Irish Examiner USA

Munster Too Strong For The Saints

2012-01-24T06:42:02Z

Munster's Simon Zebo comes in to score his third try (INPHO)

Heineken Cup: Northampton Saints 36 Munster Rugby 51

A hat-trick of tries from Simon Zebo was the highlight as Munster set up a home Heineken Cup quarter-final for themselves, cruising past Northampton Saints to win their six pool matches for the first time ever.

Munster tore Northampton apart with a simply stunning second half performance, making quite a statement as man-of-the-match Simon Zebo's efforts after 58, 71 and 76 minutes added to earlier tries from BJ Botha and Johne Murphy.

A tight first half tussle was turned into a massacre in Milton Keynes, with the bonus point victory being more than enough to seal a home draw for the province in the last-eight.

There was plenty of clever attacking rugby and sharp angles of running as the visitors increased the gap, but it was all underpinned by a hugely committed defence and the sheer grit and determination that has become such a trademark of Munster in Europe.

Paul O'Connell led from the front and was in simply inspirational form, closely followed by the influential back row trio of Peter O'Mahony, James Coughlan and Donnacha Ryan.

The tournament's most-capped player and record points scorer, Ronan O'Gara, knitted it all together in terms of keeping the forwards on the move and providing direction for the backs.

As it was in the sides' meeting at Thomond Park, O'Gara's right boot was again crucial in keeping Munster on course. He finished with 24 points in all, a tally that included six sumptuous penalties.

The other quarter-finalists will have duly taken note of Munster's best performance for some time, which is even more remarkable given the current length of their injury list.

Thomond Park awaits in April, and there is no fear of O'Connell and company getting carried away with one result. More hard work lies ahead.

Northampton Saints knew they had to win with a bonus point to stand any chance of reaching the Heineken Cup quarter-finals and also had to be aware that if the Scarlets won in Castres, the Welsh region could pip them to a potential Amlin Challenge Cup place.

As for Munster, the only team in the tournament to have won all their games after five rounds, they needed to grab at least a losing bonus point to ensure they played their quarter-final at their beloved Thomond Park.

So there was all to play for, although Saints went into the game without their England trio of Chris Ashton (not selected), Tom Wood and Courtney Lawes (both injured).

The home side came into the game on the back of five successive wins in all competitions and were seeking revenge for having victory snatched from their grasp by an injury-time drop goal from O'Gara in the opening round.

Jim Mallinder's charges started well and their number 10 Ryan Lamb rewarded their dominance with two early penalties.

O'Gara was quick to respond, but a penalty try awarded when the Munster pack disintegrated at a scrum in the shadow of their posts allowed the Saints to move into a 10-point lead.

Munster looked slightly stunned, but their wealth of experience came to the fore and the metronomic boot of O'Gara gave them some impetus.

Munster had confirmed themselves as pool winners the previous weekend, but there was the tantalising prize of a record unbeaten march through their pool for the first time in their 17 years in the tournament if they could keep their winning run going.

Things were looking good when South African prop Botha burrowed his way over from close range for a try and O'Gara's conversion was followed by a penalty that gave them the lead for the first time in the 37th minute.

But Lamb landed the final points of the first half with another penalty and it was all-square at the break - 19-19.

The capacity 22,000 crowd were gripped by the action and there was no let-up in the intensity when the second period got underway.

With their home draw under threat, Munster flexed their muscles and two tries in a breathtaking burst seemed to have put the result beyond doubt.

Winger Murphy rounded off some great play in the right corner and then the impressive Denis Hurley sent Zebo racing clear a few minutes later.

The 12-point lead was cut by a second penalty try awarded as the Munster scrum gave way from five metres out, but the home side could not cut the gap to anything less than four points.

Yellow cards for scrum halves Conor Murray and Lee Dickson, who clashed off the ball, could have had quite a bearing on proceedings, but Munster soon upped their game again.

At 31-26 it was still anyone's game but even though Lamb matched two more O'Gara penalties, Zebo's intercept try from 60 metres not only sealed the victory but guaranteed a home draw and took Munster ahead of reigning champions Leinster to the top qualifying spot.

It was the first time this season in Europe that Munster had picked up a try-scoring bonus point and now they have to break the Heineken Cup hoodoo by becoming the only team to win the trophy by winning nine straight games.

Zebo's hat-trick try and Ian Keatley's simple conversion took Tony McGahan's men through the 50-point barrier, while Scott Armstrong's last-minute try was hardly any consolation for the shattered Saints.

Ireland Meeting Bailout Targets, Says Troika

2012-01-24T06:57:04Z

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan (left) and Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin hold a press briefing in Government Buildings regarding Ireland's economic progress (Photocall)

Officials from the IMF, European Union and European Central Bank say Ireland is meeting all its obligations under the terms of the bailout, but have warned that there are considerable challenges ahead for the country.

The three institutions - which have become known as "the troika" - spent ten days checking the books at Government Buildings in Dublin and professed themselves satisfied that all targets set out in the $86 billion rescue had been met.

"The program is on track but challenges remain and continued steadfast policy implementation will be key," the troika said in a statement.

The troika said it now expects the economy to grow by 0.5% this year, having grown by 1% in 2011.

That is well below the 1.3% growth rate expected by the government, and on which its tax revenue targets are based.

"Domestic demand remains subdued, unemployment high, and trading partner growth is slowing," the troika said.

The Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and the Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin said Ireland met all of its 70 targets, for 2012 by a "significant margin".

Mr Noonan said that significant progress has been made with the troika on the controversial issue of the more than thirty billion euro in promissory notes being used to fund the now nationalized Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide.

EU, ECB and IMF officials had agreed to seek a common policy by the end of February on reducing the cost involved.

"It has moved. I am not saying we are successful by any manner or means," Minister Noonan said at a press conference. "Rather than the proposition being an Irish Government proposal, it will move to being a proposal coming from senior people representing the troika."

But the ECB has once again ruled out forcing any losses on senior bondholders at Anglo Irish Bank.

It's a hot topic in Ireland right now, as this week the former Anglo Irish Bank, now known as the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, will repay a €1.25bn unsecured unguaranteed bond.

Many Irish people, including respected commentators, believe it is unjust to pay bondholders who took risky gambles on Anglo, the full amount at a time when budget cuts and austerity measures are affecting schools and hospitals in Ireland.

This is especially seen as the case given that Anglo is a failed bank that is being wound down - people consider it wasted money.

But the European Central Bank insists that no European bank will be allowed to default on any of its debt, arguing it would damage confidence and could be "very costly".

The issue led to a testy and entertaining exchange between the official from the ECB, Klaus Masuch and broadcaster Vincent Browne at the press conference.

Mr Masuch also mentioned that he believed Irish people were very clued-in to the details of the economic crisis.

"I'm impressed by the depth of discussion in Ireland," he said, "My taxi driver from the airport was very, very informed, I must say. Very, very informed."

Out & About

2012-01-24T17:10:16Z

What a win for the New York Giants on Sunday and you know what that means?

Well, it's a bonanza for all the New York bars and restaurants.

Ah, come on, I know love me telling you that because now you have an excuse to go to the pub and check on your pools and, of course, for a pint or two... good on yea!

Some people have all the luck and I think you have to be from Mayo as well as Tilly and Noel McParkland are down in Clearwater, Florida basking in the sun while we are all up North freezing our toes off.

Well don't forget your poor cousins who have to work; ah they deserve it as they worked so hard and long and they're great friends of The Irish Examiner newspaper.

The Irish Institute Installation of Officers and Grant Award Ceremony was held in Glucksman Ireland House, last Thursday and your host Jim Lombard was handing out awards to a lot of good Irish organizations here in New York in front of a capacity crown.

Some of the awards, which were checks (and good ones too I might tell) you went to the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in Woodside in Queens and also The Irish Center in Long Island City (again in Queens) and well deserved too as they do so much for the Irish Community. It's sometimes unbelievable what they do and can accomplish.

Thanks again Jim for the invite and to have me sitting with the Consul General of Ireland Noel Kilkenny, The New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee Chairman John Dunleavy and Michael Prunty - the President of The United Irish Counties Association.

Speaking of The United Irish Counties Association, they are having their 108th Annual Dinner Dance at Antun's (96-43 Springfield Boullevard in Queens Village) this Friday (January 27th) with the cocktail hour starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are only $85.

The guests of honor are Gael of the Year, Niall O'Dowd and the Rose Cosgrove Distinguished Service Award Recipient Gerry O'Shea.

For more information please contact Michael Prunty (917) 699-3256, Katie Barrett (917) 915-6344, Cathy Hogan (646) 489-5252 or Anne Hearn on (516) 798-5488.

Opportunity Ireland is under way and is headed up by Maurice Landers and I am proud to say that The Irish Examiner newspaper is a sponsor.

Let me get straight to the point: The Irish Examiner USA, in association with the New York James Joyce Society, is planning a unique trade mission to Ireland next May and June called 'Opportunity Ireland'.

This will be an intimate gathering of like-minded business leaders who would like to avail of the opportunities Ireland currently presents foreign companies to substantially increase their exports, by setting up a European base, whether initially a small development/exploratory stage operation, or a full fledged operation ready to take advantage of the the unique export platform Ireland has to offer Irish domiciled companies.

For more information on Opportunity Ireland you can contact Maurice Landers at mauricelanders@yahoo.com.

How are the New Year resolutions going? Ha! Not to good right?

I should know I have been trying it for years now and guess what, I go right back to what I was always doing... well we gave it a try anyway.

I had better take care of the following as I might be banned and we can't let that happen can we?

The Emerald Isle Immigration Center will honor Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Sandra March, Trustee of the New York City Teachers' Retirement System at the 19th Annual Robert Briscoe Awards to be held at the 21 Club on January 30th.

The event celebrates the contribution of a member of the New York's Jewish Community to better the lives of immigrants.

Robert Briscoe, after whom the award was named, was elected the first Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1956.

Brian O'Dwyer, Chairman of the Emerald Isle said of the honorees that: "Each has contributed a great deal to immigrants in their respective areas.

"Sandra March has worked to educate immigrants and improve the education system. Marty Markowitz has welcomed immigrants to Brooklyn and worked with them closely throughout his career."

The event has previously honored such luminaries as Senator Charles Schumer, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and broadcaster Gabe Pressman.

Robert Briscoe was at the forefront of the movement for Irish Independence at the beginning of the Twentieth Century and played a significant role in the early days of the Irish Free State.

He accompanied Eamon de Valera on his vital diplomatic mission to New York in 1919.

Following the creation of Fianna Fáil he became a Member of Parliament and served until 1965, after which his seat was won by his son Ben.

The event supports the vital work of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in assisting immigrants and supporting those on the margins of our community.

Since its foundation in 1988, the Center has served the most vulnerable immigrants, providing legal services, seniors' programs and comprehensive social services to the Tri-State Area.

Over its twenty-four years in operation, Emerald Isle has worked to ease the pressure of immigration and to improve the position of immigrants in the US.

Reservations for the event are required and admittance is $125, with all net proceeds going to support the work of Emerald Isle.

The reception will begin at 6pm and finish at 8pm.

To RSVP or for more information on the event and possible sponsorships contact Eoin Delap, Development Coordinator by e-mail at edelap@eiic.org or phone at (718) 478 5502 ext 204.

Feld Motor Sports have announced that tickets are now on sale for the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam® coming to Nassau Coliseum from January 27th to 29th, and the IZOD Center from February 3rd to 4th.

This show will feature some of the most popular monster trucks ever assembled to compete at Nassau Coliseum and IZOD Center, led by the legendary Grave Digger®, celebrating its 30th anniversary!

Other trucks will include Turtle, Crushstation, Shockwave and Thrasher among others.

Tickets are available at the Nassau Coliseum and IZOD Center Box Offices, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Advance ticket prices are $70.00 (VIP Front Row) and $40.00 (Gold Circle), and Super Value tickets available for $30.00 (adults) and $15.00 (children 2-12).

Tickets are $2.00 more on the day of the performance. Additional facility fee and taxes may apply.

See you next week...

Judge Shocked Only 11 Gardai Working On Anglo Case

2012-01-31T06:59:16Z

One of the areas of investigation concerns the EUR451 million loans to the 'Maple 10' customers to buy a 10 per cent stake in Anglo from Seán Quinn (pictured above) to prop up the share price (Photocall)

Irish High Court judge Peter Kelly, who is in charge of the commercial division, expressed his surprise last week that only 11 cops were working on the investigation into fraud at Anglo Irish Bank.

The case is the most-keenly watched to arise from Ireland's economic collapse, as most of the public blame Anglo for a large portion of the country's problems, as it was the bank responsible for the most reckless lending.

Bailing out the bank has cost taxpayers in excess of €30m.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly said the small number of gardaí involved in what is the most serious investigation of this type in the history of the State was extraordinary.

The 11 gardai work with eight investigators from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, and a senior counsel told the judge the Director was happy with the numbers.

Senior Counsel Paul O'Higgins said it was highly specialized work and assigning more gardaí to the investigation would not necessarily speed it up and a lack of gardai had not led to delays in completing the investigations.

Most of the delays were down to the lack of co-operation from key witnesses.

A decision on whether to bring charges against individuals is now expected within weeks.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is reviewing a previous decision not to prosecute anyone until all five strands of the investigation were complete. Some of the strands are further advanced than others.

The ODCE's investigation into Anglo is focused on five issues: the €451 million loans to the 'Maple 10' customers to buy a 10 per cent stake in Anglo from Seán Quinn to prop up the share price; transactions with directors, including Seán FitzPatrick; the bank's failure to maintain a register of directors' loans; the bank's €8 million loan to former finance director Willie McAteer in September 2008; and whether the bank published false or misleading reports.

In addition to that, The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation is examining the back-to-back deposits between Anglo and Irish Life and Permanent which made Anglo look healthier than it was; and the loans to the Maple 10.

There are 15 gardai involved in the fraud office investigations.

Ireland Successfully Tests Bond Market Interest

2012-01-31T16:03:58Z

Ireland dipped its toes back into the international bond markets last week for the first time since 2010, becoming the first country in Europe to avail of a rescue to do so.

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), which handles the national debt, sold just over €3.5 billion worth of three year debt.

The new bonds were offered to investors who held bonds that were due to mature in 2014.

The switch to longer term bonds, not due until 2015, means Ireland has reduced the so called "debt cliff" that if faces in 2013 and that many analysts have said may require a second bailout.

"We are very pleased with the strong take-up of this switch offer. This exercise has demonstrated investor appetite for Irish government paper and will support our plans for a phased re-entry to long-term debt markets," the NTMA said.

Bondholders who availed of the switch - of which in excess of 80 per cent are said to be domestic Irish banks - have cashed in the 2014 bonds at 4.9 per cent and agreed to lend to the Government on 2015 bonds for 5.15 per cent.

It was a win-win for the government and banks - the banks are earning higher interest rates on the bonds, and the government is reducing its debt burden for 2013 at a time when yields on Irish bonds had reduced to about a quarter of what they were last year.

In addition, the banks can now use the government bonds as collateral in seeking more funding from the European Central Bank.

Donal O'Mahony, Global Strategist at Davy said: "The exercise is a very positive surprise for an Irish bond market that has seen no NTMA involvement since September, 2010.

"It reflects the sustained improvement in market sentiment over the past two months, which has lowered bond yields of all maturities into the 5-7% zone from 9-10% previously."

"The €3.529bn exchange of 2014 bonds into a new 2015 issue amounts to 30% of the refinancing needs for that year and is thus a considerable boost to the sovereign's cash management requirements.

"The new 2015 issue is now the obvious vehicle with which to pre-fund the remaining 2014 obligations, as market conditions normalize further during the course of 2012/13."

In other words, the NTMA can be expected to attempt to further reduce the refinancing needs for the year when the bailout is due to end by more of these kind of swaps.

The success on the bond market came at an opportune time for the government, who needed some good news on the same day that the controversial repayment of €1.25m to Anlgo bondholders went ahead.

The government is negotiating to refinance around €30 billion in Anglo promissory notes to spread the burden of repayment over a longer period and reduce the austerity on the Irish public.

Out & About

2012-01-31T16:06:02Z

The premier of 'Parked,' starring Colm Meaney, will kick off this year's Craic Festival

What a week I had as I was all over town and I made a lot of stops on the way including at Eamonn's Bar and Grill, O'Casey's Irish Pub, the Pig'n'Whistles on 48th, 47th and 36th Streets to name a few.

I had a few pints... yes, I did... in all of them and I got to meet Eugene Wilson at the Pig'n'Whistle on 48th Street and the place was rocking; well they were all rocking let me tell you.

I got to meet Ed Fitzmaurice and his lovely wife Roseann in the 36th street location and, as you can imagine, a few cold ones as well and some very nice hor d'oeuvres... how is my French?

I then proceeded down to Tracks in Penn Station hoping to catch one of the boys, either Bruce Caulfield, Pat or Michael O'Brien but nobody was around... Michael must have had a half day; must check that out huh!

Well, talking about owners I missed Des O'Brien as I know this man is all over the place and that is the same with Pat Burke and the man himself Eamonn Maher; maybe they all knew I was on the way. What do you think, huh?

I did see Brendan the manager of the Pig'n'Whistle on 36th Street though.

When you read this on Tuesday it will be just after the Robert Briscoe Awards Reception at the 21 Club that was held on Monday night.

That is always a great night thanks to Siobhan Dennehy, Brian O'Dwyer and the Emerald Isle.

I have to tell you that this week I have never got so many announcements and I am happy about it too as I always want to pass on information about what is happening around town.

The Craic Festival is ready to roll again this year and takes place between March 8 and March 10 at Tribeca Cinemas and the Mercury Lounge.

You can check out the full line-up at thecraicfest.com.

The Saw Doctors will be playing Irving Plaza on Saturday March 10, and Friday March 16 and tickets are now on sale.

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street; 212-727-2737) will have a new show on called Beyond the Horizon by Eugene O'Neill.

This production is directed by Ciarán O'Reilly on will run from February 15 - April 8. Tickets are already on sale!

Beyond the Horizon was Eugene O'Neill's first full-length play and won the first of his four Pulitzer prizes.

Set on a farm in Massachusetts at the beginning of the twentieth century, this riveting drama pits brother against brother for the heart of one woman.

Robert Mayo, a romantic young poet is about to embark on the voyage of his dreams.

His brother Andrew is a contented farmer with a passio for the land.

On the eve of Robert's departure, when their neighbor, the beautiful Ruth declares her love for one over the other, the brothers trade lives with heart-breaking consequences.

The farmer goes to sea and the poet tends the land.

It is a powerful, timeless work by America's greatest playwright.

Performances include 8pm shows on Wednesday through Saturdays and 3pm shows on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

This week at Glucksman Ireland House NYU photographer Alen MacWeeney shares Irish Traveller culture of the 1960s.

He will be appearing on Thursday, February 2nd at 7pm.

Author of Irish Travellers: Tinkers No More, renowned photographer Alen MacWeeney will talk about his experience capturing a changing culture at a particular moment in history, illustrated with his photos and music recorded during his deep involvement with the Irish Traveller community from 1965 to 1971.

For over five years, Dublin-born Alen MacWeeney photographed the native itinerants of Ireland known as Travellers, spending countless evenings in their caravans and by their campfires, drinking tea and listening to their tales, songs, and music.

With his memoir of this period, Irish Travellers, MacWeeney has crafted a profoundly beautiful record of a slowly vanishing way of life rarely seen by outsiders, let alone captured by a camera.

Author and winner of the Man Booker prize John Banville compared the volume to "Edward Curtis's masterly recuperation of the American Indian."

You can preview some of the photos at alenmacweeney.com.

The lively evening will incorporate colloquial Traveller stories brought to life by actress Aedin Moloney, who appeared as Rose in the Irish Rep's recent production of Dancing at Lughnasa.

The introduction will be given by award-winning journalist, novelist, and playwright Belinda McKeon.

There's free admission for members of Glucksman Ireland House and to all students/faculty with a valid NYU I.D. card.

For non-members there will be a $10 donation at the door for the general event series.

In order to ensure a seat at events, please RSVP to (212) 998-3950 (option 3) or email ireland.house@nyu.edu, except for the Blarney Star Concert Series which does not accept reservations.

See you next week...

G'Day From Downunder

2012-01-31T16:08:49Z

Get the Champers out, we have things to talk about; this week I want to talk about "what are we all looking for in this life".

Last night my wife and I had a widowed friend over for dinner, she told us she was pretty upset with her lot in life.

Fifteen years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, after having surgery she is still in remission. Six years ago, her husband died of cancer.

She has two adult children; one has a same sex partner and they have two well-adjusted children.

Her other adult child is married with no children and his marriage is on the verge of collapse.

I listened to her tail of woe that I have heard so many times in the past and began to wonder how we all see the world so different.

While she was explaining her situation, I could see the angry fire in her eyes and the rage in her expression.

Why me she kept repeating over and over again!

This I found a very sad and selfish situation as I was seeing a very lucky person in front of me.

Lucky because she survived cancer, lucky her husband didn't have a prolonged illness.

Lucky because both her children were in good health, lucky that every time she goes to the pantry and fridge there is food.

Lucky to have a new car and she was lucky to have travelled internationally twice, in one year.

Yes, we do see the world very differently sometimes don't we, considering how many women do not survive breast cancer and how many husbands have prolonged and agonising experiences in fighting cancer, also how many parents have children who for many reasons never reach adulthood?

I found myself disturbed by our guest's selfish concerns and wandered if I was not being sympathetic enough.

Having grown up in the hungry streets of Cork after the war, when sickness was rife and poverty its closest friend, many families were struggling to put food on the table and trying to keep some warmth in their homes.

I soon dropped my guilt complex about apologising for my thoughts, when I considered many of those less fortunate than our guest.

I have always believed in every tragedy there is often an unseen benefit to be found, you just have to look for it.

It's not always obvious to the doubting one. I have found many a silver lining in difficult times as I believe there is a reason for everything under heaven.

So what do we all want in life?

A perfect marriage, perfect health, a perfect career and what else?

Well let me tell you the bad news there is NO perfect anything.

Some time ago I wrote this as a reminder to those who were looking for the meaning of life. I would like now to share it with you.

I look at life as a river, forever flowing weaving like a snake always something new around the next bend with lots of ports of call along the way.

Sometimes the river slows and calms as if to catch its breath then it takes off again over rapids and falls.

Life is no different.

Every new day is like the rivers next bend, something new is shown to us.

The rapids and falls are the rough and tough times in our lives.

Then there is calm in the river, as there is sometimes calm in our lives

The ports of call are the different stages of our enlightenment and development that we pick up along life's journey.

There is nothing to be afraid off just enjoy the journey and all the wonderful magical mysteries that life will throw up to you.

Do not get disillusioned with life when the tough times come, like the rapids they only make up for a small part of the journey.

Sadly some struggle with the challenge and drown along the way.

With every new day starts new opportunities just like rounding the rivers bend, you never know what's there until you arrive.

Remember you only get one shot at this thing called life, so make the most of it.

This is not a movie and there is no rehearsal.

Remember we are all on this journey together.

Are we all looking for the perfection that seems to elude us? Are we ever going to be totally happy?

Well the answer is NO.

Let's be real here If you had everything you ever wanted then there would be nothing to look forward to achieving and then you would be bored and unhappy.

For instance, isn't it nice to see the changes in the seasons, it is such a contrast.

Is summer better than winter? I don't think so.

They are just different; each has its own beauty.

On one hand, you have glorious sunshine and on the other, you have a beautiful blanket of snow.

At times if the sun shines too hot on too many days, you get fed up as you do when the snow hangs around too long.

Yes, we are happy when new and exciting things come in to our lives and then after a while we get bored with them.

Remember back when you first started a relationship with your partner, remember how exciting it was?

Like all things in life you have to work at it as time goes by; it's no different to having a piece of silver that you keep polishing, it will continue to shine.

However if you forget to polish it, the shine will soon disappear but that doesn't mean underneath that faded look the silver has vanished, does it?

Of course not so why do some think that having sunshine every day will make their lives complete and others think that only a bank load of money will satisfy them?

Let's look at the lessons of the World Financial Crisis: we had a load of bankers who were on top salaries and they weren't happy with their lot and wanted more.

If they were earning three times as much before the crisis began they would still have wanted more, so when is enough, enough?

I wondered if our dinner guest was of the same nature of always wanting more.

Life is what it is: life, and there are no promises and no guarantees; it is what it is and what we make of it.

We are all on this amazing Earth, full of abundance and opportunity and yet we complain about everything that doesn't go our way.

For God's sake, wake up, trains, and planes don't always run on time and the seasons don't always start off with a bang, so why should life be any different?

As I said earlier, you only get one shot at this thing called life so make the most of it.

Look for the stepping-stones in life to help you through and your life will become enhanced.

If you dwell on the negatives, they will become your millstones.

So if you're feeling that life isn't being good to you right now, look for the silver lining to shine for as sure as you miss the Gurranabraher bus there will be another along soon.

As I see it, life is a tapestry and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Until I talk to you again be good to those who love you and Slainte from Downunder.

You can reach me at mike@globefins.com.au

Cherishing The Ladies On The High Seas

2012-01-31T16:12:09Z

By Gwen Orel

What a loss to Irish music it would be if the Norwegian Pearl capsizes.

Not only Joanie Madden and Cherish the Ladies, but also Mary Black, Maura O'Connell, Celtic Cross, and Paul Keating, who runs Catskills Irish Arts Week - among others - are on board.

Fortunately, Joanie laughs, although she's sailed with the Italian captain who capsized his boat, this captain is Norwegian. Whew.

So barring tidal waves, we can look forward to seeing Joanie and Cherish at City Winery on February 12th.

So much in demand are Cherish around the world that although they are largely hometown girls, they don't play in Manhattan that often.

Sure you see them there-Joanie's often appearing at 11th Street Bar's session at 3am, livening it up.

When I saw Maura O'Connell at City Winery, I was alone - my friend had something come up-and Joanie waved me over.

City Winery, says Joanie, has taken the place of the Bottom Line - a comfortable, friendly place to see music (it also has, naturally, great wine, and good food).

Joanie was telling me all this after 1am - the only time I could get her - before she sets sail on the first cruise she has produced, the Folk n'Irish Cruise, called the "Big Session on the High Seas."

This cruise has been put together by Joanie, and she brought in an amazing line-up of musicians and friends.

The ship sold out, which Joanie says is too bad because there were many people who couldn't get cabins.

She has about 1/4 of the ship, or nearly 600 people-three times more than she expected.

But seriously, if you had the chance to go on a Celtic cruise in which Joanie was not only playing but also arranging the fun, wouldn't you go?

She has a big energy that makes people want to stay around her.

In East Durham, during Catskills Irish Arts Week, she would come into Furlong's Pub at 4am, as people were about to drift off. They'd change their minds.

"What they should do is lock me out," Joanie laughs (since Furlong's has closed, she has the same effect at the Blackthorne. I left at 5am one night; she was chatting away at the bar).

The band started not too far from City Winery, on Varick Street, on Spring Street.

Their most recent album, Country Crossroads, celebrates 25 years, though on January 5 they celebrated their 27th anniversary.

"It's a long way, a lot of miles and a lot of gigs, but we're still having fun. And it's always great to play a hometown show."

She, Grainne Murphy, Mary Coogan and Deirdre Connelly make their homes in New York (Kathleen Boyle does not).

Not having to get on a plane and drive for hours afterwards is also a plus.

The album, which came out in July, was recorded in Nashville, and includes some bluegrass and country players on it: Nanci Griffith, Vince Gill, Alison Brown on banjo, Dennis Crouch, bass player with T. Bone Burnette and Elton John, and Ron Ickes, the "dobro king."

Of course, there are fab Irish musicians too, including original band members Liz Carroll and Eileen Ivers, singer Deirdre Connelly, Maura O'Connell, Jimmy Higgins on bodhran.

The February concert at City Winery will mark the first time they've played tunes from it in Manhattan.

But though there's a little bluegrass flavor to it, "At the end of the day we get back on the only bike that we know, and that's traditional music," Joanie says.

"We actually took the players over to Scotland last week, and sold out 2500 seat theatre at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, with a roaring standing ovation, and it was great."

She plans to bring the show to Nashville one of these days.

Of course, in 27 years the band has changed personnel.

Joanie and guitar player Mary Coogan are original members of Cherish; Mirella Murray on accordion is in her tenth year with the band; Kathleen Boyle on piano is in her eighth year; Grainne Murphy is in her second year, and singer Deirdre Connelly has been doing a majority of the gigs.

Has the band's philosophy changed since they began?

Joanie pauses to say she didn't really have one - before citing that most successful Irish band, the Chieftains, who also played with symphonies and in performing arts centers and collaborated with all kinds of musicians.

Mick Moloney put the band together in 1985 to do a couple of shows, "never dreaming this would ever become what it did," Joanie laughs.

There were always a handful of women in traditional music, but she remembers that when Mick launched the band, he did research on the Philadelphia irish musicians society.

It had over 3200 members, and not one of them was a woman.

The the first three Americans who won all-Ireland championships were women: Kathleen Collins, Eileen Ivers and liz carroll.

Today, young girls often come backstage after shows.

"It's great to be a bit of a role model and say you can do this too. When we started people thought we were a marketing ploy, but we must be doing something right."

She got help from old timers, including tips from the Clancy brothers, so it feels good to help bring young people along.

She taught Kenny Vesey, whose father plays with Celtic Cross (who are on the cruise).

Kenny recently won the All-Ireland on whistle.

15 albums in, the band has changed over the years, but "at the end of the day if you have a full house and the crowd's in your pocket, you enjoy it, and that's what it's all about, let people forget about their problems and have a good laugh, give them a break."

These days, they also write a lot of their own music, and Joanie even sometimes sings-mostly harmony.

Cherish the Ladies play City Winery, 155 Varick Street, on February 12. Tickets (212) 608-0555 or http://citywinery.com/events/207807

At City Winery, singer Don Stiffe will make a guest appearance too.

The women in the band all come from different places, but Joanie says the have the same background - their dads played music.

Kathleen Boyle grew up in Glasgow, but her dad was a musician from Donegal.

Mirella Murray is from Connemara, but her dad was a great Seán Nós dancer.

Grainne Murphy's father played the whistle and the bodhran, Mary Coogan's father played the accordion, as did Joanie's own father Joe Madden (you can read about the launch of her album A Galway Afternoon with her late father Joe, here). "We had the same jokes, the same Dad stories."

And they all grew up with the belief that music should be treated with respect.

After the Caribbean cruise and a few gigs in February and March, the band goes to China in the spring.

"We'll keep going until the phone stops ringing," she says.

Still, New York is her favorite port of call: "I'd find it very hard to live anywhere else, once you get used to Manhattan. There's always a buzz, there's always a vibe, there's always great traditional musicians living in town, there's always a great session in town. This is my home, I could never leave it."

So offer a prayer for safety on the high seas.

Gwen Orel runs the blog and podcast, New York Irish Arts

Allianz Sign Up For Another Three Years With The GAA

2012-01-31T16:20:04Z

(L-R) Galway manager Alan Mullholland, GAA Director General Páraic Duffy, Dublin's Kevin McManamon, Donegal manager Jim McGuinness, Allianz CEO Brendan Murphy and Cork manager Conor Counihnan (INPHO)

Allianz and the GAA have announced that the Allianz Leagues sponsorship agreement, first signed in 1993, will be renewed for a further three years to 2015 making it one of the longest running sponsorships in Irish sport.

Between next Saturday and Sunday, April 29, a total of 124 football games will be played across all Divisions in the 20th year of Allianz association with the competition.

The 2011 inter-county football year ended in September with Dublin beating Kerry in a memorable All-Ireland final and the 2012 season will begin with another thrilling episode in the great rivalry when Pat Gilroy and Jack O'Connor take their teams to Croke Park next Saturday night as the main event in a double header which will launch the Allianz Leagues.

Dublin v Kerry throws in at 2.15pm EST and will be preceded by what promises to be a fascinating Division 2 clash between Kildare and Tyrone (12pm EST).

It's a mouth-watering double header, featuring four counties who look certain to be in contention for all the main prizes this year.

Commenting at the launch of the 2012 Allianz Leagues campaign, Brendan Murphy, CEO Allianz said: "In partnership with the GAA we have aimed to play our part in presenting the Allianz Leagues in the best possible way and to show that we very genuinely share in the passion and commitment for Gaelic Games that can be seen in every single county on this island.

"It's for this reason and many more besides that we are delighted to announce that our sponsorship of Allianz Leagues will now be extended for another three seasons up to and including 2015.

"This is a substantial undertaking at a time of great economic difficulty and it again underscores Allianz's commitment, not only to our national games, but also our determination to help maintain one of the mainstays of community life throughout the 32 counties of Ireland."

Also commenting Páraic Duffy, Ard Stiúrthóir Cumann Lúthchleas Gael said: "The onset of the Allianz Football Leagues remind us all that a new season is about to commence and there will be no shortage of enthusiasm and hope around as new managers try out new players in the pursuit of national honours.

"Last year's competitions were particularly successful with Cork emerging on top in an exciting division one encounter against Dublin and the Spring Series, which will lift off here again next weekend, was a big success.

"I would like to publicly acknowledge Allianz's ongoing support, especially in light of the sponsorship extension announced here today, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come promoting what is a hugely important competition for us."

Allianz support campaign this year will see some additions particularly in utilising digital media to enhance its sponsorship.

This will include the launch of Allianzleaguespredictions.ie - an online competition for GAA aficionados to play and potentially win some cash prizes for themselves and their chosen club.

In addition Allianz will be utilising its social media platforms - Facebook, Twitter and YouTube - to feed through information and content on the Allianz Leagues to GAA fans.

Allianz Leagues fixtures will be spread over Saturdays and Sundays, with many covered 'live' by Setanta and TG4.

Cork, who begin their campaign away to Armagh next Sunday, will be attempting to win the Division 1 title for the third successive year, a feat last achieved by Kerry who won the League four-in-a-row in 1971-72-73-74.

Cork ran great League campaigns in 2010 and 2011 and it will now be interesting to see if they can complete the treble.

The last time Dublin won the League in a season after they won the All-Ireland title was in 1978.

They beat Armagh in the 1977 All-Ireland final and added the League title to their haul in April 1978, beating Mayo in the final. Kerry last took the title in 2009.

Donegal and Laois are this season's Division 1 newcomers, having won promotion from Division 2 last season while Galway and Monaghan made the reverse trip, dropping down to Division 2.

Louth and Westmeath were promoted to Division 3 while Longford and Roscommon emerged from Division 4.

Kenny And Gilmore In NYC For Clinton Conference

2012-02-07T13:10:20Z

Taoiseach Enda Kenny with Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore (Photocall)

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore will both be in New York this week to attend an investment conference first suggested by former US President Bill Clinton.

The conference will bring together senior business leaders and economic experts, and will try to promote foreign investment in Ireland.

There will also be forums for ideas aimed at boosting Ireland's recovery.

The idea for the summit was first put forward by Bill Clinton when he attended the Global Irish Summit at Dublin Castle last October.

At that summit, Mr Clinton told a gathering of leading Irish diaspora from around the world, that right now, the rest of the world thinks a lot better of Ireland than its own people do.

He suggested Ireland look at areas emerging markets in Brazil, India, China and Russia.

And he suggested crowd-sourcing as a method of funding new ventures by Irish entrepreneurs.

He said the there was significant untapped financial resources still available from venture capitalists and companies, even in the US, a market from which Ireland was already attracting significant investment.

He suggested that he would help organize an investment conference in New York aimed at those who do not already have a connection to Ireland.

Mr Clinton said the idea was that the conference would be aimed outside the Irish diaspora to those who would not normally have any association with the country.

The conference is being organized by Teneo, a company set up by Declan Kelly, the former US economic envoy to Northern Ireland.

Mr Clinton and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair are both senior advisors to the company.

In the Dail last week, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said the New York conference formed part of a wider government strategy aimed at bringing investment to Ireland.

"When he attended the global Irish economic forum in October, Mr Clinton committed to convene an investment meeting mainly of people who would not normally have associations with Ireland.

"That meeting is due to take place next week and will be attended by both the Taoiseach and myself.

"Very soon there will be a visit by the vice president of China with whom we have been discussing the possibilities for expansion of trade and investment between the two countries, all of which is aimed at the generation of employment."

In addition the Irish government has prepared a jobs action plan, which is due to be published in the next few weeks.

Calories Counts To Be Compulsory On Irish Menus

2012-02-07T13:16:10Z

Irish Minister of Health, Dr James Reilly believes displaying calories on menus would have a positive effect on Ireland's obesity problem (Photocall)

It's commonplace over here, but in Ireland, the idea of making it compulsory for fast food outlets and restaurants to put calorie counts on their menus is causing a bit of a stir.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has announced a national consultation to seek opinions on the best way of putting calorie information on menus in Ireland.

The FSAI claims that Ireland has the second highest levels of obesity in Europe, and research shows that displaying calorie information on menus helps consumers to eat healthier foods and smaller portions.

Research here in America found that when calorie information is shown on menus people ate 152 fewer calories in hamburger restaurants; 73 fewer calories in sandwich bars and ate 6% fewer calories overall.

Dr. James Reilly, Irish Minister for Health said that if calorie intakes were reduced by this amount there as a result of displaying calories on menus it would have a significant impact on our obesity problem.

"In Ireland, two out of every three men and over half of all women are either overweight or obese. Of great concern too is that we are seeing year on year growth in the number of our children and teenagers who are overweight.

"Heart disease, cancer, stroke and type 2 diabetes are all conditions aggravated by obesity, particularly when it occurs at younger ages," he said.

"We need this type of initiative to help people help themselves to avoid such conditions. Information about the amount of calories you will consume in the foods and drinks you are choosing is fundamental to enabling people make healthier choices.

"Displaying calories on menus has been shown to be effective in other countries in this regard. We want to emulate that success here and I have already had a very positive response from fast food outlets and cafés and would strongly encourage the wider food service sector in Ireland to embrace this initiative."

According to Dr. Mary Flynn, Chief Specialist Public Health Nutrition, FSAI, one of the key issues is that people are not aware that some snacks they choose provide almost all of the calories they need in a day.

"People are choosing large portion sizes for better value. They are welcoming 'free' side dishes, extra toppings as well as sauces with no idea of the amounts of hidden calories they may contain.

"At this stage in Ireland, we're used to the 'buckets' of popcorn and litre-sized drinks and we don't notice the extra-thick bread and large rolls in sandwich bars.

"On top of all this we'd probably feel cheated if food businesses offered us reasonable portion sizes. In effect all of this promotes oblivious overeating by many of us on a regular basis," she says.

"Food businesses supply what consumers demand. Research has shown that putting calories on menus creates a demand for healthier options and smaller portion sizes."

But the Restaurant Association of Ireland claimed that putting calories on menus could be too costly for smaller businesses.

Chief executive Adrian Cummins claimed one business in Dublin had spent ten thousand euro putting calories on its menus.

Dr Flynn acknowledged that not every food business was welcoming the initiative.

"We recognize that putting calories on menus will not be an easy task for food businesses - in particular, for smaller food businesses; it will require technical tools to calculate nutritional content and support from nutritional experts.

"The FSAI is currently exploring a number of ways that support can be provided to food businesses during any transitional period," she concluded.

Ronnie McGinn's Poetry Page

2012-02-07T13:33:38Z

If you have a poem you'd like to see published in The Irish Examiner then send it to:

The Poetry Corner
The Irish Examiner USA
1040 Jackson Avenue, Third Floor
Long Island City
NY 11101

or, preferably, you can email it direct to
ronniemcginn@eircom.net.

If possible keep your poem to 20 lines. You may choose any subject you like, in any form you like as long as it's original. We look forward to hearing from you.

There is always something beautiful and romantic about Valentine's Day Poems! Beautiful Romantic Poems that young lovers write to each other or poems; that strike a chord in one's memory, or reach out and touch your beloved's heart. Poems; that awaken memories of holding hands and looking deep into his/her eyes.

Of course we may buy a box of chocolates, a few roses, a card that creates a Valentine's Day feeling or perhaps a dinner for two.

But a poem written from the heart, like this week's poem from Neil O'Donoghue can say more then everything.

When
(For Mary: My forever Valentine)

When waters cease to touch the shore
New born babies fail to cry
When summer suns no longer set,
My love for you will die
When moonlights glow on lovers, fade,
And stars refuse to shine,
When mother's arms don't heal each woe,
Your love will not be mine
When eyes don't meet in crowded rooms
And Santa does not show,
When roses loose their fragrance
From you I'll have to go.
When absence won't cause hearts to ache
Words of love we no longer send
When lips don't meet to seal our dreams
Then our love affair will end
© Neil O'Donoghue

Out & About

2012-02-07T13:37:22Z

Giants, Giants, Giants; oh what a win for New York and New Jersey.

Yes, I did watch it in Nevada Smiths that is based at the moment in Webster Hall (on 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues) and it was packed out for the Super Bowl and also for the Chelsea vs. Manchester United game played that morning.

As the word goes: build it and they will come and they are coming in their masses; oh you can't keep a good name down - Nevada Smiths is still the Mecca of football in New York and around the World.

Getting back to the Giants,what a win and with the two best Quarterbacks in the World playing against each other: Eli Manning and Tom Brady.

These boy's names I bet are connected to Cork and Cavan, go check it out; I must ask Brian Andersson the genealogist who found Annie Moore, good on yea Brian.

I am sure a couple of the lads had some good fortune with the Super Bowl pools around town and good luck to them to, even though I did not win anything myself... maybe next year?

Terese Coe who submitted some poems to our man in Ireland Ronnie McGinn which were printed in a few of our weekly editions read poems and translations at the Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery, near Bleecker Street) last Sunday and I hope she had a good turnout as it was Super Bowl night.

Here is some information for you that I am sure you will be happy to hear: The Irish American Republicans, a coalition of Irish Americans in the Republican Party originally founded in 1868, have praised US Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) and US Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) for their leadership in introducing the "Irish Immigration Recognition and Encouragement Act of 2011 ("Ire Act") which would grant 10,000 US Visas per year for Ireland.

"Sen. Scott Brown and Sen. Mark Kirk are heroes to Irish America," stated Irish American Republican Co-Chair Jeff Cleary.

"Legal immigration is the foundation upon which this great country has been built," he continued.

"Sen. Scott Brown and Sen. Mark Kirk are true friends of Ireland, and understand the great historic role that Irish immigrants and Irish Americans have played in building America," stated Irish American Republican Co-Chair Grant Lally.

"The Irish American Republicans call upon all Senators - Republican and Democrat - to join as co-sponsors of the Irish Immigration Recognition and Encouragement Act.

We need your support. Ireland needs your support. Irish America needs your support."

You can contact Jeffrey Cleary at (518) 209-1916 or jdc1916@aol.com; Grant Lally at (516) 741-2666 or GrantLally@aol.com.

The Irish American Republicans... www.IrishGOP.com... now how about that huh.

Aisling Irish Community Center (990 McLean Avenue in Yonkers; Tel: (914) 237-5121 Fax: (914) 237-1723; aislingcenter.org; info@aislingcenter.org) is to provide free weekly lunches for Seniors every Tuesday, beginning in March.

This new program has been made possible by the generosity of the following local restaurants and business owners who have committed to catering the lunches on a scheduled basis:

McKeon's Bar & Restaurant, 996 McLean Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704
Prime Cuts, 4338 Katonah Ave., Bronx, NY 10704
Irish Coffee Shop, 948 McLean Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704
Eileen's Country Kitchen, 964 McLean Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704
The Heritage Bar & Restaurant, 960 McLean Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704
Butcher's Fancy, 961 McLean Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704
Rory Dolan's Bar & Restaurant, 890 McLean Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704
The Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704

"This initiative is another great example of how we all work together in such a cohesive way to help the more vulnerable people in our community," said Orla Kelleher, executive director of the Aisling Irish Community Center.

"We also believe this will be a great social occasion for the elderly Irish living in the local community who can come to the center and enjoy a meal in the company of others every week."

"Our senior group, 'Young at Heart', meets twice a week to participate in planned activities, which promote physical and mental well being, as well as discussion groups/workshops which deal with topics relevant to the elderly," said Agnes Delaney, chairperson of the Aisling Irish Community Center.

The Aisling Center's Young at Heart group undertakes occasional trips to places and activities of interest throughout New York.

A social worker also provides counseling and entitlement information to seniors as well as weekly visits to homebound and hospitalized seniors and daily reassurance calls in some cases.

Seniors also participate in other activities at the center such as the Irish Volunteers for the Homeless program, computers classes, arts and crafts, chair yoga, and Weight Watchers.

The Aisling Center also offers assistance to those in need of home care. For more information on other programs and services provided by Aisling Irish Community Center.

Visit aislingcenter.org for more information or contact Órla Kelleher at (914) 237-5121 or via e-mail at orla@aislingcenter.org.

The Emerald Association of Long Island will hold its 172nd Annual Ball on Saturday, February 11th at the Battery Park Gardens Restaurant located in Battery Park in Manhattan.

The Emerald Ball is the longest running charitable Ball in America.

The Emerald Association of Long Island was founded in 1839 by Catholic lay persons in Brooklyn to raise funds in support of underprivileged children in their community most of whom came from newly arrived immigrant families from Ireland.

For more information on Emerald go to www.emeraldassociationli.org

Today, all proceeds from the Emerald Ball are provided to the Bishops of the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre for the care of poor children, many of whom continue to be from newly arrived families.

To attend The Emerald Ball or support its efforts contact brendancahalan11@gmail.com or call (516) 993-9476.

See you next week...

Wowing The Ladies

2012-02-07T13:44:38Z

Rachel Botchan (Grace Tranfield) and Bradford Cover (Leonard Charteris)

By Gwen Orel

You might think of George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) as a vegetarian celibate in a Jaeger wool suit, and he was that, later in his life, but when he was younger, he was also a rake.

He got a late start as the institution he later became, working as an impoverished theatre critic and journalist (comrade!) for years.

His first play Widower's Houses was produced when he was 37.

The Philanderer was published in 1898, but was considered too scandalous for the stage (the Lord Chamberlain had censorship duties in theatre in England until 1968), and was not performed until 1902.

Odds are you've never seen it. Don't miss the production at the Pearl Theatre, running until February 19.

It's beautifully produced, wonderfully funny, and thoroughly entertaining. And yes, it's somewhat risqué (sex is definitely hinted at), and certainly subversive.

The play tells the story of Leonard Charteris (Bradford Cover), who's in love with Grace Tranfield (Rachel Botchan), but hasn't thoroughly ended things with Julia Craven (Karron Graves).

Julia bursts in on Leonard and Grace, shrieking.

Shaw had been involved in a similar situation when he had an affair with actress Florence Farr, and his old mistress Jenny Patterson burst in on him.

Adding to this, the play also reflects Shaw's passion for Ibsen.

Shaw was so taken with Henrik Ibsen, author of The Doll's House and Ghosts, that he even wrote a long essay called The Quintessence of Ibsenism, which argues that Ibsen's social examinations were the future of theatre (of course, Shaw's essay is, really, about Shaw).

He certainly leaped on The Doll's House in his exploration of gender roles, and envisioned, in his early plays in particular, a New Woman, who rejected womanly wiles in favor of masculine directness.

But Shaw being Shaw, he can't help but also be funny. In The Philanderer, he invents an Ibsen club, where women can only belong if they are "unwomanly."

A portrait of Ibsen hangs on the wall; Julia's younger sister Sylvia (Shalita Grant) hangs around there dressed in pants, and older gentlemen, like the fathers of the two rivals, join mainly to keep an eye on things.

Such a club never existed in real life, and it's part of Shaw's mischievous Irish humor to invent it so thoroughly.

Chris Mixon (Dr. Paramore) and Olivia (Leonard Charteris)

Joseph Cuthbertson (Dominic Cuskern), Grace's father, works as a theatre critic, he's a dramatic critic.

"Didn't you hear me say that he was the leading representative of manly sentiment in London?" Charteris says of him, poking fun at the theatre's artificiality.

Colonel Daniel Craven (Dan Daily), the father of the two girls, is a sensible straight man.

A subplot involving Dr. Patmore (Chris Mixon), who has mistakenly diagnosed the girls' father with a deadly disease, and also loves the womanly Julia, demonstrates Shaw's budding interests in science and vegetarianism (the doctor performs experiments on animals).

It's also hilarious. Mixon fills every moment with sincere, dumb enthusiasm.

Director Gus Kaikkonen paces the show at a farcical clip, which works well.

The cast, as always at the Pearl (which specializes in Classic Theatre, and, unusually in this day and age, draws from a Resident Acting Company), are able and entertaining.

Botchan's Grace has the unfortunate task of playing Shaw's ideal New Woman-cool, sensible, and full of renunciations (Shaw throughout his life and in his plays shared an Irish ideal of love as more pure unobtained).

She does well with what is essentially a dull role.

Graves' Julia is a bit too shrieky - it's funny, but it's over the top.

This is director Gus Kaikkonen's one mistake - she's so thoroughly irritating it's hard to see what Leonard could ever have seen in her, apart from her prettiness.

Jo Winiarski's flexible set changes from private homes to the Ibsen club cleverly.

As Leonard, Cover is almost an anti-rake.

He's a big bearded guy (looking a little young Shaw-like), who entices women by taking them seriously.

Running at The Pearl Theatre (www.pearltheatre.org), New York City Center Stage II, 131 West 55th Street, through February 19. 212-581-1212 or www.nycitycenter.org

As he points out, he's neither handsome nor well-dressed: "Then whose fault is it that half the women I speak to fall in love with me? Not mine: I hate it: it bores me to distraction. At first it flattered me -delighted me - that was how Julia got me, because she was the first woman who had the pluck to make me a declaration. But I soon had enough of it; and at no time have I taken the initiative and persecuted women with my advances as women have persecuted me. Never. Except, of course, in your case."

Well, what woman could resist that?

Of course, Leonard is unable to see that he's a classic Irish charmer - full of talk, fun and ego.

He's annoyingly lovable - and so is this production.

The Philanderer is out of copyright; you can read the play online at Project Gutenberg.

Gwen Orel runs the blog and podcast, New York Irish Arts

Heartbreak For Ireland In Six Nations Opener

2012-02-07T13:50:26Z

Leigh Halfpenny kicks the winning penalty for Wales (INPHO)

A late penalty from Leigh Halfpenny decided this thrilling RBS 6 Nations opener at the Aviva Stadium, as Ireland suffered their third successive defeat to Wales.

Leigh Halfpenny stepped up to deny Ireland a winning start to the Championship as his 80th minute penalty, following Stephen Ferris' sin-binning for a supposed dangerous tackle, decided this absorbing clash.

Ireland were outscored on the try count by three to two, but battled their way into a 21-15 lead thanks to touchdowns from Rory Best and Tommy Bowe and 11 points from the boot of Jonathan Sexton.

However, Wales' dominance of possession and dangerous backs kept them in the hunt and an unconverted try from George North (76 minutes) and Halfpenny's late heroics saw them take the spoils.

Both teams suffered yellow cards with Bowe crossing for his try while Welsh lock Bradley Davies was in the sin-bin for a spear tackle on Donnacha Ryan.

Referee Wayne Barnes might have produced a red card such was the dangerous nature of Davies' challenge, which saw Ryan land on his neck/shoulder area.

It was a moment of controversy in an otherwise cleanly-fought game that brought together the vast majority of the players who contested the Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Wellington last October.

There were a few notable absentees with captain Brian O'Driscoll heading the Irish injury list and the Welsh engine room missing crocked locks Alun-Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris.

Paul O'Connell took on the captaincy role for Ireland, and also set a new RBS 6 Nations record for a second row combination with his 21st start together with Donncha O'Callaghan.

Fergus McFadden slotted in for O'Driscoll at outside centre, making his third Championship appearance, and Ireland made the early headway with Bowe clattering into Mike Phillips as his former club-mate collected a high ball.

A ruck infringement by Ryan Jones allowed Sexton his first shot at the posts and he duly delivered the first points of the match, handing Ireland a fourth minute lead.

But Wales wasted little time in mounting a response. Bradley Davies had to be hauled down in the Irish 22 after a well-worked lineout and North and Phillips both went close before Ryan Jones was held up over the try-line.

Gatland's side continued to put pressure on Ireland and they worked bustling centre Jonathan Davies over for his first try in the 14th minute. He crossed in the left corner after taking Priestland's well-timed offload out of a tackle.

Television match official Geoff Warren confirmed the score and Priestland was unfortunate to see his conversion attempt bounce back off the right hand post.

Wales had begun to build a solid platform with their forwards clearing out well, Phillips providing a series of snappy passes and their backs beginning to stretch the Irish defence.

Sean O'Brien was pinged for playing the ball off his feet at a ruck, offering Priestland a penalty shot from straight in front of the posts but the out-half blundered when cannoning his kick off the left upright.

It was a let-off for Ireland and there some encouraging signs for Declan Kidney's men with Rob Kearney rising high to gather a garryowen and O'Connell and Jamie Heaslip gragging a couple of lineout steals.

Sexton failed to punish Alex Cuthbert for holding onto possession on the deck, missing a right-sided penalty on the half hour mark.

Andrew Trimble came more into the game with some good covering on his wing and as Ireland clawed back territory, the Ulsterman showed his potential with ball in hand.

The home crowd could sense an improvement in Ireland's play when Ryan Jones was held up in contact by a combination of Ferris, O'Callaghan and Sexton. The next phase saw the men in green charge into the visitors' 22, but Cian Healy lost the ball forward.

Nevertheless, the momentum was still with Ireland and after Trimble initiated a counter attack from deep, Kidney's charges put together their best attacking phase.

Slick hands from Gordon D'Arcy and neat footwork from Bowe, on the end of a free-flowing move, sent hooker Best cantering over to the left of the posts. Sexton added the conversion to make it 10-5 at the interval.

A leg injury forced Welsh skipper Sam Warburton off at half-time, bringing Justin Tipuric into the fray and James Hook was also sent on at full-back with Halfpenny moving to the right wing.

Ireland started the second period at a high intensity and a good hit from the scrum forced Rhys Gill to drop his bind, with Sexton landing the resulting penalty for a 13-5 advantage.

Despite a lengthening injury list, Wales were up for the fight and Priestland should have done better with a long range penalty attempt that he spiralled away to the right.

Four minutes later, Halfpenny was called upon to try his luck from distance. The possessor of a fine right boot, the Cardiff Blues star thumped over a well-judged kick to close the gap back to five points.

It got even better for Wales as they used first phase ball from a lineout to smash their way through for a second try. North was unleashed and he fended off McFadden's challenge before popping an inviting offload to Davies who had a pace to finish off a superb attack.

Halfpenny's conversion nudged Wales into a 15-13 lead. Yet Ireland were swiftly back on the front foot, Kearney's impressive catch and offload helping Conor Murray to set up a left wing raid which saw Heaslip involved twice.

The rewarded for a concerted spell of possession and territory was another penalty from Sexton which he squeezed inside the right hand post.

Five minutes later, Bradley Davies received his marching orders from Barnes following his part in an off-the-ball incident. With O'Connell, Ferris and Heaslip all carrying well, Ireland were poised to take full advantage of the indiscretion.

Replacement Ryan picked off a Welsh lineout in the 22, sending O'Connell peeling away and Best was a metre away from scoring his second. Ireland kept their composure and Sexton's switch of direction out to the right led to Kearney passing for Bowe to dive over in the corner.

Sexton drew his conversion attempt away to the left but with less than ten minutes remaining, Ireland had a six-point lead and a one-man advantage.

Heaslip then forced Gill to concede a penalty at a ruck a couple of metres inside the Irish half. A further three points would have given Ireland a bit more comfort in the closing stages. However, in going for additional power, Sexton sent his kick to the right and wide.

In response, Priestland found an excellent touch from a penalty. Lock Ian Evans managed to find a gap and bring Wales into the hosts' 22, and Ireland's defence was breached again as a string of passes out to the left ended with North muscling over past D'Arcy and Bowe.

Halfpenny failed to add the conversion from a difficult conversion, leaving Ireland to defend a one-point margin in the dying minutes.

The home victory was agonisingly close when Barnes penalised Ferris for his tackle on Evans, handing Halfpenny a last-minute opportunity which he coolly took.

His successful kick from in front of the posts condemned Ireland to their first loss in an opening round Six Nations match since 2004, and ended their hopes of winning a Grand Slam or Triple Crown this season.

The result also marked the first time Wales have beaten Ireland in three successive Tests since 1979, with Kidney's side now needing to recover quickly for next Saturday's showdown with France in Paris.

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