Out & About

On Tuesday it was the turn of the United Restaurant Tavern Owners at the Dunwoodie Golf Club in Yonkers. That was also a great success with over 140 golfers playing their heart out and one player winning $25,000 for a hole in one. That prize was won by Michael Knight from the Barcelona Pub.

I wonder, did Paul Hurley pay that out of his own pocket or was it the URTO? I must check the books on that one.

I did make the dinner afterwards, going with three restaurant owners Des O'Brien, Pat Burke and Eamonn Maher for a few and to show our support for this great organization.

Every Irish bar owner should be a member because united we stand, united we conquer. For information call Maureen McLoughlin at (212) 557-5200 or by e-mail at maureen@urandto.com.

The Emerald Guild Society (Irish Building Managers) had their annual Vendors reception at Connelly's 45th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) with a full turnout of its members chaired by Patrick Brady.

They also launched their new website and a Pocket Directory that has all the information for its members that was presented by Michael Gubbins.

The president Garrett Doyle was making sure that the vendors who supply all the managers got a great reception and were greeted with a fabulous buffet and cocktails.

Now, as I've said in this column in the past, they are one of the most professional Irish organizations that I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

Fleet Week was on this Memorial Day weekend and for the next few days as well. If you have not gone over to visit the Intrepid on the West side (not to far from Chelsea piers) you are  missing a lot.

First you have quite a large number of ships of all shapes and sizes from around the world. Let me tell you, it is a great family day out. Remember it only happens once a year, so get out of the pubs and down to the see the boys and girls aboard.

As I am talking about the Hudson River, the Kruise for Kids is selling out fast. That event takes place on Wednesday June 10, sailing at 6.45pm and returning at 10pm.

If you'd like to have a bit of fun and a cruise around Manhattan this is for you, with entertainment on all three decks featuring Celtic Cross, The Cunningham Brothers, The Screaming Orphans, The Shay Mac Band, Tom Caesey and lots more all for only $100. There's also a full open bar, hot and cold buffet dinner and dessert plus the chance to meet captain Tom Slattery and have your picture taken with him.

This event benefits Denis Mulcahy's Project Children which helps children from all parts of Ireland, especially the North, whatever religion they are and brings them together with families and builds bridges between people "one child at a time".

As I said, the ship, the Spirit, leaves from Chelsea Piers (Pier 62 on West 23rd Street and 12th Avenue) and boarding begins at 6pm. You can purchase tickets online at kruiseforkids.org or call (212) 717-9955. Do not be left behind!

The Champions League Final is on this Wednesday at 2.45pm and features Manchester United and Barcelona in Rome.

It's available in most bars and restaurants and the game is of great interest to all nationalities, so hop on down to your local as soccer is growing very fast here in the United States of America.

The big day will soon be here for a well-deserved lady, and that is Therese Crowe who is one of the hardest working women that I have ever come across in my life.

Now sometimes she can put you in your place as she has often done with me... good on yea Therese!

If ever there was a woman that you needed some help from, she would be the one to call and, for advice? Oh boy, can she give it and lay down the law when required too.

Why I am I saying all this? Well, the Irish Examiner newspaper is honoring her as our Woman of the Year  for her contribution to the Irish Community, for her hard work and her allegiance to the New York GAA in Gaelic Park over the years.

To all her friends, The Irish Examiner newspaper will be having a reception for her on Thursday night (May 28) at Nevada Smiths.

The evening will begin at 5.30pm and I am told that there will be a fine turn out for her as it is well deserved. If you would like to attend please call (212) 490-8061 See you all next week.