Out & About

I tell you Patrick, you are a very lucky fellow. I wish it was me going to all those shows as these tickets are hot.

I am sure everyone was watching the Grammys on Sunday night and saw the biggest band in the world,  U2, who had the opening slot on the show. They were superb as usual and played their new single 'Get on Your Boots'.

Rumours are that they will be playing in Croke Park this year in July. Now it is not officially announced yet so keep your eyes on this paper for confirmation.

We were very happy to hear that Assemblyman Jack McEnery has been named Grand Marshal of the Albany Saint Patrick's Day Parade which will be held on Saturday March 14th.

Also congratulations to Assemblyman Mike Cusick of Staten Island on his election as president of the American Irish Legislators Society.

The man of mystery Ronnie Harnisch, Dick Spring's man in America, was seen at a famous Irish pub called Third and Long on Third Avenue. Wonder what he was up to, huh?

I do have to say that I have never seen a more loyal group in my life than the Emerald Guild Society. 

Boy do they care about each other... I had the pleasure of being invited to their meeting last Monday night downstairs in Annie Moore's Bar and Restaurant and what a turnout.

It was packed with all its members who are all solid Irishmen who came over to America in order to make a better life for themselves and their families, and let me tell you it would make you very proud.

Every organization in the country should be like them - united in every way, and they're the people who manage the top residential buildings in New York.

I was a guest along with John Dunleavy, the Chairman of the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade and Hilary Beirne the Parade Committee's corresponding secretary to observe how the meeting proceeded. Again, let me tell you they were fabulous and, of course, we had some nice food and a few drinks as well.

I am going to try to mention some of the members but don't be mad at me if I do not mention all of them.

First off there was Garret Doyle, the President of the Emerald Guild, who I had the pleasure of having dinner with earlier and another member, Patrick Brady, the Vice President of the Society.

Also at the table was the President of the Local 32-BJ Union Michael Fishman and the Vice President of the Union Kevin Doyle.

After dinner we went downstairs to join the rest of the members and to meet and greet as many as possible.

First we met with Michael Gubbins, the backbone of the group, who is also a past Corkman of the Year and great member of the society.

Also there was Martin Hurley, the corresponding secretary; this man is everywhere. Watch out for him as he is going places. I know it since one of his big supporters was there checking out everything - none other than Patrick Hurley, formerly of Skibbereen, Co. Cork; I wonder, are they cousins? You never know.

The Emerald Guild Grand Marshal John O'Mahony was also present, so was the past president Barry Riordan and also in the audience was Niall Cremin, who is now managing a very famous building - the Dakota building where John Lennon lived and where his widow Yoko still lives.

We did see Monty Maloney another member and a very popular man who was  the past president of the New York GAA.

Well I can't but mention the Prunty family who are a pillar of the Irish society in New York: Michael, President of AOH Division 4 and his brother Joe who is also very involved with the Emerald Guild and, of course, the Longford Society.

On my rounds I also bumped into one of the IBO's members, Robert Gibbons of Align.com, having a coffee in the Lincoln Building with a business partner Luke Calenle (Kerry) of Computer Solutions.

You'd probably like to hear what they were discussing; maybe a new software site for a newspaper, which one though?

Since we are talking about the IBO I must mention that they have their monthly meeting at O'Lunney's (on West 45th Street) at 6pm this Wednesday and all are welcome to join them.

A quick final note: Finbar Furey's gig at Joe's Pub is selling out fast, so hurry and get your tickets. I'll be there, will you? The post-concert party will be at Nevada Smith's, downstairs in Chrissy Mac's.

See you all next week.