Out & About

We also got to meet Brian McGinley who is the new Vice President of Marketing and Development of The Ireland Chamber who was telling me he has a lot of plans to promote the chamber that I am ready to listen to. At the event I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Hannahan an architect who is devising the plans for the new Arts Theatre and hopes to begin work on its new extension very soon - long overdue. They had a fine turnout and this is a perfect way to get new members and to meet new people and have a cocktail. John Duddy had the fight of his life last Saturday night at the Garden - a big brawl with a lot of cuts and bruises that I hope will heal soon as John is hoping for a crack at the world title in the near future. It is not easy in this country for any foreigner fighter, including Ireland, and it will always be tough for anyone to come over and take the title. We are very proud of him believe me, we just don't want him to get hurt as he is such a nice fellow.

After the fight Tracks at Penn Station was again buzzing with what seemed like most of the audience! Michael was happy as his partner Bruce is convalescing after a hip operation, get well soon we all miss you.

On Sunday at Antun's, The St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee had their annual lunch and it was packed to capacity for the guest of honor the 2008 Grand Marshal of the New York Parade, Tommy Smyth 'with a Y not an I'. My condolences goe out to his wife Treasa as her mom Teresa Coffey passed away last week in Ballard, Cobh, Co. Cork . John Dunleavy the Chairman of the parade got the party started with his introduction of the fourteen aides who were representing the AOH, UIC, Emerald Societies, Fraternals, Schools and colleges.

The St. Patrick's Day Parade this year will celebrate 247 years of honoring faith, heritage and culture in New York City. This is said to be the biggest parade to ever walk up Fifth Avenue, I wonder why? I have to say a lot of hard work went into this year's Parade - Hilary Beirne has done a magnificent job. There were a lot of guests in attendance and we did our best to say hello to everyone I could, including Mae O'Driscoll - that woman is every where, Larry O'Sullivan, Noele Clancy, Peter Cassels, Sergeant-at-Arms; Rosemary Lombard, John O'Connor, Michael Prunty, Aide at Large; Mario Biaggo and all the aides. Congratulations and have a great day on St.Patrick's Day. Now performing at the Irish Repertory Theatre is 'Take Me Along' call for tickets (212)727-2737.

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood will be at Madison Square Garden on this Thursday you can call Ticketmaster for tickets.

The Seafarer will be around for another few weeks do try and make sure you catch it before it ends.

I just got the news that the Red Hurley concert at Symphony Space, Friday March 14th is selling out fast make sure you do not miss this. Call the box office (212)864-5400. See you next week when we should have a lot more to tell you.