Derek Byrne

09/09/2024

As the nights grow longer and the evenings grow colder, it is lovely to snuggle down at home with soft lighting surrounded by the things I love db

09/09/2024

Just back from tea with my gorgeous friends Ian Fox and Jim Harkin .it was such a treat to have them to myself for a short time. I brought an Oxford Lunch as I do like a moist fruit cake with afternoon tea. The boys were in flying form and it was lovely to get out for a walk although, the temperature has dropped somewhat. As always, you've got to make a style statement for the Fox-Harkins, two of the most stylish gentlemen in town. Love you both dx 💋 💋

07/09/2024

Off to dinner at the fabulous home of Peter Hosford for an impromptu dinner. Dress regally he said so I'm wearing my Medal of the Order of the Royal Eagle of Georgia which also just happens to match my outfit. Jacket is vintage Jigsaw, Jeans by Mochino, pumps by Paul Smith and scent by Cerutti 💋

07/09/2024

Time for another walk in this brilliant sunshine. Being casual in my mood today, top by Benetton, shoes by Ecco, jeans = something I picked up in TK Maxx ages ago, I like the fact that they are freying. Wearing a little bandana to protect the scar on my neck from the sun. Bag is part of my Ted Baker collection and bought recently in the closing down sale. Scent is Chanel Blue again. Overall, the look is effortless chic which, is what chic should be, effortless 💋

06/09/2024

Dressings came off today so I was able to have my first proper shower in a week. As its bound to be one of the last beautiful sunny days of the year, I've decided to get my t**h out and about. I'm channelling Audrey Hepburn in my wide brimmed hat, top by Ralph Lauren, jeans by Wrangler, shoes by Puma, bag by Pauric Sweeney , fabulous is just 💯 me! 💋

05/09/2024

Finally on the 19.25 from Cork to Dublin after attending the launch of a report into domestic violence among gay, bis*xual, transgender and men who have s*x with men. As you can see, I brought my inevitable sense of style to the event. One must maintain standards after all, even in the provences 😆

05/09/2024

My gorgeous cousin Yvonne saw this and said it reminded her of me immediately. How right she is 😆

05/09/2024

03/09/2024

31/08/2024

Lest we forget, this night 27 years ago 😢

31/08/2024

One of my favourite tasks of the year is preparing my tiny terrace for winter. I use it all year round, indeed, probably more in winter as I love the cosiness of it and drinking late night whiskey wrapped in a blanket while listening to the sounds of the city - bliss 😊

31/08/2024

I do love these last crispy yet sunny days of Summer. Having had a couple of minor surgical procedures yesterday, I slept late, had a light breakfast and now heading down to my local garden centre on Cork Street. Staying close to home as my energy levels are low. I'm feeling casual today, sweater by Benetton, one my my favourite brands since childhood. I found this for €10 in a vintage store last year. It shrank in the was but I like the fit all the same. Always a touch of D&G and some Chanel Blue eua de perfume for that little something. Have a gorgeous day all dx 💋

28/08/2024

Ready for a rainy day in Dublin. Jacket by Benetton, trainers by Puma, attitude pure Derek 🕶

27/08/2024

Lunch in Navan with my gorgeous sister Tracy today. Its lovely to get your siblings to yourself now and then, not only to share in juicy family scandal but just to feel like kids again dx 😘

26/08/2024

This beautiful mezzotint of my grandmother's great grandmother, Lady Charlotte Dundas (née Fitzwilliam) daughter of the 3rd Earl Fitzwilliam arrived today. Its after Sir Joshua Reynolds and the original portrait can be seen in the National Portrait Gallery in London. I came across this gem totally by accident last week for sale at a specialist gallery in Oxford, where I studied the Victorian Novel as part of my primary degree. I collect portraits and prints of my ancestors and try to snap them up whenever I come across them. This portrait didn't come cheap but you should never put a price on family treasures. It will be another heirloom to pass down which warms my heart as all I've inherited so far is high cholesterol and high blood pressure 😉

25/08/2024

A wild and windy day for Polo so I dressed for the elements rather than fashion. However, style is an attitude and doesn't rely on the sun. A wonderful afternoon with wonderful friends. Today, was a day with living 💋

23/08/2024

Today, I'm doing Boho Cic for a Friday afternoon man about town. Some retail therapy followed by an appointment with my barber then cocktails with cousin David Murray to start the weekend. The bag I hot I a charity shop on Wednesday. The flap was all bleached and discoloured but I treated it with some moisturiser and it came up a treat. The leather idms gorgeous and the craftsmanship and quality are stunning. All for the equally handsome sum of €7.50 db 💋

22/08/2024

Guess who dozed off on the couch for the afternoon 🤪

21/08/2024

Really devastated to hear the sad news of Nell McCafferty's passing. She was an inspiration to me as a Journalist and Gay Rights Campaigner. During lockdown, she would make the odd comment about my whacky social media posts, so I assume she enjoyed them. She also acknowledged my authenticity as a contributor to the Opinion Section of the Irish Times especially on LGBT+ issues. I really enjoyed her no nonsense contributions to many a debate on TV and radio. Her like does not come along often and we were lucky to have had her enrich our lives. May she rest in peace and rise in glory 😢

16/08/2024

A bit of a tough patch at the moment but, I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand ..... and I can love me better than, you can 💋

13/08/2024

Dinner with my favourite lesbuan couple Eva and Alex this evening has been quite the experience. The starter was a symphony in prawns and smoke salmon. The Bar was raised when the main, smoked salmon, with soy sauce and a delicately and professionally placed tower of rice was put before me. However, the piece de resistance was when I asked for coffee and a double espresso was produced in a double espresso cup. I tell you, my position as the doyenne of Dublin gay high society has been challenged. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Time to pull out all the stops.

03/08/2024

Sunflowers for Saturday. Thank you Christina Kennedy and for our lovely chat last night dx 💋

28/07/2024

I have decided to sleep in my guest room tonight, otherwise known as the Napoleon room as my duvet and pillows are currently at the cleaners. I sometimes sleep in this room as it's very calm. It hosts my "Glory Wall" of degree certificates and other honours as well as a fabulous coloured engraving of Napoleon crossing the Alps which was a gift from my friend, Noelle Campbell Sharp. There is also some family history presented to me by my distant cousin The O'Byrne of Leinster, Chief Emeritus. I love to be surrounded by history. Maybe that's why I sleep so soundly in this room. It was also George's favourite room and I think his ghost still sleeps on the bed. Sweet dreams 😴

28/07/2024

I've just learnt of the sad death of Author Edna O'Brien at the age of 93. As a writer, it was my extreme pleasure to meet Ms. O'Brien at an embassy event to honour her a few years ago. I shall treasure that conversation forever and feel very lucky to have touched those hands and looked into those knowing eyes. May she rest in peace and rise in glory 😢

28/07/2024

I did something a little crazy today. I bought something for Christmas 🎄

28/07/2024

When I see the sun shining onto my terrace like this, I realise how lucky I am. Have a gorgeous Sunday everyone dx 💋

27/07/2024

This one is for the Fabulous Christine Ryall who I finally met in person today at Alfred Sursock Cochrane luncheon party. A veritable smorgasbord of colourful personalities and we were treated to a performance by the Whifenpoofs who will be rushing to Paris later where they are due to perform at the Paris Olympics 🥂

26/07/2024

Fashion sweetie 💋

17/07/2024

Tired and irritated with Bus Eireann which arrived into Waterford half an hour late and has now had to double back part of the way home because the road to Thomastown was blocked. God knows what time I'll get home tonight. After a long day, it just isn't good enough. Give me the train any day of the week 🥱

17/07/2024

On the bus to Waterford where I'm going to meet the local Transgender group and deliver a presentation on the factors of Domestic Violence. It's wonderful to do a job that brings me into contact with some amazing people db