Out & About

Oh, what a night it was at the American Ireland Fund's 36th New York Dinner Gala last Thursday, which was held in a tent, yes in a tent, at the Lincoln Center. Now where would you get something like that huh? Only in New York.

Well here we were, all 1,300 of us under this gigantic tent with a cocktail reception outdoors under the blue sky, sipping some nice wines before we headed inside.

It was great because we were all dressed the same in black with black ties and dickey bows; oh if only my mother could see me now! (She probably did though - looking down from above and saying, "what's he doing now?".

The event raised over $3 million for charities in Ireland with a portion going to Irish charities here in New York... God, I could use some of that... just kidding (well I could really).

The Greatest himself Muhammad Ali was honored with The American Ireland Fund 2011 Humanitarian Award for his contribution to charitable and educational causes through the Muhammad Ali Center and in recognition of his ancestral links to Innis in County Clare, Ireland.

The dinner also honored Irial Finan, Executive Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company and President of the Coca-Cola Company's Bottling Investments Group.

The evening's special guest was the Prime Minister of Ireland, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. who has set about a policy of fundamental reform and restoring Ireland's repution and believe me, we need that.

The Francis P. Beirne Division 9 Ancient Order of Hibernians are hosting the Annual Francis P. Beirne/Francis McGreal Memorial Golf Outing at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course in the Bronx on Friday May 20, beginning at 7:30am.

You can support their annual drive for charity by sponsoring a hole or joining them to play a round of golf. The Platinum Sponsorship fee is $400, Gold Sponsorship fee is $300, Silver sponsorship fee is $200 and Regular sponsorship is $100. The cost per golfer will be $150.

If you'd like more information please contact any of the following committee members: Dermot Sexton, Chairman (914) 769-7363; Frank McGreal (845) 855-9388; Hilary Beirne (914) 833-8363; Bill Reilly (718) 829-5880; Brendan Lynch (914) 395-3970; Tom Beirne (914) 667-9442; Peter Coyle (914) 776-2336; Denis McCarthy (917) 309-7409; or Martin Beirne (718) 549-2686.

On Saturday, May 14 at 11am in Lehman College's Faculty Dining Room (Music Building, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, Bronx), historian Ian McGowan will speak about the San Patricios, Irish conscripted soldiers who defected to the Mexican Army during the Mexican-American War, and the Olympic Champions of the Irish American Athletic Club.

On Wednesday, June 1, at 11:30am, Lehman College will host the Awards Luncheon for the Irish Language Program (Lehman College, 330 Music Building, 250 Bedford Park Blvd., Bronx).

Students who have completed the elementary language sequence and the Minor in Irish Language and Literature will be recognized for their achievement.

They'll also be showing special thanks to their Fulbright FLTA Siobhan Ni Mhaolagain for her year of service.

Call (718) 960-6722 or e-mail info@irishamericanstudies.com for more information. Admission is free but you do need to RSVP.

I am helping to spread the word concerning a benefit for a friend of mine Michael Collins' sister Geraldine, whose husband David Bourke  is in need of help. 

David is recuperating from his third brain surgery in two years.  He has faced the removal of one brain tumor, extensive radiation treatments, the removal of a cyst and the insertion of a shunt in his brain. 

He is currently recuperating from his last surgery on March 24. David is a contractor who emigrated to Brooklyn from Dublin, Ireland many years ago. 

He is married to Geraldine Collins and they have 4 children: Clare 14 years of age, Sean 12, Patrick 11 and Liam 9. 

He's has been unable to work for most of the last two years due to his medical problems.  His friends from the Bay Ridge Shamrock's Gaelic Football Club and The Friends of David Benefit Committee have organized a "Day for David" benefit that they hope will raise funds to assist their friend in his time of need.

Family, friends, neighbors and others interested in helping David and his family can attend the benefit to be held at Saint Patrick's Hall (9511 4th Avenue, Brooklyn) on May 14 between 5pm and 11pm.

There'll be live bands providing music and local establishments donating food and refreshments. 

There will also be a variety of raffles including $50 chances to win cash prizes, chances for gift baskets and other prizes.  You can expect a great evening in Bay Ridge that night with many people coming together for this worthy cause.

Donations can also be sent to: The Bourke Family Trust c/o Rhea McCone, 7617 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11209.

Any help for David and his family that you can provide will be greatly appreciated. You will see a page ad in this paper (on page 7), so please, any help will do as they are one of our own... spread the word.

Dan Neely sent me an email because he thought I  should know (if I don't already) that there's going to be a few new sessions starting up at Ciaran Staunton's new place on Queens Boulevard called Molly Blooms (43-13 Queens Boulevard, between 43rd and 44th; the 7 train lets you off right right near it). 

It looks like there'll be music on Tuesdays from 7-10pm with Ivan Goff, Cillian Vallely and Dave Fahy as your hosts); Sundays from 5-8 pm with Bernie Fee, Deirdre Corrigan and Allen Gogarty hosting; they're billing Sunday as the "super-seisiun Queens has been waiting for") and on Wednesdays from 7-10pm (with Allen and Bernie again), which looks to be a songs, tunes, poetry, storytelling and comedy night. 

If you haven't been to Molly Blooms, it's an incredible new spot.  Really, really stunning place to be. 

I think the sessions will take place outdoors while the weather's nice as well.  I'm definitely going to be a regular (awesome bar, awesome musicians in a convenient location?  C'mon... it's a no-brainer) and I think it's the kind of place you'll enjoy. See you all next week...