Out & About

Speaker Quinn spoke of the ongoing economic challenges faced by New York City and directly addressed the need for citywide job creation.

Recognizing the priority of economic growth and stimulation, Speaker Quinn presented a plan that will result in a strengthened economy and increased jobs, both in the near and long-term future.

I can only tell you that  Speaker Quinn was on top of her game last Thursday at City Hall and had a very nice introduction from her father Lawrence, you can't keep a good man down.

Donnie Carroll's new CD is getting some great air plays as it did on the Treasa Goodwin Smyth Host Ireland Calls Radio Show (wvox.com, 1460AM on Saturdays at 6pm).

With praise pouring in for Imelda May's sizzling performance with Jeff Beck in the Les Paul tribute on the Grammy Awards, this Irish rockabilly-jazz-boogie-woogie blues belter adds a solo date in NYC! See Imelda May headline in Brooklyn at Southpaw on March 3 before she joins Verve labelmate Jamie Cullum on March 4 at Town Hall. 

Talking about Jeff Beck, I was at the concert on Friday night at Madison Square Garden where he played with Eric Clapton and what a show it was; they were just brilliant.

It brought back a lot of memories from my Rock and Roll days when I played myself... Oh, should I have said that? Ah well, I had some great times myself, well we all can't be U2 now can we? I leave that up to you to figure out.

I payed a visit to The Long Room early on Friday evening to see my good friend Pat Crotty and, let me tell you, does he work or what?

I think this man never stops as his working partner Paul Brennan broke his leg skiing... now Paul, that is not for amateurs you know! Try and get back soon as Pat is working double time.

As we are on the subject of The Long Room (that is on West 44th Street, just off 6th Avenue) the reason I was there was for a tasting held for O'Hara's  Irish Stout and O'Hara's Irish Red.

These brews are from a Carlow brewing company that was founded in 1996 by the O'Hara brothers and is an independent family-owned brewery.

It is located in Carlow, South East Ireland, the traditional heartland of Ireland's brewing industry. Did I say all that right? I think so.

Well, lo and behold, I had a few and with the head brewer himself Liam Hanlon, who hales from Longford.

Mind yea, them Longford fellows are into everything and I am sure they will be selling O'Hara's yet. I am talking about Pat Burke and John Mahon who have a few bars and restaurants in New York and they've a new one opening this week on 36th Street just off 7th Avenue called The Pig'N'Whistle.

I have heard this place is going to knock your socks off as they have put a lot of time and energy into making it look really good. As I've said before: it takes an Irishman to make a good establishment.

The UEFA Champions League Trophy was in Nevada Smiths last Sunday, on display for everyone to see and take some pictures and come they did, by the hundreds... only in America.

As I was thinking of the New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, I remembered that she is giving a reception to celebrate Irish Heritage and Culture on Tuesday March 9th at 5.30 pm in the City Council Chambers, City Hall.

There will be a special tribute to the life and legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy with the presentation of the Thomas Manton Irish Man of the Year Award to be accepted by Caroline Kennedy and to also to honor Larry McCarthy, Gaelic Athletic Association of Greater New York, Maureen Fergus Sheehan, Part of the Solution and John Murphy, Irish Network NYC, with entertainment by Keltic Dreams and Mick Maloney. I wonder, will Pat Hurley be at this event?

The Grand Marshal and his Aides Reception was held on Sunday afternoon at Antun's (Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village) with a capacity crowd and, of course, yours truly. Everyone enjoyed it, let me tell you, with a buffet dinner, open bar and music provided by the well known Gerry Finlay and the Cara Band. Now, what more could you ask for?

Don't forget The Friends of the Fighting 69th's Evening of Irish Music with Pierce Turner, Gael Force, The Screaming Orphans, Seanchai & The Unity Squad and The Cunningham Brothers which will be held on Saturday March 13th from 3pm to 11pm at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue at 26th Street.

Tickets are priced at $24.95 (how did they come up with that) and are available online at www.69thfriends.org. I will be there, will you?

It's always a great day with lots of craic and all proceeds from the evening will benefit the Fighting 69th Memorial Scholarship Fund.

See you all next week! C