Out & About

This the best time of the year for parties and celebrations with friends and co-workers. The Ireland-U.S. Council got things off to a great start last week despite an evening of rain and sleet. Michael Gibbons and his lovely wife Cynthia - along with David O'Sullivan gave a great party. We met Tourism Ireland's own Joe Byrne and his wife-having a blast along with Aine Sheridan, DJ Carey, Barry Lynch and a lot of other guests at the River Club on 52nd street just off of 1st Ave.

If your traveling from Manhattan to Kennedy or Newark Airports take U.S. Helicopters. The company is headed up by our very own Donal McSullivan from Cork City. Taking a chopper to the airport is a great way to travel and it only takes 8 minutes from their 34th street base.

Tommy Fleming who made an appearance on Channel 21 last weekend will be doing a concert at the Town Hall on West 43rd Street on Thursday March 6th. The gig is presented by our old friend Maggie Cadden and tickets are $41.00 for information call Dara Records 1 800-714-2008.

Speaking of tickets, The Devils Disciple is currently playing at the Irish Repertory Theatre on West 22nd street - a night out that would make a great Christmas Gift - for tickets call 212 727-2737.

We recently went over to the new McAnn's restaurant and bar that has just opened on 1st Avenue between 52nd and 53rd streets for cocktails and met the owner Dawn, do stop in for a quick one if you are in the neighborhood.

We stopped in to see Hugh O'Lunney and his lovely daughter Maureen at O'Lunney's on 45th, they are just the perfect hosts. On we went then to O'Brien's on 46th street where we met Cormac the manager and who should walk in only Des O'Brien and Pat Burke - needless to say a good time had by all.

Try not to miss the Christmas Spectacular show at Radio City Music Hall as it is an incredible show for all the family.

At Papillion we met manager Carol - the bar was packed downstairs and up - where was Tommy?

Spoke to one of our great feature writers Bob Roman who is still recovering after a very bad accident early this year, he is ready to start writing his column again for our sister magazine Irish Connections, welcome back Bob.

On our travels met up with Eamonn Maher and frequent flier Barry Twomey who has just come back from Ireland and is going back again for Christmas - lucky guy.

Tommy Smyth is still speechless after the announcement that he is Grand Marshal of the 2008 New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Dropped into Track's at Penn Station last Friday night to see Bruce Caulfield could not get near the bar it was so crowded. Bruce was at the end of the long bar with that great big smile, he always seems to be happy and why not with the new addition to his family.

Off to our own office party this week at Eamonn's on 45th street to celebrate our 2nd Christmas with colleagues and friends.

If you are going out on New Year's Eve leave the car at home, you will enjoy it all the more - guaranteed.

New Year's Eve parties are happening all over Manhattan. Some of the better get-togethers are at; The Blind Pig on 14th street; Nevada Smiths on 3rd Ave. between 11th and 12 Streets; P.D. O'Hurley's on 72nd St; Langan's on 47th street just off Broadway; Stitch on West 37th street where you can watch the ball drop on the big screens; The Pig 'N Whistle on 47th street where you can celebrate New Year's Eve with Pat Burke and it is just around the corner from Time's Square; The Parlour uptown on West 86th street with John Kelly, Noreen and all the staff will party until you drop on New Year's Eve; Papillon is a great place to be to ring in the new year and to be seen; Mike Carty will have his Special New Year's Eve Celebration at Rosie O'Grady's on 52nd street on Seventh Avenue; Frankie Dwyer, Pete Fitzpatrick and Enda Kennan from Jack Demsey's on 33rd street will ensure you ring in 2008 in style; also stop by The Playwright on 8th Avenue between 45th and 46th; The Playwright on 48th Street and the Playwright on 35th Street. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we shall see you all in 2008.