Post by shayne on Oct 29, 2008 16:07:14 GMT 8
When Westlife singer Nicky Byrne became the first of pop's phenomenal four to turn 30, celebrations at the Grand Hotel Malahide fizzed with champagne and surprises that wife Georgina only just managed to conceal from the birthday boy she's loved since they were 15.
The couple's fabulous wedding in France five years ago was always going to be a hard act to follow, but Georgina, daughter of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, pushed the bateau out in lively and lovish Irish style for a fun bash featuring 250 guests.
Of course, Nicky's fellow Westlifers - Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily - were there. In fact, the night was the first time the lads had reconvened since June, when they begun thier elective year away from the limelight after making their tenth anniversary. And they were all clearly excited to meet up.
"It's great to see the band again," Nicky enthused. "For the past ten years, we've spent so much time as a foursome that we know each other better than some siblings."
"Nicky's ageing well - considering!" joked Mark. "We'll give him a bit of stick for being 30 but later, you might catch us in a corner getting all emotional!"
Greeting the guests at the ballroom entrance was a "memory lane" museum, with treasures ranging from Nicky's stage outfits to his first communion suit on display.
Huge screens showed Westlife's highlights interpersed with stills of Nicky's life, from babyhood to fatherhood with the birth of 17-month-old twin sons Rocco and Jay.
Meanwhile, a live band played the 1980s hits that accompanied Nicky and Georgina's first teenage kisses.
"It's Nicky's time to be spoiled," smiled Georgina shortly before the couple entered the party.
Among the friends and family members on hand were Westlife mentor Ronan Keating, Republic of Ireland gollkeeper Shay Given, and former world snooker champion Ken Doherty.
Leading the praise for the birthday boy was father-in-law Bertie, who said simply: "Nicky's been really good to Gerorgina and that's all that matters. For all Westlife's success, he's never really changed. Never."
As if to prove the point, Nicky's cake-cutting speech came straight from the heart. He brought his Nanna up on stage to declare he loved her to bits and then, thanking wife Georgina, said: "I love you always. Together forever - that's it."
But it wasn't quite! Nicky was cut off mid-flow by Dustin the Turkey - Ireland's most famous TV puppet - who screeched: "Jeeze, you look brutal Nicky. It's your 40th, then!"
He also turned his sights to Mr Ahern, who took a double-entendre about knowing when the party's finished in admirably good part.
As a balloon fight broke out, Ronan deadpanned: "Here we are, one big happy family. One big happy family in the asyum!"
And 5am time was finally called on the revels that Nicky would relive for the next few days.
"We've been like newly-married couple going over their wedding," he said. "Georgina said she wanted to spoil me and that's what it felt like from start to finish. If my 40th is even half as good, it's a lot to look forward to - and there's still plenty of time to plan!"
Georgina, you originally intended Nicky's big birthday party to be a total surprise.
"I did, but it proved impossible because we're with each other 24/7 and I can't keep secrets from him anyway. I always end up telling him."
Were you excited about the night?
"I was, but I was nervous as well. Nicky's a perfectionist and I wanted this to be special for him, because he is always doing special things for everyone else."
Nicky, whatever do people give to the birthday boy who has everything?
"Even when we got married, we told people, 'No presents, just your presence!' I really don't mind about gifts. A pair of socks will do me!"
Your actual birthday was the day before the party. How was it spent?
"We had a lovely day, up early with a constant flurry at the door with people delivering balloons and champagne! We wanted to bring the boys to the zoo for the first time. It turned out perfectly. Sometimes you can visit a zoo and the animals are really elusive. [But] the tiger came right up to the glass and the monkeys and elephants also obliged. The boys couldn't believe it and were shrieking with excitement. I'll always remember my birthday for their reaction!"
Georgina, what are the highlights of your 15 years with Nicky?
"The first year, we spent every day together and being so young, it was really intense. We'd ring each other again and talk for ages - until three or four in the morning. We had a really deep friendship as well as romance. There'd be a little crush going since we were 12, but at that age I had no idea how deep it would go!"
Nicky, which of your previous birthdays stand out in memory?
"The last big party was for my 21st, though on the day itself I was away from everyone doing a Westlife show in Tenerife. I remember going to the hotel beforehand and, feeling like naughty kids, we all had a few celebration drinks from the mini-bar! Back home, we had a big 1970s fancy dress party. The lads went as Beatles, Georgina and I were Mr and Mrs Elvis."
How do you sum up the first 30 years of your life?
"It's been an incredible time. I have the most amazing wife in the world and two very special children. Then there's my career. People probably look at me and think 'Lucky guy' - and they are very right too!"
This wasn't the life plan then?
"As a kid, I wanted to be a professional footballer with everything that goes with the job, whether that's fame or success. I wanted money - to say lots of it sounds greedy, but I wanted enough to be able to spoil my family. I don't have lots of money now, but I do have lots more than I could ever have dreamed of."
What does it feel like to hit 30?
"It's an age that always sounded old to me when I was growing up. But I don't feel old, even though I keep telling myself 'Jeez, you must be. You're 30 - You're not a kid'... I'm enjoying 30 so far. The only thought that gives me the least twinge is that I'll never be in my 20s again! Anyway, I've only just entered this new decade so let's see what it brings. I hope there's ongoing health and happiness for me and my family, who always come first. I expect the band still to be going when the kids start school. I really do believe we can have that longevity. Traditionally, it's been uncool for fans to like a boy band, but if you manage to achieve ten years as we have, and the music is as good as it can be, then I really think we can be something that noboby else has been in a pop band."
Westlife's image is squeaky clean but seeing you tonight, you might properly be seen as party boys!
"As a band, we've gone together from giddy kids to growing-ups. In the beginning, we couldn't believe we were getting into nightclubs never mind getting ropped off as VIPs. But none of us have fallen for the trappings of fame, drugs and all that. We've always had good family values."
Georgina, how did you find one of the few good men for a husband!
"We're a lucky couple, but I think that I'm luckier than Nicky. I don't think there are many like him. Nicky just ticks all the boxes."
To mark Nicky's 30th birthday, the couple have made a donation to Unit 8, the intensive baby care unit of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles St, Dublin, where twins Rocco and Jay spent their first weeks. Thanks to all the girls of Presence PR.
Credit/Source: HELLO! Magazine / Thanks Rachel for the scans
PHOTOS IN THE WESTLIFE CAPTURED SECTION
The couple's fabulous wedding in France five years ago was always going to be a hard act to follow, but Georgina, daughter of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, pushed the bateau out in lively and lovish Irish style for a fun bash featuring 250 guests.
Of course, Nicky's fellow Westlifers - Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily - were there. In fact, the night was the first time the lads had reconvened since June, when they begun thier elective year away from the limelight after making their tenth anniversary. And they were all clearly excited to meet up.
"It's great to see the band again," Nicky enthused. "For the past ten years, we've spent so much time as a foursome that we know each other better than some siblings."
"Nicky's ageing well - considering!" joked Mark. "We'll give him a bit of stick for being 30 but later, you might catch us in a corner getting all emotional!"
Greeting the guests at the ballroom entrance was a "memory lane" museum, with treasures ranging from Nicky's stage outfits to his first communion suit on display.
Huge screens showed Westlife's highlights interpersed with stills of Nicky's life, from babyhood to fatherhood with the birth of 17-month-old twin sons Rocco and Jay.
Meanwhile, a live band played the 1980s hits that accompanied Nicky and Georgina's first teenage kisses.
"It's Nicky's time to be spoiled," smiled Georgina shortly before the couple entered the party.
Among the friends and family members on hand were Westlife mentor Ronan Keating, Republic of Ireland gollkeeper Shay Given, and former world snooker champion Ken Doherty.
Leading the praise for the birthday boy was father-in-law Bertie, who said simply: "Nicky's been really good to Gerorgina and that's all that matters. For all Westlife's success, he's never really changed. Never."
As if to prove the point, Nicky's cake-cutting speech came straight from the heart. He brought his Nanna up on stage to declare he loved her to bits and then, thanking wife Georgina, said: "I love you always. Together forever - that's it."
But it wasn't quite! Nicky was cut off mid-flow by Dustin the Turkey - Ireland's most famous TV puppet - who screeched: "Jeeze, you look brutal Nicky. It's your 40th, then!"
He also turned his sights to Mr Ahern, who took a double-entendre about knowing when the party's finished in admirably good part.
As a balloon fight broke out, Ronan deadpanned: "Here we are, one big happy family. One big happy family in the asyum!"
And 5am time was finally called on the revels that Nicky would relive for the next few days.
"We've been like newly-married couple going over their wedding," he said. "Georgina said she wanted to spoil me and that's what it felt like from start to finish. If my 40th is even half as good, it's a lot to look forward to - and there's still plenty of time to plan!"
Georgina, you originally intended Nicky's big birthday party to be a total surprise.
"I did, but it proved impossible because we're with each other 24/7 and I can't keep secrets from him anyway. I always end up telling him."
Were you excited about the night?
"I was, but I was nervous as well. Nicky's a perfectionist and I wanted this to be special for him, because he is always doing special things for everyone else."
Nicky, whatever do people give to the birthday boy who has everything?
"Even when we got married, we told people, 'No presents, just your presence!' I really don't mind about gifts. A pair of socks will do me!"
Your actual birthday was the day before the party. How was it spent?
"We had a lovely day, up early with a constant flurry at the door with people delivering balloons and champagne! We wanted to bring the boys to the zoo for the first time. It turned out perfectly. Sometimes you can visit a zoo and the animals are really elusive. [But] the tiger came right up to the glass and the monkeys and elephants also obliged. The boys couldn't believe it and were shrieking with excitement. I'll always remember my birthday for their reaction!"
Georgina, what are the highlights of your 15 years with Nicky?
"The first year, we spent every day together and being so young, it was really intense. We'd ring each other again and talk for ages - until three or four in the morning. We had a really deep friendship as well as romance. There'd be a little crush going since we were 12, but at that age I had no idea how deep it would go!"
Nicky, which of your previous birthdays stand out in memory?
"The last big party was for my 21st, though on the day itself I was away from everyone doing a Westlife show in Tenerife. I remember going to the hotel beforehand and, feeling like naughty kids, we all had a few celebration drinks from the mini-bar! Back home, we had a big 1970s fancy dress party. The lads went as Beatles, Georgina and I were Mr and Mrs Elvis."
How do you sum up the first 30 years of your life?
"It's been an incredible time. I have the most amazing wife in the world and two very special children. Then there's my career. People probably look at me and think 'Lucky guy' - and they are very right too!"
This wasn't the life plan then?
"As a kid, I wanted to be a professional footballer with everything that goes with the job, whether that's fame or success. I wanted money - to say lots of it sounds greedy, but I wanted enough to be able to spoil my family. I don't have lots of money now, but I do have lots more than I could ever have dreamed of."
What does it feel like to hit 30?
"It's an age that always sounded old to me when I was growing up. But I don't feel old, even though I keep telling myself 'Jeez, you must be. You're 30 - You're not a kid'... I'm enjoying 30 so far. The only thought that gives me the least twinge is that I'll never be in my 20s again! Anyway, I've only just entered this new decade so let's see what it brings. I hope there's ongoing health and happiness for me and my family, who always come first. I expect the band still to be going when the kids start school. I really do believe we can have that longevity. Traditionally, it's been uncool for fans to like a boy band, but if you manage to achieve ten years as we have, and the music is as good as it can be, then I really think we can be something that noboby else has been in a pop band."
Westlife's image is squeaky clean but seeing you tonight, you might properly be seen as party boys!
"As a band, we've gone together from giddy kids to growing-ups. In the beginning, we couldn't believe we were getting into nightclubs never mind getting ropped off as VIPs. But none of us have fallen for the trappings of fame, drugs and all that. We've always had good family values."
Georgina, how did you find one of the few good men for a husband!
"We're a lucky couple, but I think that I'm luckier than Nicky. I don't think there are many like him. Nicky just ticks all the boxes."
To mark Nicky's 30th birthday, the couple have made a donation to Unit 8, the intensive baby care unit of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles St, Dublin, where twins Rocco and Jay spent their first weeks. Thanks to all the girls of Presence PR.
Credit/Source: HELLO! Magazine / Thanks Rachel for the scans
PHOTOS IN THE WESTLIFE CAPTURED SECTION