Out & About

Dublin's own Damien Dempsey played the following night at the Mercury Lounge on Houston Street as part of the Craic Fest and what a show he put on - it was excellent - house full - packed to the doors... Terance Mulligan looked like a very happy man... I went along with the people from Anheuser Busch who are sponsors of the festival with their Bass Ale brand. In the party was Ed Fitzmaurice, his lovely wife Roseanna and Tom Shannon... Who was right in the mix on the night than none other then our own Tony Quinn having a ball, (so that's what he does on his nights off)... On the way to the festival we met up with Pat Burke from the Pig 'N' Whistle who was heading down to his place and could not join us on the night!

The County Cork B. P. & P. Association of New York had their 124th Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner Dance last Saturday at Antun's in Queens Village, New York. Honorees were Michael Gubbins, Patrick Hurley and Noel Hayes. What a wonderful night it was with a tremendous turnout. Master of Ceremonies was Denis McCarthy followed by President, Daniel McCarthy (no relation). Guest of Honor Michael Gubbins is well known in the residential management building and real estate business...

Honoree Patrick Hurley (the 2008 Corkman of the year) came from New Zealand to Cork to New York and he may well end up in the White House with his pal John McCain, you never know with Pat... And last but not least Noel Hayes who received a very special award, The Frank Carvill Award, in Honor of Frank T. Carvill who was killed in action in Iraq, may he rest in peace. Noel has lead the County Cork Association up Fifth Avenue every year carrying the county banner - good luck to Noel and all the honorees... Other notables on the evening were: May O'Driscoll rushing around and making sure that everything was running smoothly; John Dunleavy, the New York St. Patrick's Day Parade Chairman; Man of the moment, Tommy Smyth this year's Grand Marshal and his wife Treasa, a great Cork woman; John Brown and his family invited me to sit at one of his tables and it could not have been better. I could go on and on - as I said it was a great night with music by The Black Velvet Band.

We got to meet with Garry Doyle and his lovely wife Renee along with the great Pat Brady - both doing a fine job with the Emerald Guild Society - they having their St. Patrick's Day Reception this Thursday at the Rosie O'Grady's Manhattan Club - it should be a good night (now that I am invited!). Thanks lads.

The parties have just begun and lots of concerts are taking place: On Friday Night we have Red Hurley performing at the Lincoln Center - make sure you don't miss this concert as he is one of Ireland's best ever performers, tell your friends that we said so... Celtic Woman take the stage at Radio City... The Cunningham Brothers play St. Patrick's night from 6pm at Nevada Smiths... The Tipperary Knights are at Eamonn's at 12 noon on the 17th - be sure to call in there... Celtic Thunder play at the Governor's Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

There are lots of great events happening all around town. We shall see you all at the parade.

I'll take this opportunity to again wish Tommy Smyth, New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal, lots of luck and a great day, no one deserves the honor more.

Wishing you all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day from all the staff at the Irish Examiner newspaper.