Out & About

What a week it has been: starting it all off at the Irish Consulate in New York for the 10th Anniversary celebrations for Irish Connections magazine while rubbing shoulders with the the cream of the Irish Diaspora. Now what do you think of that huh?

It was a great night at the Consulate and then we all headed for the post-party at Eamonn's Bar & Grill where Noel O'Donovan, the manager, was there to greet us and he laid on a spread that was yum, yum, and more. It went so fast I thought it was the Last Supper; don't tell Eammon... just kidding.

The music at the Irish Consulate was provided by none other than the great Donie Carroll and his fellow musicians and at Eamonn's we had the Tipperary Knights who had everyone on the floor foot taping oh! What a night!

On Thursday we dropped into Rosie O'Grady's for the Emerald Guild's St. Patrick's Day Party and lo and behold who was holding court, only Noelle Clancy with Noel McCarthy and, if you ever see him, ask how his wagon is. Oh I remember pushing the bloody thing when we needed a lift as it would never start on its own... never... but good times.

This was the last official function for Emerald Guild President Garrett Doyle which is sad to say since he did such a great job and only made the Guild stronger. Also at the event was Dave Cremin the magician and is he good or what? I just don't know how he does all those tricks one after the other and as entertainment you could not  beat it.

Stopped by the Fighting 69th Regiment's Armory on Saturday evening and the place was packed from wall to wall for the benefit for the Fighting 69th Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Irish know how to show support when it is needed and they did this time, since everybody and their grandmother was at it together with Dermot Kelly, of course, who could be heard the minute you walked through the door.

I almost forgot I was also at the opening of the new Pig'N'Whistle on 36th Street (just off 7th Avenue). As I promised in the last couple of columns it finally opened to the public and we were not let down as it is looking fabulous. When I walked in, there to greet me were Des O'Brien and Pat Burke and I'm sure they are  happy it's open.

Des was his usual happy  self, complaining that he was not mentioned in last week's Out & About. Well, all I can say is the best is always kept for last.

I can tell that this bar and restaurant is going to be very popular as it is close to Madison Square Garden; so check it out.

As you will all well know by the time you read this, we will be in the thick of the Saint Patrick's Day festivities enjoying lots of fun with green everywhere. I must not forget my green tie and it will be non stop.

On St. Patrick's Day itself, we start off with the Grand Marshal's  Breakfast at Eamonn's Bar & Grill at 7am in the morning, then it's onto Saint Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue for the 9 o'clock mass.

After that we'll be getting ready to march up the Avenue with the Cork Association which will be led by the President Mary Power. Then it's over to Adrian Flannelly's radio show, before heading back to Eamonn's for a few; then it's down to Nevada Smiths where the Cunningham Brothers are performing, then back up to Fitzpatrick's Grand Hotel for another few and, after that, it's anybody's guess. I am tired myself after all that!

I would like to congratulate NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly who is the 249th Grand Marshal of the New York St. Patrick's Day Parade and wish him all the luck in the world. To John Dunleavy, Dr John Lahey, Hilary Bierne and all the volunteers I'd just like to say that you have again performed a fantastic job getting everything organized.

As I've said before some one has to do it and I am so happy with all the comments on this column that I am now beginning to enjoy it... thanks again.

I am going to leave you on a very sad note that one of the most popular bar owners here in New York and especially Woodside, Queens, Pat Cahill, (Cavan) former owner of Woodside Steakhouse died from injuries received in a car accident. Sorry I don't have further details. May he rest in peace.

See you after the Big Day