Out & About

Super Bowl XLIII is all the rage this weekend and almost every bar and restaurant will be packed for the pool parties that will be happening all over the country.

To name a few on the East coast: the Pig'n'Whistle on West 47th Street will be having a big party and all are welcome,

The Galway Hooker on East 36th Street between Madison and Fifth avenues is another place to watch the game on their huge screen and to join in on the party.

Legends (West 33rd Street) are having a super Super Bowl party from 6pm-10pm. It's $60 per person but that includes a buffet and top-shelf open bar. Now that's a very good deal.

Rumours on Eight Avenue (between 55th and 56th Streets) is another fine establishment to be on Sunday. They'll be serving lunch and dinner with the kitchen open late.

Out in Queens you have Paddy Quinn's on 69th Street in Maspeth. They are having a Super Bowl party which costs $50. There'll be an open bar during the game with complimentary food.

Downtown at Nevada Smiths on Third Avenue (between 11th and 12th Streets) the fun begins after all the Premiership football games are over, with the Super Bowl game starting at 6pm.

Further up Third Avenue McCormick's (between 28th and 29th Streets) shows all the sports for your enjoyment and they'll also be hosting a big Super Bowl party - again after all the soccer games are over.

So let the party begin and may the best team win. I am sure there will be a lot of happy winners in the pools but I'd keep that quiet.

Van Morrison will be making an appearance at the Garden towards the end of February. Check the listings for tickets as his shows sell out fast.

Coming in March at the Radio City Music Hall are Celtic Woman. Again, check the listings at the Radio City website for tickets.

A great night was had by all at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center's 16th Annual Robert Briscoe Awards which were hosted by Brian O'Dwyer at the '21 Club' on Monday night and at the Consulate General of Ireland office on Tuesday night with a reception that presented the Irish Institute Inc.'s Grant Awards.

There were a lot of guests present at both, including James Lombard, Chairman of the United Irish Counties Association, who was talking about the United Irish Counties Annual Dinner which will be held on Friday at Antun's.

The Ireland-U.S.Council is having its Winter Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida from February 11 to 13, so if you would like to get away from the cold weather that is the place. For more information call (212) 867-6268.

Mary Powers, the new President of the Cork Association, is all excited about her new position and why shouldn't she be. These women are taking over! What is Pat Hurley going to do now that he has all female bosses I wonder, huh?

Anita Daly is promoting Finbar Furey at Joe's Pub on Monday March 16. The IBO are helping to sponsor the event and holding a post-concert reception afterwards at Nevada Smiths.

Coming into New York in the next few months are Celtic Thunder, The Pogues, the Dropkick Murphys, Saw Doctors, Celtic Woman, Finbar Furey, the Irish Tenors, Van Morrison, Flogging Molly and Black 47. Now how much more do you need for good Irish entertainment with the cream of the crop to entertain you.

Do not forget to look in on Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 'Live in Barcelona' which is on WLIW21 this Wednesday at 10pm.

The Irish Repertory Theatre has the Brian Friel's "Aristocrats" on at the moment. It's received rave reviews, so don't miss it! Call (212) 727-2737 for tickets.

See you all after the Super Bowl. I hope you are all winners.