Men in hiding from SATC2 opening

Very few men were to be seen in sight of Dublin cinemas tonight as hundreds of diehard Sex and the City fans gathered for the sequel.

One such man, hiding among the hundreds of girls at the Savoy cinema on Dublin's O'Connell Street, was John O'Rourke who was "forced to accompany his fiancé" Shereen Greer. "I'm easily roped in as I have to keep the peace," he said.

Vertiginous heels, flowery broaches and cocktail dresses were the clothing of choice for the hoards of fans who packed movie theatres in attire fitting for the film.

Michelle Delaney from Rathmines was among the fans, attending with her fellow nurses at Tallaght hospital, Ciara Barry, Ciara Geraghty and Catherine Vooght who donned dresses and heels for the occasion, with Catherine wearing a "Love" necklace similar to one Carrie wore in the series.

"I'm looking forward to seeing all the fashion, clothes and shoes," Michelle, who considered herself a combination of Charlotte and Samantha said.

Also attending was Meabh Ni Chathasaigh, a teacher at Gaelscoil Bharra in Cabra, who "more or less came straight from school to see the film".

"I'd like to say I'm most like Carrie but that would be living in a dream world, as my wardrobe isn't even close to hers," she said.

Most were able to identify at least a little with one or more of those characters.

Kelly Ann Carroll from Stillorgan donned a Diane von Furstenberg dress, Tory Burch cardigan and Tory burch pumps all bought in New York, which she said was "very fitting for the occasion". The Assistant Buyer for Penny's added: "I known it's a real cliché but I can identify with Carrie because of her clothes and shoes".

"I am addicted to shoes and bags and have been to New York 11 times on shopping trips," she added.

Ms Carroll said: "the first film was quite sad but this is much happier".

Those lucky enough to get tickets for the comedy on its release were raving about the film, before it had even started, and some were even back for a second time.

Bronagh Kingston, who attended the premiere in London last night said: ""I've just got off the plane and have come straight to see it again".

The die-hard fan, whose engagement ring is identical to Charlotte's in the film, said: "I've been obsessed with the programme for 12 years".

"The film was very funny and bright, even my husband enjoyed it. He's my Mr Big," she said.

Ms Kingston who wore Michael Kors shoes for the occasion added: "It's a great film to see with the girls and that's what it's all about, supporting each other. I am definitely going to see if for a third time".

Edel Corrigan from Drumcondra said the film was everything she expected it to be: "fabulous and over the top".

"The clothes were amazing and the girls were great together," she said, adding "it was a really fun movie, and a great film for a girly night out".

If numbers attending tonight are anything to go by, Sex and the City mania is sweeping the nation, with screenings of the highly-anticipated film expected to be sold out over the coming days.

All night screenings at the Savoy cinema are sold out for the next few days according to manager Sandra O'Donoghue who said: "The phones have been ringing non-stop for weeks with people enquiring about the movie".