Out & About

Niall Miller, the former head of the Irish Tourist Board in North America, and more recently President of the Atlantic Golf Company, died after a short illness at his home in Rye. He was very involved in in a lot of charitable events and Irish organizations in New York and was also a very active member of The Ireland-US Council. He is survived by his wife Pauline and father of Aoife, Davis and Gregory.

Rose Cosgrove was a pillar in the Irish community and the Longford Association here in New York for over fifty years. She served as President of the Longford Ladies Auxiliary from 1941 to 1944 and from 1968 to 1975. Rose died last Wednesday at the great age of 101-years-old.

Irish horse racing has lost its most famous personality following the death of Vincent O'Brien at his home in Straffan, Co. Kildare at the age of 92. Born on April 9, 1917, in Churchtown, Co. Cork, Michael was the fifth son of a sporting farmer who loved to trade in horses.

The Cork native trained six-horses to win the Epsom Derby, among them Nijinsky in 1970, and won three Aintree Grand Nationals and three Cheltenham Gold Cups with Cottage Rake.

During the 1970s, O'Brien, along with owner Robert Sangster and his son-in-law, John Magnier, established what became known as the Coolmore Syndicate  with stud farms in the US, Australia and Ireland.

They came from three different walks of life but let me tell you, they made us proud of who we are and what Ireland is all about. May they rest in peace.

I was so happy for Therese Crowe last Thursday night at Nevada Smiths for her presentation of The Irish Examiner newspaper's Woman of the Year 2009 Award.

Marie Morgan Burgess read out a letter of congratulations from the President of Ireland Mary McLeese and what a fine job she did too, so Consul General of Ireland, Niall Burgess you better look out, you got some competition (just kidding).

Representing the Gaelic Athletic Association of Greater New York  was none other than Ira Goldman, their PRO, who also gave a very nice introduction.

In the audience was Cork Association President Mary Power along with Mae O'Driscoll and they were both looking marvelous as usual.

The Tipperary Association and the Tipperary Hurling Club were well represented as was the New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee with Chairman John Dunleavy coming down after the Rose Cosgrove wake.

I am sorry that I did could not make it there though as she was a great friend of mine and was very helpful to me when I emigrated to America in 1982 and is in my prayers.

One other notable, and believe me there were a lot, was Maurice Landers, a Board member of the Irish Network-NYC and his lovely girlfriend Kelly who seemed to be having a good time. Maybe we'll see her again, right Maurice?

It's all happening next Wednesday (June 10th). Yes, you're right, the Kruise for Kids will be sailing at 6.45pm so don't be late as this is the 18th Annual AOH Division 7 Cruise around New York to benefit Project Children, so book now or you will be left on shore.

Tickets are only $100 and that includes a full bar, hot and cold buffet dinner and, not to forget, dessert.

Live music will be provided by The Cunningham Brothers, Celtic Cross, The Screaming Orphans, The Shay Mac Band, Tom Casey & Friends and lots more.

For more information call (212) 717-9955. I guarantee you will have a fun time and get to meet lots of old friends and the Captain Tom Slattery and his motley crew.

Have you seen it yet? Yes I do mean The Rivalry a play that is now running at The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street). It opened on May 15 and goes until Sunday July 5.

Do not miss this drama, I promise you that you'll enjoy it.

For tickets call (212) 727-2737. We'll have a review in next week's paper.

The Galway Hooker and Fiddlesticks are holding their Second Annual Golf Outing on Monday June 15 at the Mansion Ridge Golf Club in Monroe and still have some places available.

This is a super day out and again all the profits go to The New York Foundling Charity.

For more information contact Fiddlesticks on (212) 463-0516 or The Galway Hooker at (212) 725-2353.

On Monday June 8 at 7pm The Sage Theater in Times Square (711 7th Avenue, between 47th and 48th Streets) will be featuring Cronin & Phelan's magical bartender Dave Cremin. I wonder, am I still his manager?

On a serious note I had the pleasure of doing a skit with Dave and let me tell you, he is funny and on top of all this he is one of the best in the business at magic tricks.

Tickets are $15 the day of the show, $12 for seniors and students. Advance tickets are availablr online for $10 ($7.50 for seniors and students).

You can also call Powella Productions at (718) 482-8790.

Eileen Forgarty one of the best female entertainers at this side of the Atlantic is also doing some gigs around the area. On Friday, June 5, she will be doing a wedding in Randolph, New Jersey and on Saturday June 6, a wedding in Sea Bright, New Jersey. She is also available for all shows.

See you all next week.