Out & About

On our travels we were in Tir na Og and who was host? None other than Master of Ceremonies, Tony Jackson who has just embarked as M.C. on a sold out Irish Cruise to the Caribbean Islands promoted by Gertrude Byrne.

We also had the pleasure in catching up with day-time bar manager Bernie who has a welcome for every customer that walks in the door and makes you feel at home. Go and see him. Also at the bar was Brendan Keyes, Sales Manager for Tommy Moloney's and Glenbrody Gourmet Sausages. Whenever you crave an Irish Breakfast you can give him a call at 516 680-5259 or by email brendan@tommymoloneys.com and he will take care of all your food requirements.

We hooked up with 'Irish' Chris who had traveled in from Montauk for the day in O'Briens on 47th Street. What a character! He had us laughing at the jokes he was telling. Also at the bar were the two owners and the manager Des O'Brien, Pat Burke and Cormick McCormick and joining us was Pete Scalley the coffee man.

The Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the United States are having a Networking Event at Eamonn's Bar & Grill on 45th street at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. drinks and hors d'oeuvres $25, members free.

In the next few weeks you have coming the finest entertainment that you have ever seen from Ireland with concerts and shows all over the Tri-State area. I will list them for you so you can plan to see them all or at least some of them, starting with Red Hurley, Phil Coulter,The High Kings, Celtic Thunder, The Irish Tenors, Celtic Women, Tommy Teirnan, Paddy Casey, Paul Brady, Andy Cooney, The Pogues, Tony Kenny, Ronan Tynan, The Chieftains, The Leahy Family, The Saw-Doctors, James Galway and the Wolfe Tones. I hope we got them all as this is definitely the Irish Invasion and where going to have a lot of fun.

Stopped by for a visit to Tracks Raw Bar & Grill to see some friend and got to meet Keith Smith who's Dad did work for Guinness a long with the great Connie Doolan and Jim Duffy for many years before he retired,we also had a pint with Michael O'Brien always in a good mood.

If you are going out to lunch or dinner you have to call to Pera restaurant serving great Mediterranean food on Madison between 41st&42nd street and say hello to the owner Cem as he is very proud he is married to beautiful Irish wife who will be having a baby very soon,also his bartender Christopher with service that is superb.

An Garda Siochana ( Irish National Police) will be paying a visit to New York for the McCabe Foundation at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice 10th Avenue on March 14th for the Exchange Fellowship Program that was proposed by the American Ambassador Mrs. Jean Kennedy Smith to be established in Detective Garda Jerry McCabe's name.

Joe O's Bar & Restaurant on33rd street is getting ready for the big festive season that is sure to be a big one.

Fiddlestick's Pub & Grill is the place to be seen in the village and say hello to Nieve Conway.

I see my old friend Mary Courtney is playing at An Beal Bocht Cafe in Riverdale every second Wednesday night

When you're out in Astoria Queens call into Cronin & Phelan on Broadway and tell Dave Cremin that we sent you

Almost left out another Irish act coming to New York Bowfire, and also do not miss Stand from Dublin who are appearing at The Bowery Ballroom on this Saturday February 23rd. Tickets $13 advance or $15 at the door.

Lots of dinners happening with the St. Patrick's Day Parade Dinner on Sunday February 24th, the Cork Association Banquet on March 8th, the Longford Dinner Dance on Sunday March 16th and the Sligo Dinner Dance Saturday March 15th. The Craic Irish Film Festival is getting ready for a busy time, do not miss it..

The Irish Repertory Theatre are putting on some first class shows that are not to be missed either. Let us know what is happening and we will be there.