The King of Pop who fell in love with Westmeath

A wax statue in the likeness of the great King of Pop, Michael Jackson has been unveiled at the National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin's Temple Bar by owner Paddy Dunning.Dunning, who also runs the successful international recording studio Grouse Lodge in Westmeath's Rosemount where the likes of REM, Snow Patrol Bloc Party and Westlife have recorded, had the privilege of having MJ to stay when he was recording an album here in 2006.Jackson himself was due to launch the new interactive museum in July 2009 but unfortunately due to his untimely death that was not to be.As a memorial to his amazing life and extraordinary talent his figure will stand in pride of place at the centre of the Museum's spectacular Grande Hall.Speaking about the unveiling, Paddy said:"We are extremely happy with the figure it is just amazing! The museum is getting such a great response and people who have seen the new Michael Jackson figure are just astounded!"Michael stayed for five months at the famous Grouse Lodge recording Studio in the late Victorian mansion Coolatore House, and according to Mr. Dunning Michael loved Ireland and was fascinated by its heritage and ancient history."He loved history and mythology," continues Paddy, who is holding a new Mayday festival on the nearby Hill of Úisneach, the Festival of the Fires, which Dunning hopes to make an annual event.This will see a fire lit on Úisneach on May 1, where Sharon Shannon, Mundy and Kila among others, will provide the music.There will also be a "foody" village filled with locally produced food and drink, as well as craft stalls.For further information about the National Wax Museum Plus or Festival of the Fires see www.waxmuseumplus.ie and www.festivalofthefires.com.