Out & About

Ireland put up a great show in the Six Nations Rugby tournament at the weekend, but still lost to France who look so good. The reason that I begin this column about the Irish rugby team is that it was shown all over the place in a lot of the Irish bars and restaurants and there were not a lot of happy viewers out there last weekend.

It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Siobhán Dennehy as Aide to the Grand Marshal for the 2008 Peekskill Saint Patrick's Day Parade. The parade will be held Saturday, March 15 at 3pm. An Irish immigrant, Siobhán's work as Executive Director of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center is well known she is working hard to help others with their immigration problems and personal problems. Congratulations Siobhan, from all at the Irish Examiner newspaper a hearty congratulations.

The American Ireland Fund had their kick off reception to launch the 33rd Annual New York Dinner Gala at the Metropolitan Club. It was as usual a huge success thanks to the professionalism of Carla Capone. It was, as always, nice to meet the Chairman of the Ireland Funds, Loretta Brennan Glucksman. Loretta delivered a wonderful introduction on the night. The master of ceremonies was AIF New York President, Kieran McLoughlin who introduced Christopher "Kip" Condron, President and CEO of AXA Financial, INC. and Robert McCann, President Global Private Client Group Merrill Lynch. Also on the night we met up with Kingsley Aikins, President &CEO of the Worldwide Ireland Funds

Colin Farrell was in town to promote his new movie 'In Bruges' last Wednesday night that was presented by The Craic Irish Film Festival. A great after party was held in the R-Bar in the Bowery - a huge thanks to Terrance Mulligan and his team, a great night was had by all, among them Attracta Lyndon manager of Dooley-Rent-A-Car who got to meet Colin Farrell and shake hands with him - I wonder was that all?

I have to mention that we were also at the Galway Hooker as usual last week and we met one of the owners The 'Real' Donald, who we would like to say was working very hard as he is the main man.

Across the street you have Slattery's Midtown Pub on east 36th Street managed very well by Justin who would be more than happy to serve you - again he has a great team of bartenders and waitress's who are only too glad to serve you. Slattery's has a great menu and has a second floor Bar and Party room.

The Parlour on West 86th street is the place to visit for a warm atmosphere and a top shelf pint served up by Mairead. Managed by Noreen from Macroom County Cork, The Parlour is always a welcoming spot. We did miss the man himself, your host John Kelly, as it was in the afternoon. He may have been working late the night before or more likely have been over for a Celtic game as this is one of the top Glasgow Celtic Supporters' Clubs in New York. Noreen also introduced us to the new waitress Nicole from Dublin who was also very busy with the tables in the restaurant.

At The Public House on 41st street between Lex and 3rd Avenue we met bartender Melissa who was working hard behind their wonderfully long bar. While there we also met up with the night bartender Eugene Brennan who pours a nice drink along with bartender Eric Ness who has just opened a new bar & restaurant on the upper East side called The Bull Pen which we promised to visit this week

You have got to pay a visit to Papillon Bistro & Bar at 22 East 54th - serving Lunch 5 days a week and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday and Dinner 7-days a week from 4pm. A Papillon you will get a friendly greeting from Bar manager Rhys Brennan who comes from the Capital of Ireland, Dublin. Along with Nicole and Joan and the general manager Karl O'Connor they run a first class establishment, tell we sent you, they will appreciate it

The Emerald Guild New York Superintendents had their annual meeting on Monday night at Annie Moore's on 43rd and Vanderbilt. The special guest was none other than the Chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, our good friend John Dunleavy. Also in attendance was Liam Birmingham who is the Vice President of the New York G.A.A

Check out our website www.irishexaminerusa.com where you can apply for your own Irish credit card that will help to keep your heritage and our Irish pride alive... We did not get a chance to go to any of the events during Fashion Week - sorry ladies!

More next week