Out & About

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There's so much happening all over the Big Apple that I would need two papers to fit it all in.

We'll start with the 1st Irish Festival presented by the Origin Theatre Company which has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of George Heslin.

They had a kick-off reception at Mutual of America, who are a very generous sponsor, and was hosted by the CEO of the company Tom Moran and a great night it was too.

The festival features over 375 artists and 21 playwrights in 12 venues and goes on until October 4, so you've got plenty of time, and no excuses, to see some of the shows.

If you need more information or tickets you can visit www.1stIrish.org. Believe me, you must not miss these plays.

The Irish Repertory Theatre, one of the founding theaters in New York City, along with the Irish Arts Center are both at the forefront of this great festival and are running shows all year for your pleasure.

The Irish Rep have a hilarious double-header with After Luke and When I was God, both written by Conal Creedon and directed by Tim Ruddy and not to be missed. For tickets call (212) 727-2737.

The Irish Arts Center has a very full program starting with the traditional music icon Andy Irvine and the acclaimed singer/songwriter John Doyle just after playing this weekend to a sold out show.

The full 2009 listings include the film of my great friend the late Ronnie Drew called September Song and, on Saturday October 14, an All-Star Tribute to the Irish and Jewish Influence on Vaudeville and Early Tin Pan Alley. For more programs and shows call (212) 757-3318 or log on to www.irishartscenter.org.

I am sure you're saying he has not stopped anywhere yet for a pint... Well, that is coming as you might imagine: on Monday night there was a surprise party at Eamonn's for their bookkeeper Eileen Lyons who was going back home to Cork/Tipperary to get married and live happily ever after.

As you can imagine a lot of people turned up. Naming a few there was Pat Burke from the Pig'n' Whistle, the bartender from P.J. Morans, Tim O'Connell, Cormick McCormack the manager of O'Brien's Irish Pub, Ken McCoy the owner/partner of the Pig'n'Whistle's on the East side, Eugene Wilson the owner/partner of Channel 4 and, of course, the owner and partner of Eamonn's bar and grill Eamonn Maher. Who else turned up? Oh yes, none other than the Coffee man himself, Pete Scalley!

Now, there were quite a lot more at the party including managers and waitresses. As you can imagine we had a few cocktails; oh, but you know who was missing? Des O'Brien the owner/partners of Langan's Broadway Irish Pub who was coming back from the All-Ireland and not too happy I might say. Not to worry Des, next year Tipp will do it.

As I said a lot of things have been happening in the last week.

The Oyster festival was on this weekend with huge crowds at both events in Riverside Park and Pier 84 that were both promoted by P.D. Hurley's and then you had the Bartenders Ball. Again that was on at P.D. Hurley's Hudson River Pier 84 (44th Street & 12th Avenue). How does he do it I wonder?

The 10th Annual Wee Craic is on this Thursday September 17 starting at 7pm at Webster Hall. Check it out at thecraicfest.com.

Coming to Nevada Smiths on Thursday October 8, Finbar Furey will be playing and also introducing his new CD, so make sure you do not miss out on the chance to see this great entertainer as there will be limited admission. You can view the information in the ad for the show in this week's paper (on page 7).

See you all in two weeks.