ruled out a magazine special with the twins. He said: 'I think for the little lads you don't know they might not want to be in the public eye. They might be completely different than their dad and grandads.' The non-identical pair remain in an incubator after they were born prematurely last Friday. His wife Georgina, daughter of the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, is back up on her feet and recovering well after the Caesarean section.

Nicky said the birth was the best day of their lives: 'It's surreal really.

I never thought I'd see the day and be so soft about it. But God, it's mind-blowing. They are both feeding now and breathing on their own.

'All there is now is for them to put on a bit of weight. They will be in there for a bit more time and we can't wait to get them home.' Nicky also revealed othat he would rather see his sons go into music than politics.

'I was singing a few songs while they were pregnant. Would you believe I was singing Westlife songs to them. World Of Our Own was the song we were singing to them.'

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Today In Music History– 25 April 2007

April 25 - 1999
Irish boy band Westlife went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with their debut release 'Swear It Again'. They became the 8th Irish act to score a UK No.1 in less than a year.

By: News Desk

Credit/Source: www.soundgenerator.com

‘Georgina Deserves All The Credit,’ Says Nicky – 24 April 2007

HE LOOKS remarkably fresh faced for a new dad but then, the hard bit hasn't started yet.

In fact, it looks like Westlife star Nicky Byrne hasn't been able to stop beaming since the unexpected early arrival of his twin sons last Friday.

Standing on the steps of Holles Street with yet more presents for the boys Rocco and Jay, Nicky was only too happy to stop and give the thumbs-up for the cameras.

After a rollercoaster few days for the 26-year- old and his wife Georgina, 27, he is still coming to terms with the enormity of becoming a father for the first time.

'To be honest, I haven't stopped smiling,' he told reporters.

'We are together since we were 16, it's one of the blessings of our relationship.' Fears the infants who arrived seven weeks early and are being looked after in incubators may be struggling were dismissed by Nicky.

Instead, he was full of praise Caesarean: Georgina Ahern for Georgina who is recovering well after a Caesarean section.

'Obviously, it is a bit sooner than expected but the lads are doing great and they're keeping well.

Georgina is in fine form now, it's all good. She deserves all the credit.'

He also revealed how he had to make a dramatic dash across town to Holles Street after Georgina went into labour. 'We went in the day before and they did a couple of scans on Georgina. And they kept her in for observation for 24 hours.

'I did the first show at the Point and I came back to her and then I went home at around 1am. And about 6am she called me and said she was getting a little bit uncomfortable and was in a bit of pain.' Speaking on 2FM he said: 'So I flew back to her and then all of a sudden then, we were rushed up and everything was kind of done and dusted.

'Obviously it was a shock but not so much an alarm. They weren't in any distress. Even in the caesarean, there was no panic, it was as good as gold.

'After the Point gig, I came back and spent a good hour with them.

We kind of held them on our chests for a while, it was really special.' He said he expected the twins would be kept in the hospital for at least another two weeks.

Meanwhile, new grandmother, Miriam Ahern is believed to be flying back from a break in Chile to see the new arrivals.

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Nicky Video Interview At The Hospital – 24 April 2007

You can watch a video of Nicky talking to the media at Holles Street Hospital:

Watch Nicky’s Interview Here

Credit/Source: Thanx Jane for finding the link / www.youtube.com / Stunki87 for uploading the video

Rocco Bertie And Jay Nicky Doing Well, Says Father – 24 April 2007

The twin sons of Nicky Byrne of Westlife and Georgina Ahern, daughter of the Taoiseach, have been given middle names after their grandfathers.

Rocco and Jay, who were born by Caesarean section at 9.55am last Friday, are to be called Rocco Bertie and Jay Nick after Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and cabaret performer Nick Byrne.

The President and Dr Martin McAleese have sent flowers and good wishes to the family at Holles Street hospital.

On the RTÉ radio programme Liveline yesterday, the children's father told Joe Duffy: "It is nice to incorporate - they are not double-barrelled names, they are just the middle names we have given them."

Asked if the Taoiseach would babysit the boys, Byrne said: "I'm sure he will, I'm sure he will. He's well capable. He did it when Georgina and Cecilia were babies, he probably hasn't babysat or changed a nappy in quite a while. I'm sure he is busy with the general election."

Byrne said the couple had been overwhelmed by the amount of good wishes and gifts, particularly those from the President and her husband.

He said his wife was recovering well. "She's great, she's absolutely fantastic." He added that the babies, who were two months premature, were now breathing for themselves.

"We are walking up and down to see the little lads and starting to hold them and bond."

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Nicky’s A Star – 24 April 2007

NEW dad Nicky Byrne was welcoming two smash hits of a different kind when he went on stage.

The 28-year-old Westlife star and delighted dad got a rapturous reception at the Point in Dublin after the birth of his two boys Rocco and Jay.

Nicky's wife Georgina, 27, gave birth to the duo on Friday.

His bandmates Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Kian Egan lead the sell-out crowd in a chorus of cheers.

Nicky said: "What a day we had. It's the happiest day of your life."

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Double Trouble… Or Twice The Fun? – 24 April 2007

What does Bertie's girl face now she has twins?

By Ed PowerCelebrity parenting etiquette requires that you give your kids names that are (a) exotic and (b) hard to spell. In that regard, Georgina Ahern and Westlife's Nicky Byrne, proud parents of newborn twins Rocco and Jay, have discharged their duties admirably. Jay and Rocco - could Posh and David done any better?

For all their wealth and fame, though, Byrne and Ahern will find raising twins brings unique challenges. True, the burdens are frequently financial: parents of twins can expect to spend twice as much on nappies, school uniforms and college expenses.

Yet twins make unusual demands of parents in others ways too, from which nobody - not even a pop star or Taoiseach's daughter - is exempt.

Emotionally, twins often seem to share a special bond, one which outsiders may find uncanny and perhaps slightly eerie. More practically, twins tend to back each other up, meaning it is harder to put manners on an errant child.

"Disciplining twins is very challenging," says Sandra Logan, mother of twin teenage boys "They stick together so if you give out to one, then the other one will take their side of the argument and a small incident may turn into something much bigger. You may end up with lots of tears and slammed doors. You really have to tread carefully."

Some childcare professionals frown on the practice of dressing twins alike, cautioning that parents should emphasis twins' differences. Speaking to twins themselves, however, there is little to indicate long-term damage

"My sister and I were dressed the same until we were about 12, at which point there was, I think, a collective agreement that it was time it should stop," laughs identical twin Ciara Riordan (24). "It certainly hasn't done us any harm."

Ciara and twin sister Aisling, from near Blarney in Co Cork, work side-by-side. Ciara is a producer at Newstalk radio; Aisling is a researcher at the station and both took the same course at college. Rather than diminishing their sense of self, having a twin has brought only benefits, says Ciara.

"It's great because you've really got a friend for life," she says. "There are numerous times when I have been extremely grateful that I'm a twin. When we started college in Dublin, for example, we had each other, so it made it much easier to deal with life in the big city."

As to the belief that twins share a psychic affinity - well, maybe there's a smidgin of truth to that, says Ciara. "There was one occasion when I had a really bad dream. I texted my sister to see if she was okay. It turns out she was experiencing a feeling of dread that she couldn't explain.

"We also got our tonsils out on the same day - whenever one of us had become sick with tonsillitis, the other would always come down with it too."

Parenting experts stress the financial burdens of raising twins. "Everything costs twice as much," says Mairead Hilliard, mother of Fiona and Nicola (24). For years Mairead campaigned for the parents of twins to be granted the same financial exemptions as those of other multiple-birth children. In the late '90s, the government agreed additional allowances for families with twins (which fell short of Mairead's demand that parents receive privileges equal to those of families with triplets).

"Perhaps Bertie wishes he'd listened to us, now," she says. "But the truth is that the big issues are financial, and I would imagine that isn't something Nicky and Georgina will have to worry about."

Putting twins through secondary school, in particular, places a strain on family finances.

"Sending a child to school costs an awful lot at the best of times," says Mairead. "With Fiona and Nicola, I found secondary school to be the hardest.

"I know it was a struggle for other parents of twins, too. When I was campaigning for greater welfare payments, our phone used ring off the wall - we were inundated by parents who found it difficult to cope with the monetary pressures."

Treating twins as a 'unit' may lead to destructive inter-sibling rivalry, say parenting commentators. "The answer is to separate them early," says Gina Siddons, mother of 16-year-old twins and manager of the Twins and Multiple Birth Association (TAMBA) in the UK.

"Send them to play-group on different days, put them in different classes at school. And there is nothing more disappointing for a child than opening exactly the same present as his or her twin."

As adults, twins who follow the same career path are often seen as 'copying' one another. In reality, says Gina, it may be that their shared talents lead in a similar direction. "People think they are copying each other when they are just the same by nature. They end up having to make a statement about it. It's sad."

Far from growing up in one another's shadow, however, the Riordan twins found their overlapping interests and ambitions to be advantageous.

"We have similar taste in clothes and sometimes we will still swap outfits," says Ciara.

"The great thing with our present jobs are that one of us is based in the office, while the other is out quite a bit. So we get to work with our closest friend while not being cooped up with them all day. It's best of both worlds, really."

Credit/Source: Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Liveline's Joe Shows Nicky He's Top Of Pops – 24 April 2007

Nicky Byrne at Hollis Street Hospital yesterday where he visited Georgina and twins Rocco and Jay. Pic: Arthaur Carron/Collins

TWINS? Sure Joe Duffy has triplets.

So who better to turn to for advice when you have just become a father to two?

Nicky Byrne popped up on 'Liveline' yesterday afternoon to get some tips and update the nation on how naming the boys is coming along.

He told the radio host they will be called Rocco Bertie Byrne and Jay Nick Byrne, but pictures of the duo may be hard to come by.

"I think for the little lads, you don't know, these mightn't like the public eye. They might be completely different to their dad and their Grandad, and my dad's in a cabaret band as well," Nicky said, simultaneously swatting away lucrative offers from glossy magazines.

Bertie the Grandad will be willing and able for babysitting duties after the election, said Nicky

The twins were born two months early, of course, and the Westlife singer revealed that the decorators were around yesterday morning to fix up the main bedroom for their arrival.

This is when Joe's experience came to the fore.

"Make the room totally self-contained if you can - a sink, a fridge, an armchair," he advised, drawing some nervous laughter from the first-time dad who didn't think Joe was serious. But Joe was very serious.

"You're going to be spending a lot of time in there in the first few months. And as I say, get your sleep," he continued, as Nicky tried in vain to get a word in.

"You'll be tempted to stay up at night with them and Georgina will be very tempted if she's feeding them herself to spend a lot of time [up] but she has to get her sleep. Because you have to be with them every day, seven days, 14, 28, six months, the rest of your lives."

"The worry doesn't end," Nicky laughed, wondering what the hell he had gotten himself into.

"But the joy doesn't end either," Joe hit back.

Nicky said that the two boys are now feeding, and breathing on their own, and the doctors want them to put on some weight before plans can be made for bringing them home.

His wife, he added, was back on her feet and doing well.

Bertie - the Grandad - will be willing and able for babysitting duties after the election, he believes, but might have to brush up on his tunes.

"Would you believe I was actually singing a Westlife song? World of Our Own we were singing to them and some of the nurses were singing it to them aswell so that was kinda nice," Nicky revealed.

Joe approved.

"Great atmosphere, great atmosphere," he said.

Jason O'Brien

Credit/Source: www.unison.ie/irish_independent

Kian On RTE Tomorrow – 23 April 2007

Kian talking about his opinion for the greatest invention ever.... the electric toothbrush.

Scope
When: 24 April 2007

Channel: RTE
Time: 7:30-8:15pm

Credit/Source: Thanx Susan for the info

Babies Stay Under Wraps As Georgina Goes Home – 23 April 2007

Westlife star and proud dad, Nicky Byrne, grabs brunch before visiting his wife and twins

Cecilia Ahern and her boyfriend David Keoghan outside Holles Street Hospital where they visited Georgina after she gave birth to twins

THE public may have to wait days to catch a glimpse of the new Ahern grandchildren.

Georgina Ahern is not expected to leave Holles Street Hospital in Dublin until this evening ) at the earliest, and her two new bundles of joy could be at least a week later.

At just over three pounds each, premature newly-borns Rocco and Jay are being monitored in a special unit at the maternity hospital.

Medical staff said they were doing very well in their incubators and did not need ventilators.

Only family, friends and hospital staff have set eyes on the new arrivals.

Proud grandfather Bertie Ahern has visited, along with Cecelia Ahern and boyfriend David Keoghan. It is understood that Georgina's mother Miriam is making plans to return home from a holiday in Chile with her restaurateur boyfriend Terry McCoy.

Early reports suggest that the identical twins have long legs like Georgina but any resemblance to An Taoiseach has not yet been detected.

A spokesperson for the new parents said that the couple and their twin boys will pose for a family shot - but it may not take place for at least a week.

She confirmed that new parents Georgina (27) and Nicky Byrne will not sell the first pictures of the boys - which have been given a potential price tag over €1m.

"Georgina could be in for a few more days and the boys could be even longer," said spokesperson Joanne Byrne.

"Because they were premature, the staff want to keep an eye on them and they are in a unit for premature babies. Georgina had to stay in last night ) and could be there longer. When mothers have caesarians they often have to stay longer than usual.

"They are not interested in selling the pictures because, unlike their wedding, they feel this involves not just them, but other lives. They have not had offers, because they said they would not sell the pictures, but they had inquiries."

It is likely that 'Hello!' magazine was one of those in touch regarding a picture deal after it paid over €500,000 for the couple's closely-guarded wedding snaps in 2003.

Georgina went into labour after she visited the Holles Street hospital for tests and doctors decided to carry out an emergency caesarean. The twins were born just before 10am last Friday.

Anne-Marie Walsh

Credit/Source: www.unison.ie

Nicky Becomes A Father – 23 April 2007

Congratulations to Nicky, who became a proud father to twin boys on Friday morning. Rocco, Jay and Georgina are all doing very well.

Nicky and Georgina would like to pass on their thanks to the Westlife fans for their wonderful messages.

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Our Tiny Rocco Stars – 22 April 2007

By Kathryn Rogers and John Downing

Westlife Nicky shows size of new twin sons Rocco and Jay.

Delighted dad Nicky Byrne yesterday beamed with pride after the birth of twins Rocco and Jay – then said: “They’re this tiny!”

Rocco Bertie and Jay Nicky… Dad’ll Do Nicely

The Show went on last night for Westlife's Nicky Byrne who was back on stage hours after becoming a dad on the double.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern became a grandad yesterday as his daughter Georgina (27) and her hubby Nicky (28) celebrated the arrival of the twin boys.

The wee lads each took a middle name from their two grandads. One baby was named Rocco Bertie in an odd mixture of exoticism and auld Dublin The other baby was named Jay Nicky, after Nicky’s dad who also carries that name

Georgina gave birth to Rocco and Jay after a Caesarean section at 9.55am in Dublin’s Holles Street hospital yesterday. - just hours after Nicky kicked off the first of 12 Westlife dates in The Point in Dublin.

Twins

She had been admitted to hospital days earlier for observation although the twins’ due date was June 2. Plans had been in place to deliver the twins after the Westlife shows in Dublin ended on May 4.

"It seems the twins had other plans," said a source.

”Nicky hasn’t said what weight they were but he said everyone is fine. Arriving early is nothing unusual when twins are concerned.”

A beaming Bertie told the Star. “I’m delighted for them, I think Nicky and Georgina are a great couple and they are very close to me.”

Georgina’s mum Miriam was caught by surprise at the premature delivery and is not due back from holidays in Chile for some days.

"I’m so delighted to welcome my grandchildren and very sorry not to be there to see them in their first few hours,” she said in a brief statement.

”I’m so delighted most especially for my daughter and of course my son-in-law Nicky.”

Nicky and Georgina also issued a brief statement confirming the birth yesterday and thanking Professor McAuliffe and “all the wonderful staff” at the hospital.

Westlife boss Louis Walsh insisted that Nicky will be performing with the band throughout the Dublin run of 12 nights.

"The show will go on and Nicky will be part of it," he said.

”Georgina and the babies are doing great so Nicky’s on a real high. There’s no reason why he wouldn’t be doing the shows. He’s celebrating!”

Nicky and Georgina are expected to keep the twins out of the limelight for now as the couple has struck a lucrative deal with a glossy celebrity magazine.

The happy couple first broke the news to family and friends that they were expecting last November. The pair didn’t tell the media about the news until weeks later.

Rumour

Politics briefly took a back seat for Bertie yesterday as he basked in the glow of the two latest additions to his family.

Confirmation of the rumour that Georgina had given birth came in the late afternoon when Mr Ahern was addressing a Fianna Fail meeting at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel in Co Meath.

Leaving the building he stopped for a moment and the questions for once were not about politics.

"Georgina is OK. That’s all that matters to me. I was talking to her a moment ago and she’s just out of recovery - but she is fine,” the Taoiseach said.

”The kids are premature but they’re OK. They are called Rocco and Jay,” the somewhat bashful grandad said.

Nicky in an interview he gave this week, said that there had been much hilarity in the Byrne-Ahern household over a certain bet available in a bookies chain.

”They were offering 300-to-1 odds that if we have two boys, we’ll call them Enda and Kenny!” he joked.

Nicky said their house had been “torn apart” because he and Georgina hired an interior designer to refit the luxury Malahide property for the new arrivals.

The nursery is already equipped with twin Moses baskets provided by Nicky's doting parents.

And Nicky said he had no doubt that his dad-in-law would make an excellent grandfather and would play his part in babysitting the twins.

”He’ll be having a few less pints in Fagan’s… he’ll be putting the hours in alright,” joked Nicky.

The Westlife hunk had always said he wanted to be a dad when he was in his 20's.

”I don’t want to leave it too long, because if I have wee boys, I want to be able to kick a ball around with them,” he said.

Credit/Source: The Star / Thanx Luce for the scans

No Chore To Kiss Babies – 22 April 2007

THE election may not have been called yet, but Bertie Ahern was more than ready yesterday to start kissing babies. And where better to pucker up than with his day-old grandsons Rocco and Jay?

Arriving at the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street with his daughter Cecelia and her boyfriend David Keoghan, the Taoiseach was greeted by his son-in-law and proud father of the twins, Westlife star Nicky Byrne.

"I'm very happy for them," said Bertie. "They're a great couple. I think Georgina will be a great mam, and Nicky will be a great dad, so I'm happy."

And asked what he made of the interesting choice of names, Mr Ahern smiled and quipped: "Well… they're different anyway!"

Credit/Source: www.unison.ie/irish_independent

Nicky’s Tot Stars – 22 April 2007

By PAUL MARTIN

Delight for Westlife singer as wife Georgina gives birth to twin boys.

Westlife star Nicky Byrne was celebrating the birth of his bop bop baby twins last night – six weeks early.

The singer and his wife Georgina, daughter of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, said they were “thrilled and overjoyed” at the arrival of boys Rocco and Jay.

Georgina, 27, was rushed to hospital when she went into labour just minutes after Nicky finished the concert at The Point on Thursday night.

She delivered the boys at 9:55am yesterday at Dublin’s National Maternity Hospital.

Nicky 28, looked delighted as he left the hospital in Holles Street last night and gave waiting media a wave.

He said: “Georgina and the babies are healthy and fine. They’re both very small. Georgina’s very happy and she can’t wait to get them home.”

Then he rushed off to The Point where bandmates Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily told a sell-out crowd the good news and led them in a chorus of cheers for the now dad.

The band have just kicked off a record 12-night stint at the Dublin venue as part of their huge tour.

Shane said: “We’re all completely thrilled for Nicky and Georgina. There are going to be two more little members of the Westlife family. Nicky just can’t hide his delight and it’s great to see them so happy. It’s a dream come true.”

Kian added: “We were all surprised that the babies came early but the twins are absolutely adorable. Georgina is looking great and has done a fantastic job. We’re going to have a few drinks to toast the new arrivals.”

Westlife manager Louis Walsh also congratulated the couple and added: “I can make a great new boy band out of the twins.”

Nicky will be spending his days at hospital and leaving to perform in the overnights.

A source close to the singer said: “Nicky has always dreamt of being a dad and he is thrilled. He can’t wipe the smile off his face and he just wants to be the best dad the world. Although the babies were early the timing was quite good. For Nicky is thankfully performing in Dublin on tour and wasn’t over in England.”

Nicky is the latest member of band to join the dad zone – three years after he married Georgina in a ceremony in France.

Shane had a baby daughter Nicole 20 months ago with his wife Gillian. And their former bandmate Brian McFadden has two daughters, Molly, five, and four-year-old Lilly Sue with his ex-wife Kerry Katona.

Nicky recently revealed: “I can’t wait to be a dad and experience having that kind of responsibility.”

“Georgina and I have been making loads of plans since she became pregnant and we have even decorated a nursery. I feel like a different person already. It’s such a big responsibility but we are both ready to take it on and enjoy every second.”

Mirriam’s On Hols

Georgina’s mum Miriam is in South America and won’t get to see her first grandchildren for a week.

But speaking from her holiday hideaway Miriam said: “I’m so delighted to welcome my grandchildren and very sorry not to be there to see them in their first few hours.”

“I only wish I could be there with Georgina and Nicky.”

Credit/Source: Irish Mirror / Thanx Luce for the scans

Grandad Bertie – 22 April 2007

By Lynn Jolly

- Proud Taoiseach Berti Ahern yesterday.

New granddad Bertie Ahern was expected to see his grandsons last night or first thing this morning.

The Taoiseach spoke to Georgina, his eldest daughter, as soon as she had recovered enough to speak from Holles Street.

He said: “I have kept in touch with them. You are always a bit worried – anybody would be. I was just talking to her and she’s out of recovery. She is in good form and is a little bit under the weather, but she is in good form. The babies are fine.”

Bertie also told of the strong relationship with his daughter and son-in-law.

He said: “I think Nicky and Georgina have been a great couple. They are very close to me. No matter where they are or where they tour the world – and they spend most of the year away – they always keep in touch and I am very close to them. She goes to a lot of trouble to get back at weekends. Naturally enough I am very delighted, very happy for them.”

Credit/Source: Irish Mirror / Thanx Luce for the scans

New Pictures Of Nicky With Georgina’s Father & Sister – 22 April 2007

David Keoghan, Cecilia Ahern, Bertie Ahern and Nicky Byrne

Prime Minister Bertie Ahern arrives at Hollies Street hospital and is greeted by Westlife's Nicky Byrne on his way to visit his daughter Georgina after she gives birth to twin boys Rocco and Jay
Dublin, Ireland - 21.04.07

Click here to see the pictures

Credit/Source: Wenn

Watch Nicky’s Speech – 22 April 2007

I thought Nicky’s speech at the Westlife concert on 20 April was very cute… It brought me tears, so lovely. Don’t forget that the link contains TOUR SPOILERS:

Nicky’s Speech – Dublin – 20 April 2007

Credit/Source: http://video.google.co.uk/

Twins Are Smash Hits As Westlife Singer On Cloud Nine – 21 April 2007

THEY'VE been top of the charts more times than the Beatles, but last night Westlife's Nicky Byrne said nothing could beat the feeling of becoming a father for the first time.

"We're a happy family, the four of us," he said as he emerged from the hospital where wife Georgina had just given birth to their first children - twin boys.

Bouncing babies Rocco and Jay, born at 9.55am yesterday by Cesarean section, are two months ahead of schedule and although tiny, are healthy.

"It was an anxious time but they're doing well. They're getting special care because they're not full term. Georgina's doing great - I love her to bits," said the ecstatic new dad.

The couple had rushed to Holles Street Hospital in Dublin city centre at 6am on Thursday. The non-identical boys entered the world more than a day later, with devoted dad Nicky at Georgina's side.

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It's the happiest day of my life," he said.

He said it was still too early to say who the babies looked like, mum or dad, but they were "so cute".

The babies were only five hours old when an international bidding war began to get the first photographs of Ireland's newest celebrities.

Celeb favourite 'Hello!' - the magazine that won exclusive coverage of Georgina and Nicky's French wedding - has expressed an interest in bagging the first pictures. Ever the professional, Nicky, who was surely running on adrenalin at this stage, made sure his legions of Westlife fans were not disappointed and joined his bandmates on stage in The Point last night.

He left the hospital shortly before 7pm, signed some autographs and posed for photographs with 16-year-old fan Shannon Sheridan, before jumping into a black Jeep to be whisked across the city.

Before leaving, he said that new granddad, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, had not been for a visit yet and Georgina was still recovering. "There has been nobody (visiting) as yet. She needs a bit of rest," he said.

While Rocco and Jay arrived a little ahead of time, their granddad will certainly relish the new additions to his election team, particularly when it comes to baby-kissing on the campaign trail.

It will also bring some good news as he faces down continuing concern about job losses, rising interest rates and inflation, and our slowing economy.

On the brink of calling a general election, Bertie yesterday opened the new Department of Agriculture laboratory at Backweston in Co Kildare before heading on to further engagements in Co Meath. He is expected to visit his first grandchildren this morning.

For the man who contested the 1997 election with the slogan 'A young leader for a young country', and is now a granddad, it must seem like a world away.

Meanwhile, new grandmother Miriam Ahern had not expected the twins' arrival for another few weeks so jetted off on holidays to Chile on Wednesday with partner Terry McCoy.

She sent a message home from Santiago: "I'm so delighted to welcome my grandchildren and very sorry not to be there to see them in their first few hours and most especially my daughter and of course my son-in-law Nicky."

Breda Heffernan and Louise Hogan

Credit/Source: www.unison.ie/irish_independent / Irish Times

Nicky & Gina Congratsbook! – 21 April 2007

Sandra from Westlife-Planet sent me this on email:

Me, Laura and Wendy thought it would be a nice idea to make a congratsbook for the Nicky & Georgina concerning the birth of the twins. I know Kezza of The Byrnes had made 1 already, but now the babies are finally here, so we thought it would be a nice gesture to congratulate them again. So if you wanna take part you can send in your messages, cards or whatever you want to that fits in a book. Send all your wishes in to: byrnestwinsbook@gmail.com

But make sure you do so before 26th of April. If you wish to send real postcards, please email us to ask a home address to send it to. We're going to Dublin in the early morning on the 27th, so we’re gonna do our best to give it to them then! Or least get it to them in some way!

For any questions you can email us on the address given. Thanks!

Sandra

Pictures Of Nicky Leaving The Hospital – 21 April 2007

Nicky Byrne leaves Holles Street Baby Hospital to perform with Westlife after his wife Georgina gave birth to twin sons Rocco and Jay - Dublin, Ireland - 20.04.07

Click Here to see the pictures

Credit/Source: Wenn

Nicky And Georgina Welcome Twins – 20 April 2007

Westlife star Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina have announced the birth of their twin sons.

According to a statement released on behalf of the couple, the boys, who will be named Rocco and Jay, were born at 9.55am today.

The statement said: "Nicky and Georgina Byrne welcomed with great joy the safe arrival of their twin sons Rocco and Jay born at 9.55am this morning in the National Maternity Hospital Holles Street, Dublin 2."

"The couple would like to thank Professor Mc Auliffe and all the wonderful staff at NMH Holles Street."

Georgina's father Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said this afternoon he is delighted about the news. Mr Ahern said he spoke to Georgina on the phone and hopes to visit her and the twins either tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Childhood sweethearts Nicky and Georgina have been married since August 2003.

Credit/Source: www.rte.ie

Oh My God! I’m sooo happy for Nicky and Georgina! I was in tears when Jo sent me a text when I was at work telling me about it! Congratulations Nicky and Gina and welcome to the world Rocco and Jay!

Ahern A Grandad In Double-quick Time – 20 April 2007

Iveren Yongo

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern became a grandfather twice over today when eldest daughter Georgina gave birth to twins.

The 27-year-old and her husband of four years, Westlife singer Nicky Byrne (28), were no doubt flying without wings following the premature arrival of sons Rocco and Jay in Dublin this morning.

She had been due to give birth in June or July.

The double celebration comes weeks before Mr Ahern sets about trying to secure a record third term in power.

A statement issued on behalf of the couple said the boys were born at 9.55am. The twins are Mr Ahern's first grandchildren.

Credit/Source: www.ireland.com

Byrne’s A Dad To Twins – 20 April 2007

WESTLIFE star NICKY BYRNE and his wife GEORGINA are celebrating after becoming parents to twin boys earlier today (20Apr07).

The pair, named Rocco and Jay, were born in Dublin, Ireland, at 9.55am this morning.

The tots are the fourth and fifth Westlife babies - Shane Filan and his wife Gillian celebrated their daughter Nicole's first birthday in July, and former bandmember Brian MCFadden has two daughters, Molly and Lilly-Sue, with ex-wife Kerry Katona.

Credit/Source: www.contactmusic.com

Transplant Girl On Road To Recovery... Thanks To Westlife – 19 April 2007

Danielle's spirits raised by favourite band

By Nigel Gould

An Ulster girl who received pioneering horse blood treatment for a rare condition is well on the road to recovery - thanks to pop superstars Westlife.

Danielle Larkham from Ballynahinch was left "shattered" after being told by doctors that she could not attend the band's weekend concert at the Odyssey - because of a major risk of infection.

Then, out of the blue, the brave 13-year-old got a call from concert promoters Aiken PR to say that she would not only be able to go to the gig after all - but that she would also get to meet her big heroes back stage.

"It was incredible," dad Martin said. "We had bought tickets for Westlife after her treatment had finished and she was so looking forward to the concert.

"But then she was told that because of the risk of infection with mixing in crowds, she could not go. She was so down in the dumps after this. But then we got a call to say we could all attend the concert after all in one of the Odyssey's boxes.

"She also got to meet the group and have her picture taken with them. She is a massive fan and this really made her day.

"It was a night none of us will ever forget and since that she has been in terrific form.

"We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Westlife - they were really brilliant - and Aiken PR. The night out could not have been better."

Earlier this year Danielle returned home after spending weeks at the Children's Hospital in Birmingham where she had a life-transforming transplant.

She spent much of Christmas in pain in the hospital's isolation ward. Danielle had to get the bone marrow transplant after special treatment involving the use of part of a horse's blood failed.

Danielle suffers from life-threatening auto-immune liver disease. Her condition means her body's immune system malfunctions and attacks part of itself. As a result, she also developed aplastic anaemia. This rare disorder affects the body's ability to produce red cells, white cells and platelets.

The usual therapy is the use of antilymphocyte or antithymocyte globulins (ALG or ATG) and cyclosporine. ALG/ATG is a preparation of antibodies that can remove certain cells of the immune system.

The cells are typically obtained from the serum (the sticky fluid portion of the blood) of either rabbits or horses that have been immunised with human lymphocyte - white blood cells.

Danielle received the treatment at the Royal Hospital in Belfast last July. But it did not work. Her successful bone-marrow transplant will strengthen the immune system and enable her to lead as normal a life as possible. But she must have check-ups every three months.

Credit/Source: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Sorry for the late update. I’m working from today until Sunday so I’m home late. xxx

Westlife On Canadian TV – 18 April 2007

*EDITED*

An Audience With Lionel Richie will be aired on Canadian TV so all the fans from Canada make sure you will be watching! It will be aired on 26 April and 27 April 2007

When: 26 April 2007 When: 27 April 2007

Time: 8::00pm (Canadian Time) Time: 12:00am (Canadian Time)

Channel: Much More Music

Credit/Source: Thanx Melissa for the info / www.muchmoremusic.com

Brian On His Collaboration With Mark – 17 April 2007

Brian McFadden did a webchat answering fans’ questions on 16 April 2007 and there is the transcript on his official myspace. In one of the questions he was asked about his collaboration with Mark:

[MFPro] What kind of collaboration had Mark in your new album, he helped you to write some of the songs or are you planning to make a duo? And if so, would it be a single and you will work together on a video? And how was it to work with him again?

[Brian] No we just wrote a song for the album together. It won’t be a duet and might not even make the album.

Credit/Source: www.myspace.com/brianmcfadden

Dalinka’s Tour & Meeting Pictures From Belfast – 17 April 2007

Dalinka went in Belfast to see Westlife live and got some great pictures. Thanx so much for sharing!

You can see her TOUR FANPICTURES from the concerts in Belfast on 13 and 14 April 2007.

She also got pictures of Nicky, Shane, Jodi and Kevin

Credit/Source: Dalinka at Nicky-Byrne.com

Courtney’s Meeting Pictures From Glasgow – 16 April 2007

Courtney met Westlife in Glasgow and got some lovely pictures. She is sharing her pictures with us all and kindly asks everyone not to post them anywhere else as they are very special to her.

Kian

Mark (and one picture of him with Kevin and their dog, Saffy, hehe)

Nicky (and one picture of him with Georgina)

Shane (and one picture of Gillian)

Credit/Source: Courtney

Tour Book – Shane’s Interview – 15 April 2007

I typed up Shane’s interview from this year’s Tour Book. I will post some new pictures from the Tour Book in the next days.

Shane’s Interview – Tour Book 2007

Villy

West Day Of Our Lives – 15 April 2007

By John McGurk

Big-hearted Westlife made sure two of their biggest fans enjoyed an 'Amazing' night at one of their Belfast gigs!

Fleming Fulton pupils Emma Mulholland and Georgina Brodrick got to meet their heroes thanks to Odyssey supremo Peter Curistan and concert organisers Aiken Promotions.

Emma and Georgina were in a 'World Of Their Own' when Sheridan Group chairman Curistan sprung the surprise on them.

Said Emma: "I didn't know anything about it at all. I heard Peter say something to my mum about getting to meet them - I couldn't believe what was happening!"

Emma was ecstatic when she got to speak to Westlife manager Louis Walsh and Mark from the band.

She added: "As we were talking to Louis I saw Mark passing and we called him over and got pictures taken with him.

"Then we got to meet everyone - it was like a dream come true!

"We were with them for about 10 minutes, but it only felt like 30 seconds. I was just so happy.

"Nicky (Byrne) is my favourite because he is the best-looking!

"I love them so much. I have seen them about six times now."

Emma's dad Paul revealed she had been in hospital recently having a metal frame attached to one of her legs.

"It was actually because she was in Musgrave Park having it adjusted that she got tickets for the Westlife concert.

"Cool FM was there for Children's Day. Emma read out the weather for them and they gave her the tickets for the show."

Westlife play the Odyssey again tonight and tomorrow.

Extra tickets for the shows have been put on sale at £32.50, available from Ticketmaster.

Credit/Source: www.sundaylife.co.uk

Tour Book – Nicky’s Interview – 14 April 2007

I typed up Nicky’s interview from this year’s Tour Book. Enjoy!

Nicky’s Interview – Tour Book 2007

Villy

An Update From Westlife – 13 April 2007

Tonight sees Westlife kick off the Irish leg of their Love Tour, which has already wowed thousands in Australia, South Africa and the UK. Here’s what fans have had to say about the concert so far: “It was phenomenal! From start to finish I was dancing and singing along, I just couldn't help myself!” - Charlykingx at Wembley

“An amazing show! Sitting in the front row was the best thing that has ever happened! The whole concert was fantastic and thanks to the lads for an amazing night!” - Geordie gal Lora at Newcastle

”I loved everything about the whole concert. There are no words to describe it really. It was more than brilliant!” - Carrin at Glasgow

If you’re going to see Westlife why not write a review in the forum. We feature the best one from each show on the Westlife homepage, so yours could be next!

Message from Westlife
The tour has been a demanding one and the guys were relieved to have Monday day off to relax and enjoy their Easter eggs! On their way to Ireland yesterday, the boys had this to say:

For all the latest Westlife information please visit www.westlife.com and don’t forget to keep checking back for weekly clips of the guys, filmed exclusively for the website.

Have a great weekend!

Credit/Source: Westlife Newsletter / Joanne

Westlife: Against All Odds – 13 April 2007

By rights, Westlife should have disappeared off the radar long ago - yet they're still hitting No 1 in the charts. Just what has kept them together? asks Maureen Coleman
Friday, April 13, 2007

When the boy-band bubble burst at the start of the Noughties, music critics predicted the end was nigh for Westlife.

Changes in chart trends helped bring about the demise of groups like Five, Blue, 911, Boyzone and A1 and, in their place, guitar-based bands began to dominate.

But those clean-cut lads from Ireland managed to cling on to their crown as princes of pop, even when original member Bryan McFadden decided to pursue a solo career in 2004.

According to the press at the time, Bryan's shock departure heralded the end of the record-breaking band.

Yet again, industry insiders said the writing was on the wall for the group, which has had 14 UK No 1 singles since 1999.

But almost as if to wave two fingers at their critics, the boys bounced back and in a defiant gesture, kicked off their fourth arena tour - but this time as a four-piece.

The following year they released the album Face to Face and a new single You Raise Me Up. On November 6 2005, both album and single went to No 1 - the first time ever that the band had held both positions in the same week.

A long break followed, prompting more speculation that a split was on the cards. But the boys came back, feeling more refreshed than ever and released yet another No 1 single, The Rose.

As it stands, Westlife have outlasted just about every other boy-band around, claiming they will not call it a day until they've reached their aim of 20 UK No 1 singles - for those of you who are counting, that's another six to go.

In the Belfast Telegraph's last interview with the band, Nicky Byrne insisted: "We'll be around for as long as our fans want us."

Just how much longer they can keep the dream alive is impossible to call.

Every pop group has its shelf life, and let's face it, 'boy-band' is a bit of a misleading label now, as all four members are in their mid-twenties.

The recent reunion of Take That must have been an encouraging sign, though. Granted, the manly Mancunians may have knocked Westlife off their thrones, but at least the Irish lads can take comfort from the fact that there's still a market for cute boys performing dance routines.

But there's quite a few differences between Take That and Westlife. The latter are cute, the former are sexy.

Take That have gone all grown up on us and still appeal to women of a certain age. While their Odyssey gig later this year will no doubt be heaving with lusty women in their 30s, Westlife's will be packed with young girls in their teens.

Musically too, they're poles apart. Take That have always preferred a funkier, raunchier sound while Westlife are the kings of ballads.

Somehow, it's now deemed cool to be a Take That fan. They were the original, undisputed boy-band to beat all boy-bands - until Robbie quit and the cracks began to show.

Unlike Westlife however, Take That failed to survive the departure of the bad boy of the band and decided to split up, breaking millions of hearts around the world.

Westlife, on the other hand, refused to let Bryan's breakaway break them.

What the future holds for Westlife is anybody's guess, but if I were a betting woman, I'd say there's one more album left to do.

Mind you, I said that three years ago - and there's still that small matter of six more No 1 singles to score.

Westlife play the Odyssey Arena tonight, April 13, tomorrow night, April 14, Sunday and Monday. Tickets are still available for the last show on Monday, 16, available from Ticketmaster on 0870 2434455 or from the Odyssey box office on 9073 9074.

Where did it all go right?
1998 - Westlife form in July 1998, made up of Sligo boys Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan and Dubliners Nicky Bryne and Bryan McFadden.
1998 - Big break comes when they open for the Backstreet Boys in Dublin and later that year, they win Best New Tour Act at the Smash Hit Poll Winners Party.
1999 - In March, their first single Swear It Again is released and goes to No 1 in the UK and Irish charts.
1999 - In August, the band's second single If I Let You Go goes to No 1 , quickly followed by Flying Without Wings in October.
2000 - Double A-side single I Have A Dream/Seasons in the Sun is the first No 1 of the new Millennium.
2000 - Album Coast to Coast is the 4th biggest selling album of the year in the UK. Also that year, Westlife score a unexpected record of seven debut singles going to No 1. In December 2000 the run is broken by kiddies' favourite Bob The Builder.
2001 - First world tour and the release of third album, World Of Our Own.
2002 - The band release the Greatest Hits album, Unbreakable amid rumours of a split.
2003 - Turnaround, the band's fourth consecutive album in as many years, is released and like its predecessors, goes straight to No 1.
2003 - Westlife win Record of the Year for the third time in five years.
2004 - In March, the group announces the shock departure of Bryan McFadden. Westlife reply with a fourth arena tour and the release of swing album, Allow Us To Be Frank.
2005 - Westlife releases seventh album Face To Face. Both the album and single You Raise Me Up go to No 1 in the charts.
2005 - Mark Feehily reveals he is gay.
2006 - In November Westlife release the Love Album and the song, The Rose, taken from the album goes to No 1.
2007 - Westlife kick off the Love Tour in Perth, culminating in the Irish shows in Belfast and Dublin.

Credit/Source: Belfast Telegraph / Thanx Joanne for finding

Maria’s Meeting Pictures From Glasgow – 13 April 2007

Maria met all the Westlife lads in Glasgow and got some gorgeous pictures. Thank you for allowing me to use them on here Maria!

Credit/Source: Maria

Tour Book – Mark’s Interview – 13 April 2007

I typed up Mark’s interview from this year’s Tour Book. Enjoy!

Mark’s Interview – Tour Book 2007

As I said two days ago when I posted Kian’s interview, the interviews don’t have tour spoilers but I don’t post them here on the main page for people that haven’t bought the Tour Book yet and want to keep it as a surprise.

Villy

Joanne’s Reviews & Pictures From Aberdeen – 12 April 2007

I added Joanne’s SPOILER REVIEWS from Westlife’s concerts in Aberdeen (the one was used by the Official Westlife Site too, yaa go you Jo!). For Jo’s SPOILER TOUR PICTURES click here

Joanne was sitting very close to Kevin during the concert and got a picture of him too:

Also, here are Jo’s stories and pix from waiting for the lads to arrive at the arena:

10 April 2007

I arrived at the arena about 4pm, just in case the lads arrived early hope to catch a glimpse of them. whichi did in due course but ill go into that later, The weather was ok, but looked like rain but id stayed dry for us,i got talking to a few girls that were there and having a laugh etc about our concert experiences,.

First to arrive was Andrew the guitarist he waved and i got a pic below ( i also got to say well done to him at the hotel afterwards beside the arena

As it started getting colder we were really hoping westlife would be along soon. No i know Westlife never stop outisde arena but it would have been nice, A tour bus pulled up and blocked the entrance so we all had to clamber to a little gap to see who it was. It was Kian, not looking veyr happy it has to say, but i only saw him a for second as he rushed inside without anything to us,

So we stayed a bit longer, waitying for the other lads. A lot later, a second tour bus arrives and we are so ecited. Again it stops so we all have to run to see who it is. I blinked and in that time Nicky and Shane had gone in., missed again.

Then we were told Mark was already inside, until someone said that Mark and Markevin were doing there own thing and coming down, We didnt know what to think so people left but me and a few girls stayed just in case, It was about7,15ish when a car arived at the arena, and we moved back and it was Mark with Kevin and their doggie Saffy,

So they got out of the car, Mark gave us a wave as were screaming very loudly at this point, Kevin kept unpacking the car not speaking or giving eye contact

Then once Kevin had gone in, we went inside for the start of the show

11 April 2007

Myself and Amy were on the wy to the arena at 5ish, stuck in traffic but not minding it cause we knew westlife were at the other side of the trip, anyway we gteout of the car, and Amy shoutd McDonald Bros are outside with the fans, so we run down this hill(hoping i dont fall down it), and amy ran to the gates, the lads were just leaving but we got there in time and they happily took a picture of us with them and gave us their autographs which was great.

A few friends i had met up with the other had said that Westlife had just been to arena and left in their hotel minibus, so i was a bit dissapointed but knew theyd have to come back soon.

So i stayed and chatted to the girls, and amy playes with some other kids and at 7ish the Mcdonald brothers came back but went striaght into arena. Then all the ecxitement came as
arks car was spotted passing through the gate and the barrie went up and that was it, everyone was trying to gte a pic of them, So Mark came out of his car, did a few thing in it got his bag etc then, I managed to get a photo of him yeah, all those hours are cool, he waved to us all and went inside

The we saw the green tourbus up the road turning for arena eveyrone ran to a little corner as the bus at parked again at an awkward angle lol.... But i managed to get pic of Shane, but Kian and nIcky were too fast but Nicky had a stipy tracksuit on and looked great and waved at us all

This was at 7.45, so we ran in took our seats(Front row) to watch Mcdonald Brothers, then during that break before westlife come on we went to buy a keyring and the pictures of the boys and a poster for amy

Credit/Source: Joanne

An Update From Mark – 12 April 2007

Westlife have now completed the Scottish leg of their tour and are now playing a string of dates in Dublin. Mark wrote a diary update befor they left.

Mark's Diary From The Road

Hi there

Hope you all had a brilliant Easter and ate loads of chocolate, like us! We had a day off on Monday, which was great after another three concerts back-to-back.

The tour is still going fantastically well and even though we’ve played so many dates already, we’re still loving every single show, which is mostly down to the energy and enthusiasm we get from you lot in the audience.

Looking forward to Aberdeen tonight and tomorrow, then another day off before we jump on a plane – Belfast here we come!

Take care

Mark x

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Tour Book Interviews – 11 April 2007

When I was in London to see Westlife live I got this year’s Tour Book so I decided to start typing up the lads’ interviews.

Kian’s interview – Tour Book 2007

The interviews don’t have tour spoilers but I don’t post them here on the main page for people that haven’t bought the Tour Book yet and want to keep it as a surprise.

Villy

Laura’s Picture With Mark – 11 April 2007

Laura met Mark in Glasgow and got a very sweet picture with him. Thanx for sharing Laura!

Credit/Source: Laura

Kerry’s Pictures Of Meeting Kian – 10 April 2007

Kerry met Kian in Newcastle and sent me some very cute pictures of him (and one of Prince, his and Jodi’s dog haha). Thank you Kerry!

Credit/Source: Kerry

How Refreshing – 10 April 2007

HOW refreshing to hear that Westlife are taking their loved ones on tour with them.

Far too often we hear about boy bands sleeping with groupies, cheating on their partners and getting up to drunken nonsense.

Good on you lads.

Credit/Source: Daily Record / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Westlife On Gentleman Jim Aiken - A Tribute Video – 9 April 2007

Joanne recorded and uploaded Westlife’s appearance on UTV where they talked about Jim Aiken, the music promoter who died in February. Thanx so much Jo!

NOTE: The video contains *TOUR SPOILERS* as Westlife wear one of the concert outfits.

DOWNLOAD - Westlife On Gentleman Jim Aiken - A Tribute

Credit/Source: Joanne

Westlife On UTV Tonight – 8 April 2007

Gentleman Jim Aiken - A Tribute: April 8th, UTV, 23:15pm - 00:20am

Gerry Kelly profiles the music promoter who died in February. Friends and colleagues describe his tireless efforts to bring entertainment to the people of Ireland, with contributions from Garth Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, Cliff Richard, Westlife and Ronan Keating.

Credit/Source: Thanx Emma for the info

Kerry’s Pictures Of Mark And Kevin – 8 April 2007

Kerry got one picture of Mark and one of Kevin in Newcastle. Kevin also carries their little dog, Saffy, on the picture, so cute. Thanx for the pictures hun!

Credit/Source: Kerry

Ria’s Picture With Mark And Kevin – 7 April 2007

Ria met Mark and Kev in Newcastle and she got a lovely picture with them! Thanx so much for sharing Ria.

Credit/Source: Ria

I’m Dumping Kian… To Go On Hols With The Girls – 6 April 2007

JODI Albert is going solo on her summer holiday - leaving boyfriend Kian Egan on his own.

The sexy actress revealed she is planning a trip to Miami with her girl friends.

But Westlife star Kian won't be left twiddling his thumbs as he's plans a surfing trip around Ireland with his pals.

Jodi, 23, said: "I'm going away on a girlie holiday to Miami for a week in May. There will be four of us and I can't wait. We'll be doing all the girlie things - sunbathing, cocktails and a couple of nights out.

Kian will have his boys' surfing trip in Ireland to keep him occupied while I'm away. We will miss each other but I think it's good to do things apart as well as together because it helps keep things fresh.

Kian's very good about not getting jealous when I'm out with the girls. He knows he has nothing to worry about. We have a mutual respect for each other. I'm his girlfriend and his fan."

But the couple will finally get to enjoy a romantic getaway in July when they fly off to a secret location.

She added: "We will get two weeks in the sunshine somewhere really nice and dreamy. But we have to wait until Kian is finished with his band duties."

Jodi admitted frantic schedules often force her and 26-year-old Kian to spend time apart.

She said: "Kian and I haven't really been getting to spend a lot of time together at the moment because he's been away on tour but I've been keeping myself busy.

I've got a part coming up in an episode of Casualty so I was away for two weeks filming that. I play a superbitch which makes a nice change because I'm usually cast in quite sweet roles so this was something I could really get my teeth into. I think we all have some bitchiness in us but this part was like multiplying my hormonal moments by 100.

We try to see each other as much as we can and because my job is more free and easy I'm usually the one who will fly over to see him. I'm pretty much my own boss at the moment. I've got a few more job offers bubbling under the surface but I don't want to jinx any of them by saying anything until they are finalised."

Credit/Source: The Mirror / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Download Westlife’s Interview On Magic – 6 April 2007

Angie meets the boys as they talk X-Factor, Simon Cowell...singing in a 'boy band' and of course their favourite Magic tunes

Right click HERE and select 'save target as' to save the podcast

Credit/Source: www.magic.co.uk

10 Things About Westlife – 6 April 2007

TOP OF THE POPS
Only Elvis Presley and The Beatles have had more Number One singles in the UK than Westlife, who between them have notched up 14 chart- toppers in eight years, tying with Sir Cliff Richard for third place.

BOB REALLY FIXED 'EM
Their run of chart-toppers was halted by Bob The Builder, whose Can We Fix It nailed the Christmas Number One slot in 2000, denying their single What Makes A Man the festive top spot.

BIG NAMES TOOK OVER
Originally brought together by a stylist and two would-be svengalis in Sligo, in north-west Ireland, the original six-piece line-up featured Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, with the other members being filtered out after they were brought to the attention of then-Boyzone manager Louis Walsh, who initially co- managed them with Boyzone's Ronan Keating, and record mogul Simon Cowell.

SMASH HITS SUPERSTARS
They first came to attention supporting American boyband Backstreet Boys in 1998 in Dublin and were propelled into the pop heartthrob stakes in the Smash Hits readers' polls.

McFADDEN WENT SOLO
There was a schism in March 2004 when the "fab five" became a fourpiece after Brian McFadden quit to go solo and spend more time with his family. He split from wife, Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona, six months later.

PLETHORA OF PLATINUM
They have 28 platinum record awards for their eight albums, which have sold 10million copies in the UK alone. Their combined wealth is estimated at GBP35million.

KINGS OF THE ARENAS
In 2006, they performed 23 times at Wembley Arena, and they have performed more concerts at Glasgow SECC than any other group.

LOVERS OF COVERS
Westlife have covered a wide range of other artists' songs, including Barry Manilow's Mandy, Abba's Thank You For The Music, Phil Collins' Against All Odds, Billy Joel's Uptown Girl, Bonnie Tyler 's Total Eclipse Of The Heart and Bette Midler 's The Rose.

SETTLED DOWN
Nicky is married to Irish premier Bertie Ahern's daughter Georgina, Kian has been in a long-term relationship with Hollyoaks actress Jodi Albert, and Shane is married to childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh, while Mark is in a relationship with Kevin McDaid, formerly of boy band V, after revealing he was gay back in 2005.

POWER OF THE PIPES
Westlife love coming to Scotland - and included bagpipes on their Face To Face album.

Westlife, SECC, April 6-8, GBP29.50.

Credit/Source: Evening Times / Archive / Thanx Joanne for finding

Still In Love With Touring – 5 April 2007

Westlife are back in Newcastle tonight and tomorrow. Entertainment Editor Gordon Barr chats to lead singer Shane

There are few acts who can claim to have played the Metro Radio Arena multiple times.

But Westlife can lay claim to the fact that come tomorrow they will have performed at the Newcastle venue on an incredible 25 occasions.

The Irish lads are at the Arena tonight and tomorrow as part of their Love Tour. "But it's not going to be all mushy stuff," laughs lead singer Shane Filan.

"I know a lot of people think that is all we do, but it isn't. That said, it is called The Love Tour, so the emphasis will be on ballads."

Shane can't wait to get back to Newcastle. "We opened our first ever tour in Newcastle. Our first show ever in front of an Arena crowd," he says. "I remember not being able to breathe. We were so nervous. But the atmosphere was electric.

"But I wasn't able to breathe and thought my voice had gone. I got through the first song, though, and then it was fine.

"To be honest, they scream so loudly in Newcastle that it probably wouldn't have mattered either way.

"I can honestly say the Geordie crowds are among the most up-for-it in the country. It is incredible that we have played there so many times and I'm hoping there will be many more."

That last comment may put paid to the rumours the band are about to split. "People have been saying that about us for the past five years," he laughs.

"But we're still here - albeit one less than we originally were. We're still enjoying ourselves and it has been an incredible journey for us.

"But it's a journey we intend to continue for the time being at least."

Westlife have performed a staggering 400 or so shows since 2001 and, despite being lambasted in some quarters, have gained numerous positive live reviews and a reputation as one of the best live vocal acts going. In addition they have sold in excess of 35 million CDs.

Credit/Source: Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, UK) / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

Win Tickets To See Westlife – 5 April 2007

WE'VE teamed up with Aiken Promotions to offer THREE lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Westlife on their Love Tour, live at Belfast's Odyssey Arena on Sunday, April 15.

From their first single, Flying Without Wings, Westlife have been a regular chart-topping act and have released several highly successful albums. Their latest release, The Love Album, contains 11 of the most memorable and romantic love songs ever written.

For your chance to sing along to classic love tracks like The Rose, along with your favourite Westlife hits, simply answer the question below and call or text us with your answer, name and contact details.

Lines close at midnight, Sunday April 8.

Q. What is Westlife's latest album called?

A. The Love Album B. Coast to Coast C. Unbreakable

Tel: 0905 652 0078 TEXT SING followed by a space and then your answer to 84080

If you are not a winner, tickets are still available from the Odyssey Box Office (Tel 028 9073 9074) and usual Ticketmaster outlets. For credit card bookings telephone 870 243 4455. Book on-line at www.ticketmaster.ie.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Entries cost pounds 1. Tickets are seated. Entrants must be aged 16 or over. Usual MGN competition rules apply.

Credit/Source: The Mirror / Thanx Gitta at www.nishakimabry.de.vu

I’m Back!! – 3 April 2007

Yaaa hello everyone! I’m back from London and what can I say! Westlife were absolutely incredible and I had the time of my life! I’m so proud of them and I can’t wait to see them again next year.

I’ve taken loads of pictures from both nights lol. I will need time to edit them and resize them so be patient hehe. They came out quite well!

I have something done though till the pix are ready. I wrote my SPOILER REVIEW from the 31^st March concert. Both concerts were absolutely amazing and I can’t choose which one I liked the most but I decided to write one for the 31^st because it was the first one.

Here are some NO spoiler bits from those days at Wembley:

I didn’t see anyone of the lads arriving at the arena the first day because they arrived in tourbuses and went straight in. The second day I saw Nicky going in with a car. I wasn’t expecting it at all lol so when I saw him going in I screamed and he waved at us that were out of the arena and showed his tongue to us, he was so cute. And then I was all in floods of tears lol because I was shocked, I didn’t expect to see him arriving in the car.

I saw Kevin with some friends in the crowd at the second night! He was sooo gorgeous and he was wearing a hat and dancing lol, bless him, so cute!! I also saw Jodi that night - she was veryyy cute too she was dancing and laughing with her mates and finally I saw Gillian with Nicole, bless so lovely! They went where Kev with his mates were and then left.

It was lovely seeing them having fun with their mates, laughing dancing…

I first saw Jodi with her two mates. She sat in the arena quite long before the lads went on stage. She was soooo into it and enjoying it and dancing (she even woke up dancing) and laughing with the whole vibe in the arena that I was like maybe it's not her...? But it was yaaa. I spotted Louis Walsh too before the lads went on stage.

I can’t wait for next year now! THANK YOU LADS for these amazing days.

xxx Villy

The Best Advice Louis Walsh Ever Gave Kian – 3 April 2007

In our last exclusive video clip, we asked Nicky what he thought the best advice was that Louis had ever given Kian. Find out if he was right or not by watching Kian's answer - by clicking here (watch the Westlife Media Player).

Stay tuned for more clips, coming soon...

Credit/Source: www.westlife.com

Ulster Beauties To Put Their Specs On – 3 April 2007

Star launches Specsavers contest in Ulster

Saturday, March 31, 2007

By Linda McKee

Stunning actress Jodi Albert has revealed how she and Westlife boyfriend Kian Egan love the chilled-out vibe of the modern Northern Ireland.

The former Hollyoaks actress and her other half own a house together in Sligo and regularly travel to Belfast when the boys are in town for a concert.

She says she loves the great shops and the warm welcome extended to her.

"When the boys are here doing concerts, I am usually off work and I come with them," she says.

"We have a house in Sligo. I love Ireland and coming to Northern Ireland - it's a real chilled-out vibe."

Jodi, who used to play Debbie Dean in Hollyoaks, described how the pair became friends when she was 15 and performing in Girl Thing, a girl band managed by Simon Cowell.

"We met when I was in the girl band and Kian was signed to the same label," Jodi says.

"We got together when I was 19. We live together now because we are both so busy."

As for Kian's former bandmate Brian McFadden and his troubled divorce from his ex-wife, Kerry Katona, Jodi says she couldn't even begin to get a handle on the situation, although Brian is still a friend.

"Kerry was a bit before my time, and Brian left Westlife about a year after we got together," she says.

After leaving Hollyoaks, Jodi played a comedy role in the Channel 5 sitcom Respectable and is about to start shooting an episode of Casualty.

She was in Belfast last night to launch the search for the best- looking bespectacled beauty in Northern Ireland.

Specsavers is looking for gorgeous specs wearers, aged 18 to 30, to enter the 2007 Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition.

The Northern Ireland winner could be in with a shot at a year's modelling contract with leading London agency MOT and a two- week holiday for two in Barbados or St Lucia courtesy of Almond Resorts and Virgin Holidays.

The Northern Ireland final is on August 8 and the competition will culminate in a star-studded grand final in London in October, attended by Rod Stewart's daughter, Kimberley, and other celebs.

Although Jodi doesn't need glasses, she admits to being tempted by the latest in "killer" fashion accessories.

"My boyfriend wears them and I find him wearing glasses very sexy. They have much more of a sexy image than they used to," she says.

"It makes me want to wear them, even though I don't have anything wrong with my eyes. I think they look really cool with a nice little outfit.

"I think wearing a nice white shirt and jeans and then putting on a cool pair of glasses - it's just rocking the outfit a bit."

l To enter the competition or nominate someone else, pick up an application form from Specsavers or log on to www.specsavers.co.uk

Credit/Source: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk / Thanx cravinicky for finding the picture