Out & About

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and plenty of Turkey... I am finishing my own with Turkey for breakfast, lunch and (then) dinner. Well, what can I say? Just enjoy it!

Now the countdown is on for the Christmas holidays and there's so much going on and parties happening everywhere. Who is complaining? Not me as I love this time of the year always.

I walked into Eamonn's Bar and Grill on 45th Street on Friday night and met none other that Des O'Brien along with Pat Burke and Eamonn Maher. Now that was perfect as I had all the bar owners in the one place; as you can imagine we had a few cold ones and a good chat.

The night did not finish there as we headed to Langan's Broadway Pub and Restaurant (West 47th Street) where I met up with the famous 'Coffee Man' himself, Pete Scalley as well as Ed Fitzmaurice and his wife Rosemarie. Guess what... we spent some time chatting and a few cocktails were imbided.

We left Langan's and headed over to the Pig'N'Whistle on 36th Street (just off 7th Avenue) where we met the manager Brendan in the upstairs restaurant and, of course, stayed for another few. Let me tell you, that place was hopping, I think we lost Pat Burke somewhere.

Now I know what you're saying... does he do this every night? Well the answer is no, otherwise I'm not too sure I would last, but somebody's got to do it right?

There are quite a few shows that are happening over the next few weeks around the town.

At the Irish Arts Center from December 9th through the 19th you can enjoy An Irish Christmas - A Musical Solstice Celebration with Mick Moloney and Athena Tergis. You can get more information for this event by calling (212) 868-4444 or visiting irishartscenter.org.

Blessed Sacrament Church will be presenting A Classic Christmas Concert featuring The Irish Sopranos and Irish Tenor Karl Scully on December 5th at 3.30pm. Donations are $30, the reception is $25. For information call (718) 639-3888.

Here's some sports news for you too: the Sam Maguire Cup is coming to New York!

The Cork Footballers of New York are hosting a dinner on Sunday December 12th at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers from 5-10pm.

The Sam Maguire cup will be there along with two of the winning players, Noel O'Leary and Alan O'Connor together with selector Terry O'Neill.

Don't forget that Donie Carroll will be hosting a seisun at Lillie's Traditional Irish Pub (13 East 17th Street) every Saturday at 4pm (when he's not on the road promoting his CD!).

Treasa Goodwin Smyth co-hosts the show "Ireland Calls" with her husband Tommy Smyth. You can tune in on Saturdays at 6pm to WVOX 1460 AM.

Eileen Cronin hosts the "Long Ireland Show" on Saturdays from 3-5 pm on WRHU 88.7 FM Hofstra University.

Hugh O'Rourke hosts the Leitrim Ceili on Tuesdays at 8pm on 90.3 FM.

I have just been told if you want to practice for American Idol, head to the Grandstand on Friday nights for karaoke! John Browne will more than happy to greet when you drop in and you never know, some agent might just be there that night...

Joe Hurley & the Gents will play their annual December concert at Joe's Pub on December 7th from 7-8:30pm! All advance ticket buyers can enter a drawing to win a copy of Keith Richard's new audio book, "Life" voiced by Johnny Depp, Joe Hurley and Keith Richards.

As I told you all last week I was at the Galway Hooker to see Davey Jones from The Monkees. It was a blast and again I've got to hand it to Niamh Conway, she knows how to do it when it comes to putting on a show, good on you Niamh.

I have to give this show another plug or Betty McLoughlin will have my life... The Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens (Hall 297, Willis Avenue) will host The Dublin City Ramblers who are putting on a special Christmas in Ireland Concert on Sunday December 5th at 6pm.

Tickets in advance are only $25 and tickets at the door $30, with coffee, tea and soda bread served. Oh, and yes, the bar will be open for your pleasure, great!!!

This event promises to bring the audience a Christmas party experience as if you were sitting in a friend's home in Ireland at Christmas time.

For more information you can call Betty McLoughlin on (516) 746-9392 or e-mail irishamericansocietyny@gmail.com.

In case you missed last week's Out & About, The NYPD Finest Gaelic Football Club has chosen Paul Hurley of Dublin, Ireland, as its Heritage Award recipient.

Paul has been a member of the NYPD Gaelic football club for many years and has also served on the board of officers.

Paul immigrated to the United States in 1985 and brought with him his family's traditional Irish values.

Paul played Gaelic football in the minors and later in college and is currently an active member of the New York Dublin football club.

Promoting GAA games at his business establishments along with Irish music and arts, Paul continues to preserve Irish tradition.

Paul has also traveled to Ireland in support of NYPD Gaelic football games during international matches.

The Finest Gaelic football clubs motto is "Keeping the Heritage Alive" something that Paul has demonstrated here in New York since his arrival. He continues to keep the Heritage Alive here in New York.

Congratulations Paul on being named the NYPD Gaelic Football Heritage Award recipient.

He'll be honored on December 11th, 2010 at the Manhattan Club (on Seventh Ave and West 52nd Street). If you're interested in attending, please contact Detective Luke Waters, NYPD at (917) 693-0985.

The Tipperary Hurling Club of New York will be holding their Annual Dinner Dance on December 11th at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester. For reservations call (914) 899-3130,

See you all next week.