Out & About

You are all invited for a day of celebrating in the sunshine on Saturday May 22: the pubs and restaurants of Stone Street (Becketts, The Dubliner, Mad Dog and Beans, Stone Street Tavern, Ulysses, Smorgas Chef, Waterstone Grill, Burger Burger and Adrienne's Pizzabar) are joining together to throw a street-wide party, with 20% of all funds raised going to fund charity work overseas. It'll run all day long from 12pm to late and every item consumed means a contribution to the construction of wells for poor rural communities in Togo, Africa.  These wells will provide more than water - they will allow a community to grow food, sell their produce, and trade their way out of poverty.

We all know the history of our great country Ireland and how we suffered from poverty now it's our time to show everybody that we care about, so I hope to see you all there.

I tell you, every week something is going on in New York and let me say that it is always connected to an event that is in someway Irish... isn't that great, I love it.

I headed to the Slane Public House (at 102 McDougal Street in the West Village) for the launching of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey and, lo and behold, the man himself was over to launch it: Lord Henry Mount Charles, now wasn't that something? The event was held on Friday but I have to say, it went on much later than that... again.

The bar and restaurant trade in New York was well represented and I will try and mention a few of them: of course, the hosts of Slane Public House offered an array of excellent appetizers and platters that were mouth watering and well recommended and there was Andy and John Breslin and their partners.

Also in the crowd was Niamh Conroy of the Galway Hooker and Fiddlesticks (who was looking good as usual), along with Danny McDonnell and Mike Jewel from Ulysses, Swifts, Puck Fair and more.

I got to see Barry McCormick from McCormick's (on Third Avenue) and the man that was really having the time of his life was none other than Kieran McLoughlin - Chairman of The American Ireland Fund. Also there was Ian Hyland, publisher of Business & Finance Media Group and boy, they were having a good time; especially after the night before when The American Ireland Fund hosted one of the biggest Galas in New York at the Lincoln Center under a giant tent with Guest of Honor Bono.

Now that was some event let me tell you - I was a guest myself and the who's who of the Irish Diaspora were in attendance to honor him. I am sure you all know who he is, but just in case I will tell you is that he is the lead singer of the world famous Irish rock group U2. President Clinton also came on stage to present Bono with his award.

Also on Thursday night, U2 and The Ireland Funds announced, at their 35th Anniversary Celebration, the Board of the National Music Education Program, a scheme that will offer children and young people in Ireland the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.   

Dr Tony Ó Dálaigh will Chair the board and Rosaleen Molloy will act as Project Director with responsibility for rolling out the program nationally.

U2 has provided €5 million to ensure the national rollout of the instrumental and vocal tuition elements by 2016. The Ireland Funds will contribute a further €2 million.

The new management structure, which has been established as a subsidiary company of Music Network will administer the scheme, which will be introduced nationwide on a phased basis over the next five years; now is that something or what? Thanks to everyone concerned.

I also bumped into Des O'Brien along with Pat Burke. As you all know they are very successful businessmen in New York with the famous Irish chain of restaurants called Pig 'N' Whistles, Langan's and O'Brien's right in the heart of Manhattan and I am sure something else is brewing.

When the World Cup begins on June 11th I know that every bar and restaurant will be packed! Make sure you visit the Pig 'N' Whistle on 35th Street as this venue is the perfect venue to watch all the games.

Well I am sure you all know by now about Failte 32 who had a press conference last Monday morning at O'Casey's (on 41st Street, between Madison and 5th Avenue). The turn out was overwelming with a capacity crowd with representatives from all the leading organizations including the Aisling Irish Community Center, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Emerald Guild Association, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Irish American Bar Association New York, Irish Business Organization, Irish Examiner, Irish Network NYC, Irish Network USA, New York Irish Center, New York Pan Alumni Group, United Irish Counties Association, United Restaurant and Tavern Owners Association and the  New York St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. now is that some turn out or what? As you can see it can be done.

Did you book yet? You know what I am talking about, the Kruise for Kids as this is the best cruise you will ever go on and for a great charity - Project Children that is headed up by our own Denis Mulcahy, and we've got to keep it going, so we have to support it right!

All you have to do is go on line to MurphGuide.com or call (212) 717-9955 and tell them we sent you.

See you all next week!