I can’t believe I’m a professional messer.

Sunshine, stewards in high-vis pink, Diana Ross belting out about coming out — some confused tourists could be forgiven for wondering if they were in Cork or South Beach, Florida, as thousands took to the streets yesterday to celebrate being gay.

WE’RE bang in the middle of the summer festival season, and July shows no signs of letting up. Practically every weekend is cram-packed with music and/or arts festivities all around the country, ranging from Kinsale Arts Week to the Galway Film Fleadh to a national scarecrow festival. So get planning.

Madeline Mulqueen first made Ireland sit up and take notice when she played the sassy bridesmaid in Rubberbandits video Horse Outside.