Out & About

By the time you read this column it may all be over and we'll be moving on again towards the the biggest day of the year, Saint Patrick's Day with the New York Parade on Thursday March 17th.

Believe me, it is going to be gigantic as we are celebrating the 250th Anniversary with a great lady as the Grand Marshal and that is Mary Higgins Clark to lead us all up Fifth Avenue.

Now again, this parade is definitely not to be missed and whatever you do, do your best to get there, review the parade and celebrate something that will never be seen again for another 250 years.

I wonder who will be around to see that one, you never know, huh?

I was at the Irish Consulate last week for the Irish Business Organization's general meeting (I'm obviously stepping up in the world I must say). Anyhow, the reason I was there was that Martin Dunne from Tipperary is the IBO Grand Marshal for the Big Parade, good on yea Martin. He has three aides, yes, that's right, three aides: Attracta Lyndon, Mave O'Malley and John Duddy (the ex-boxer and future actor on Broadway). Now how's that for talent walking up the avenue with him.

If you would like to join the IBO or take part in any of their activities give Sheila Lynott the vice president of the IBO a call at (917) 345-977 or go to ibo-ny.com as they have a lot going on.

The University of St. Thomas Houston, Texas, yes they read The Irish Examiner in Texas well they do read our Digital Edition anyway, have proudly announced the naming of its Center for Irish Studies in honor of William J. Flynn for his significant contributions to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. William (or Bill as he is know) is the Chairman Emeritus of Mutual of America Life Insurance and a great friend, so from all at The Irish Examiner we say congratulations to you Bill.

I had lunch with Niamh Conway, the owner of the Galway Hooker and Fiddlesticks bars and restaurants and some of her staff last week at the only three-star restaurant in New York, well that is what we are told anyhow. It's called Satai on 36th Street and 5th Avenue and it the New York Times gave it the Three Stars... yippee!

I have to thank Niamh for taking me there for lunch as I don't think I could afford it myself an,d yes, it's worth the Three Stars that it got. Go on, try it out and when you're going give me a call as I would not mind going again... hint, hint!

The Longford Dinner was held on Sunday and it was a who's who at the dinner in the Astoria Manor where Cormac McCormack and Brendan Donoghue were honored and what an evening it was. The great Des O'Brien (yes, the same man who is owner of, and partner in,, a few great bars and restaurants in the city) was there along with another great man, Pat Burke.

They are well known in New York with Langan's, the Pig'N'Whistle and O'Brien's Irish Pub all in walking distance from Times Square and Broadway so call in when you're in the neighborhood for some very fine food or a nice cold drink. Now that sounds good to me.

I am told that lots of Irish visitors are coming stateside and one in particular comes to mind: Dermot Maher, the brother of Eamonn Maher (owner and partner of Eamonn's Bar and Grill and PJ Moran's, both just off the parade route on 5th Avenue and both of which are sure to be packed the capacity on Saint Patrick's Day).

Coming back to Eamonn's Bar and Grill, that will be where the Grand Marshal's breakfast is held and guess what, I will be there to welcome her along with a lot other guests.

One guest everyone will like to meet is the new Tanaiste Eamonn Gilmore TD. As well as being appointed Tataiste he is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade so he will be a busy man for a few years to come I am sure.

Well, all I can say at this time is that I am so much looking forward to the Big Day as so much is happening.

Oh yes, before I forget, The Cunningham Brothers will be playing at Nevada Smiths at 6pm on Saint Patrick's Day and I just heard that Bagetal will be at Paddy Reilly's on Patrick's Eve (the 16th).

On the day itself, I will walking with the Cork Association along with Mae O'Driscoll, Mary Power, Noelle Clancy, President Tim Murphy and Pat Hurley...

Con Clarke, all the way from Dublin will be celebrating his 75th Birthday on March 18th at Houndtooth Bar & Grill (on 37th Street and Eight Avenue). Con is very well known in the Irish Comunity as he brings a lot of freshness when ever you meet with him and is always a special guest at the Ireland-US Council's Saint Patrick's Day Lunch at the Metropolitan Club on March 16th.

Happy Birthday Con from the staff of The Irish Examiner newspaper and I will see you on the 18th, and I am sure before that too.

To everyone, have a great Saint Patrick's Day and I hope to live through it to tell you all about what was happening... That should be some fun, ha,ha...

See you all next week...