Out & About

I got a call from one of the finest ladies ever to come out of Ireland the other day and I am sure you will all know her: Bridie McManus who owned both a Travel Agency in Queens and one of the most popular bars at this side of the Atlantic - the Liffey Bar found in Jackson Heights.

Back in the '70s and '80s expats from all over Ireland made the bar a meeting spot for a bit of gossip and to find work when they arrived from the Old Country.

It had that homely atmosphere just like at home and let me tell you, Bridie definitely made you feel at home.

She was the heart and soul of the travel agents' association in North America and was very instrumental in bringing them all together when they had to deal with the major airlines that travel into Ireland.

Well Bridie, a lot of people would be very interested in talking to you so when you contact me again I will give them your number.

On Sunday afternoon at Antun's in Queen's Village, the New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade held a dinner for the Grand Marshal and his aides.

There was a capacity crowd which included Noelle Clancy, of course.

This dinner is one of the top events in all of New York as everyone and their mother was at this who's who of the Irish community.

I have to hand it to the King family, especially Joe and Micky, on the splendid job that they do providing mouth-watering food and excellent service; ah, I love it.

John Dunleavy the Chairman of the New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee and his team did a wonderful job on the evening and in picking this year's Grand Marshal, Francis (Frank) Xavier Comerford - who is both a true Irishman and New Yorker.

Congratulations from all of us here at The Irish Examiner newspaper.

Hilary Bierne, who was the master of ceremonies on the day also did a great job as well and what can I say about Dr. John Leahy the Vice Chairman who is always on hand to make sure that everything goes off qithout a hitch.

As I mentioned, there were lots of people at the event and one in particular who I would like to mention is the Aide-at-Large Margaret Corrigan from Grange Clonmel Tipperary and has been the Executive Assistant to ten successive Consul Generals to the present day.

I'm going to name a few people who were at the dinner: Mae O'Driscoll, Mary Waters, Deirdre O'Hea, Denis Mulcahy, John Ahern (Business Manager of Local 30, the International Union of Operating Engineers), Gabe Kieran (from AOH Division 7), Michael Prunty (President of the United Irish Counties), Consul General of Ireland Noel Kilkenny and his wife Hanora who I had the pleasure of sitting with and Garret Doyle.

As I said, I could go on and on and fill the page, so I will just say to everyone that attended that you're all welcome and I hope to see you all on Saint Patrick's Day.

You must not forget the next big night which will be the New York City St.Patrick's Day Parade Gala Ball on Thursday March 15 at the New York Athletic Club (180 Central Park South).

This event is also guaranteed to be a sell out so get your tickets quickly by calling (718) 231-4400 or sending an email to gala@NYCSParade.org.

The New York Irish Center will be presenting Kitty Sullivan in concert on Tuesday March 6. Doors open at 6.45pm.

An accomplished and admired performer, Kitty Sullivan's solo show, "Ireland Once Upon a Time" debuted at Lincoln Center.

She was invited to perform her unique program of harp, verse, song and storytelling before the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.

You can even meet with Kitty at the complimentary post show reception.

Tickets are $20, with a $10 rate for seniors, students and the unemployed.

Next Thursday (March 1) at Glucksman Ireland House NYU Poet Nell Regan will read from her recent work.

Her debut volume, "Preparing for Spring", was shortlisted for Ireland's Glen Dimplex New Writing Awards, Strong Awards, and Patrick Kavanagh Awards, and excerpts were read at the White House in Limerick.

Her new volume, "Bound for Home" (Arlen House, 2011, Syracuse University Press), was commissioned by the Cork County Council and features artwork by Monica Boyle.

Nell spent the Fall last year as Fulbright scholar at the International Writing Program at Iowa University and at Berkeley.

She will be introduced by Gregory Londe, Assistant Professor/Faculty Fellow, Irish and Irish-American Studies, NYU.

As always there is free admission to Members of Glucksman Ireland House and to all students/faculty with a valid NYU I.D. card. For non-members there is a $10 donation at the door. RSVP to (212) 998-3950 (option 3) or email ireland.house@nyu.edu.

Here is something that should interest you football (soccer) followers: Karl O'Connor invites you to a weekend tournament of 8v8 soccer and fun in New York City for the St Patrick's Cup.

If this has come as a surprise to you then today's your lucky day. Nobody does New York tournaments like the organizers, Soccer Resort.

The tournament will be played on Saturday, March 10 and they're expecting a large turnout with teams from many leagues across the United States, Canada and Europe joining in.

The organizers also offer men's, women's and coed tournaments that are also tailored to age and ability.

The tournament will be played in Brooklyn. There will be a host of prizes that will be given out at the end of the tournament including trophies for the winners and runner's up in addition to discounts on future tournaments.

Everyone also receives a souvenir Soccer Resort T-shirt. For more information contact the Soccer Resort Team (84 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Hoboken, NJ 07030; Phone: (718) 433-2452, Fax: (201) 210-8950; Email: travel@soccerresort.com; Web: www.soccerresort.com).

For 47 years, The Irish Rovers have been international ambassadors of Irish music and maintained a timeless ability to deliver raucous and rollicking performances of good cheer.

The Irish Rovers will be kicking off St. Patty's Day early, playing at The Keswick Theatre on Thursday, March 15 at 8pm.

The award-winning ensemble of six native Irish musicians is world-renowned for their non-stop, high-spirited display of traditional Celtic folk music juxtaposed with beautiful original ballads.

Their musical talent, showmanship and sense of humor have been bringing fans of all ages to their feet and putting smiles on their faces since their emergence on the scene in the 1960s.

Tickets for The Irish Rovers are $29.50 and $35 and can be ordered online at KehswickTheatre.com, via 24-hour phone charge at (800) 745-3000, at the Keswick box office on Monday-Saturday, from noon-6pm) and at all Ticketmaster locations.

For additional information about upcoming Keswick Theatre attractions, visit www.keswicktheatre.com

See you all next week...