Gandalf's absence barely steals the magic from Linda Martin's new dog shelter opening

Linda Martin and Louis Walsh at the launch of Dublin Dog Hub on Friday. Picture: Dublin Dog Hub

Anne Doyle, a priest and Louis Walsh — the opening of Linda Martin’s dog shelter had it all — apart from a multi-award winning actor.

As the event began, heads turned at distant claps for an arriving guest that turned out to be Louis Walsh. As much as he tries, he just doesn't have the X-factor of Ian McKellen, who was also keenly awaited.