Out & About

Hugh O'Lunney has been a major force in New York for a number of years and has owned a few bars and restaurants around the city. He is well-known for his success in the bar business and quite a lot of bar owners got their start from Hugh.

The IBO has had lots of their meetings in O'Lunney's as I said. I see why - Hugh O'Lunney is a gracious and great host and he knows when it's time to help out; you can rely on him to be the first to stand up and be counted.

The IBO is a fine organization in which to meet other people in business with advice and a need to connect with other small businesses and I am sure it could not exist at a better time than now.

Right now, with the economy in its bad shape I would advise you to join this organization as it will help if you talk about your problems. The number to call  is (212) 750-8118 or you can e-mail them at a_ibo@yahoo.com

The Irish American Republicans are having their 12th Annual Award Reception at Langan's Bar and Restaurant (West 47th Street) this Thursday beginning at 6pm. This year they are honoring William Flynn, Peter King and Alan Sweeny. For more information call (518) 210-1200. 

The Gaelic Athletic Association of Greater New York will honor Tom Nugent as their Guest of Honor at their Annual Banquet on Sunday, March 1, at Antun's in Queens Village.

The Cocktail Hour will begin at 4pm, with dinner from 5pm to 9pm.

The Master of Ceremonies will be ESPN sportscaster Tommy Smyth and music will be provided by the Black Velvet Band.

For information and dinner tickets, please contact the Dinner Chairs: Tom Fahey, at ttomf49@aol.com or (845) 216-6049  or Seamus Dooley on (914) 263-2474.

To support Tom Nugent and the NY GAA with a Journal ad, you can contact Liam Bermingham, at lbermingha@aol.com or call him on (914) 320-5471.

Celtic Woman will be at Radio City Music Hall on Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th. Now is the time to buy your tickets as this concert will sell out I promise you (after all, every one of their CDs and DVDs have gone Platinum).

Bertie Ahern, the former Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of Ireland will be the keynote speaker at Molloy College's Hays Theatre on Friday February 27th at 9.45am.

This event is sponsored by the Brehon Law Society of Nassau County.

To reserve tickets contact Molloy College's Office of Public Relations on (516) 678-500 ext. 6622.

Yes, it's all happening for U2 - The Biggest Band in the World - who are performing on five nights (from Monday March 2nd to Friday March 6th) on the Late Show with David Letterman, so be sure to check in for this very rare performance.

You will hear U2 play a lot of tracks from their new album "No Line On The Horizon" and I am sure some of their older hits. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform and hopefully tour later.

Look out for the Big Apple Feis that will be happening in late March or early April, right here in New York City. We'll have more news on it next week.

John Duddy will be boxing this Saturday at Madison Square Garden when he battles the tough Matt Vanda under a new banner. He has been training hard in Miami for this fight.

Irish Ropes promotions will be promoting a Saint Patrick's Eve show at the Garden said Eddie McLoughlin. The main event will be between prospective middleweight opponents Andy Lee and Walid Smichet with the rest of card to be finalized.

Bruce Caulfield of the famous Tracks Raw Bar and Grill in Penn Station called to say that next Tuesday they will be celebrating their 7th Annual Mardi Gras from Friday February 20th through "Fat" Tuesday (February 24th).

They'll have lots of free giveaways hats, beads and necklaces, and Jazz Band "Tin Pan" will be playing live every night.

There'll be other special guests; I know one of them very well, so I've got to call in.

All the fun starts at 5.30pm (running 'til 9.30pm) and they'll be serving an authentic Cajun menu all night.

None other than one of the proprietors, Pat O'Brien will be pouring real deal Hurricanes, so get on board for the fun.

You'll also get a chance to meet Michael O'Brien - no, he won't be dressed up, just plain Mike with his usual wit but maybe he might buy you a pint Guinness on this special occasion so just show up.

They have one of the most professional bar and waiter services this side of the City.

A fundraising benefit for a Corkman Alan Condron will be held at Bar 43 (43-06 43rd Street in Sunnyside, (718) 361-3090) on Sunday from 6pm to 9pm.

Alan was diagnosed with cancer and all proceeds will be donated to help defray his medical expenses so your support is much appreciated.

For more information, contact Debbie Mulhall on (917) 605-6517.

See you all next week.