Out & About

Here in America and at home in Ireland, with the elections going on, there will be lots of changes with the new government being selected this weekend. So why am I bringing this up? Because there will be lots of gossip believe me here in North America. I do not want to get involved in the political going-ons in Ireland but it's a fact that we are all very curious as to what happens.

Now, to more important things, I was in Gabby O'Hara's (23 West 39th Street; (212) 278-8984) and I got to meet the owners Martin and Tom. It's a smashing place to go for a pint, which I did with Paul Hurley, yes the same man who owns a few places himself in New York. It's great to be able to get around New York and find an Irish Pub on every corner! You won't get drunk either because you're thinking of the next establishment you have to go to; ah I love it.

I am told that George Murphy will be Appearing at Paddy Reilly's Music Bar (519 2nd Avenue at 29th Street; (212) 686-1210) on Thursday February 24th at 8pm. Entrance is $10 on the door.

His voice has been described as a cross between Luke Kelly and Bruce Springsteen and has a maturity that attracts fans of all ages. The Irish music magazine Hot Press summed it up best saying, "George possesses such a wildly evocative Dublin howl it is extraordinary to the point of being unbelievable." I should say Steve Duggan pulled it off again; oh them Cavan boys, they know how to do it.

I have just been told that Adrian Flannelly's guests for last Saturday were supposed to be on the show a week earlier, but due to technical difficulties last week the interview was re-scheduled for airing last Saturday. He did give his sincere apologies to his guest Kieran McLoughlin, President & CEO of The Worldwide American Funds. They might have missed a few bob over that; what are we going to do to make that up huh?

Tommy Smyth, yes the same one who is well known all over the World for his commentary on on one of the top TV Stations ESPN. Well Tommy Smyth has been chosen as Guest of Honor for the 2011 Banquet by the New York GAA that will be held at Antun's (96-43 Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village) on Saturday March 26th. Cocktails will be served at 8pm and there'll be dinner and dancing from 9pm to 1am. For tickets call Sheamus Dooley on (914) 263-2474.

Talking about Antun's, let me tell you that it is run by the King family and Joe and his son Micky do a fantastic job. It really is just fabulous, every time you go there the service is Star quality and the food is mouth-watering and for value you can't beat it.

Talking again about Joe King he is one of the Saint Patrick's Day Aids for New York City Grand Marshal Mary Higgins Clark; congratulations again Joe well deserved.

Coming back to the Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations, the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade's 250th Anniversary Celebration Gala is on Tuesday March 15th at Chelsea Piers, (specifically Pier Sixty) and all are welcomed.

As I mentioned last week, there's a stunning line up of guests being honored including: Mary Higgins Clark (250th Grand Marshal), General Michael Hayden, Major General Karl Horst, Doctor Gerard Kean (President, Kean Solicitors, Ireland), Denis Kelleher (2005 Grand Marshal and Chairman and CEO of Wall Street Access), John Lahey (the 1997 Grand Marshal and President of Quinnipiac University), Kevin Nelson (CEO, Action Technologies) and Timothy Rooney (President, Yonkers Raceway)... wow, what a line up huh?

The entertainment is just as good and includes The Michael Flatley Troupe of Dancers, The High Kings, Greg Harrington, Emma Kate Tobia, Cormac McCarthy, Kevin Carey and The Darrah Carr Dancers. Boy what a line up for this Gala Ball.

For additional information or to make a reservation please contact the Gala Office at (212) 213-1166 or e-mail events@carlacapone.com. You can also reserve you place online at the parade website www.nycstpatricksparade.org. The event is 'Black Tie Optional' with cocktails at 6.30pm and dinner at 7.30pm.

As you can see I missed this week's paper as my computer crashed and I am sticking to that story alright! But, I promise you will hear from me in next week's paper with lots of gossip believe me; again thanks for your patience.

See you all next week...