Out & About

I was on my rounds last week when I called into Channel 4 Irish Pub & Restaurant (on 48th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues) and there to greet me was the Manageress Erin Murrey, who also to gave-out to me for taking so long to mention Channel 4, the famous hangout for the newscasters from the TV Station Channel 4 just across the street.

Let me tell you, this lady knows her job as I was watching her getting the restaurant ready for lunch and making sure that everything was 'spic and span' for the lunch customers coming in.

I did not see the owner Eugene Wilson as he was at the bank making a deposit I presume, or maybe he got a wiff that I was on the way huh... I wonder?

The bartenders Trevor Toner and George Craig were stocking up when I called in, they did not have to do that just for me though!

Just to let you know, Channel 4 has a Prix Fixe menu of $21.95 for a 3 course dinner. This is available on Mondays tthrough Saturdays between 5pm and 9pm. Brunch is also served on Saturday and Sunday - now where would you get that in the middle of Manhattan?

It was a busy week starting with the Installation of the Grand Marshal for the New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade - our very own NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly and no better man could get this great honor and lead us all up Fifth Avenue on the 17th of March.

I had the privilege of meeting him at the event in the New York Athletic Club. Hilary Beirne announced the dedication of the 249th Parade at this event to a national organization that has had a huge impact on all walks of life in the United States for the past 100 years.

Doctor John Lahey, the Vice Chairman-President performed the introductions of the guests on the dais and welcomed all who were in the audience and then introduced Cardinal Egan followed by the Chairman John Dunleavy who also welcomed everybody.

The countdown is on: as every one knows this is the best parade in the World and the most respected as well and, as we are on the subject of the parade dinner, you should note that the Reception for the Grand Marshal and his Aides is on Sunday afternoon on February 21st beginning at 3pm at Antun's (96-43 Springfield Boulevard, Queen's Village, New York). Call (914) 833-8363 or email HBeirne@NYC-St-Patrick-Day-Parade.Org for more details.

The New York Athletic Club was packed to capacity with every County represented. I'll just mention a few of the attendees, who included: Mae O'Driscoll, Dan Sheehan and his lovely wife, Paul Hurley, Garrett Doyle, Pat Brady, Denis Mulcahy from Project Children, whose son Sean has headed out to help in the rescue mission in Haiti, Thomas Gleeson (Grand Marshal) Barney Ferguson (Grand Marshal), Congressman Peter King (Grand Marshal), Mary Holt Moore (Grand Marshal), David O'Sullivan from the Ireland-US Council, Michael Gibbons (last year's Grand Marshal who had a nice dinner reception before the event started, thanks Michael), Ray O'Hanlon (Irish Echo) and, of course, John Lahey (Grand Marshal), Eddie Dowling (Padded Wagon), Turlough McConnoll (Irish America), Detective Michael Browne plus lots more who I would like to mention but it would take up the whole paper... So, please forgive me if you're not mentioned as I know you were there. Now, where in wide nation would you have so much celebrities?

I also got to meet Mrs Veronica Kelly the Grand Marshal's wife and their son James who is so happy that his dad was chosen to lead us up Fifth Avenue.

Now for the Cork dinner, as if I forget, Mary Power the President will never talk to me again. The Cork Association's Saint Patrick's Day Banquet will be held on Saturday March 6th at Autun's and the Guests of Honor are Donnie Carroll and Treasa Goodwin-Smyth - the 2010 Corkman and Cork-woman respectively. Now, how could I forget, Mary?

The Irish Institute of New York had a an Awards Ceremony and the Installation of Officers last Friday at Glucksman Ireland House that was presented by the Hon. Brian O'Dwyer (Installing Officer), James Lombard (President-Elect) and Co-Chairpersons Monica Durkin and Kay Quinlivan. It was a great evening for all who attended.

Before I go, I should mention that Conor Hurley  (Pat Hurley's youngest son) took first prize in the United Irish Counties essay competition for middle school, representing the County Cork Association. 

The awards were presented at the Irish Consulate on Thursday night. 

Conor is currently a student at St. Sebastian's Parochial School in Woodside and  will attend Xavier Jesuit High School in Manhattan in the Fall.

See you all next week.