Out & About

How are the New Year resolutions going? Ha! Not to good right?

I should know I have been trying it for years now and guess what, I go right back to what I was always doing... well we gave it a try anyway.

I had better take care of the following as I might be banned and we can't let that happen can we?

Deirdre O'Hea, corresponding secretary for the County Cork BP&P Association sent me some information on what is happening over the next few weeks and let me tell there is a lot going on, 

Their annual scholarship awards will be presented at the Installation of Officers on January 15th. 

The day will start with a mass for deceased members at 3pm followed by the Installation of Officers for 2012, dinner, dancing and the Scholarship Awards.

Music will be provided by Donie Carroll. 

The event Chairman is Patrick Hurley, with Co-chairs Mary Hurley and Mary Power. The Scholarship Awards Chairperson is Kathy McCarthy.

For reservations contact Mary Waters at (718) 889-6776.

The United Irish Counties Annual Dinner Dance kicks off the St. Patrick's season on January 27th at Antun's. 

This year's honorees are Niall O'Dowd and Gerry O'Shea. 

Cocktail hour begins at 7:30pm followed by dinner and dancing.

Music will be provided by the McLean Avenue Band. Tickets are $85 per person.

If you'd like to attend, contact Mary Waters at (718) 889-6776.

The Cork Association's 128th Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday March 3rd, also at Antun's.

This year they'll be honoring three esteemed members of the Cork community. Corkman of the Year is Jeremiah Harrington, President of Rockledge Scaffold Corp., 2012's Corkwoman of the Year is Mary Power, Past President of the Cork Association.

The Recipient of the Frank Carvill Distinguished Service Award is Timothy Driscoll, Vietnam Veteran and community activist.

They are also honoring 50 year member Catherine O'Shea, Past President of the Cork Ladies Auxiliary.

Music will be provided by the Black Velvet Band. A souvenir journal will be published in conjunction with the event.

It's a cold January so bundle up as I think we are in for a long one... it started out pretty mild but now we need the coats and blankets.

I was invited to go up to Albany as I did mention last week. Unfortunately for reasons beyond my control I could not make it and yes, I know, Jeff Cleary was very disappointed and let me tell you I was so much looking forward to it.

It was the opening of The Irish American Heritage Museum in the Historic McGinniss Building.

A lot of hard work from the Board of Trustees and volunteers made it all happen and the man behind it all was none other than Ed Collins who is chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Museum.

This is great news: Ryan Meara, the Fordham soccer star who also played for Yonkers United, won the state cup in 2007; and won  the Dublin Cup in 2006; was drafted by the New York Red Bulls on Thursday. Ryan is of Irish ancestry, so we thought you would be interested.

Francis X. Comerford, President of NBC Commercial Operations, was installed last Tuesday as the Grand Marshal of the 251st  Annual New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade at ceremonies held at the New York Athletic Club on Central Park South.

Parade Chairman John Dunleavy also announced that the 251st St. Patrick's Day Parade would be dedicated to all American Veterans from every branch of service and every war or conflict.

Several well known New York dignitaries were on hand for the installation ceremonies and they came in support of the Parade, Francis Comerford and his Aides.

These included His Eminence Cardinal elect Timothy Dolan; the Hon. Noel Kilkenny, Counsel General of Ireland; Tommy Smyth, the 2008 Grand Marshal; Dr John Lahey President of Quinnipiac University; Rev George Reilly Vice-President Villanova University; former Commissioner of Public Records Brian Anderson; the Commanding Officer of the Fighting 69th Regiment, LTC Jim Gonyo; the Catholic War Veterans Department Commander James Mullarkey; Pat Troy, radio host from Washington D.C. and John O'Connor, President of the St Patrick's Parade.

Reverend George Riley of Villanova University began the ceremony with an invocation. John Lahey, Vice Chairman of the Parade Committee and President of Quinnipiac University, introduced all honored guests as well as the 2012 Aides to the Grand Marshal.

With a short break to enjoy music by The Clancy Brothers, the Parade Chairman, John Dunleavy, and the Grand Marshal of the 2011 Parade, Mary Higgins Clark, presented Comerford with the Grand Marshal's Sash for 2012. 

Mr. Comerford graciously accepted the sash and gave a brief speech explaining how truly honored he was.

The 14 Aides to the Grand Marshal for the 2012 parade are Carol A. Koening, New York County Aide; Maura Fitton, Bronx County Aide; Marie Connolly Carlson, Queens County Aide; Judith Rose, Kings County Aide; Alice Koraca, Westchester County Aide; Dr. Robert Griswold, Richmond County Aide; Carol McTigue, Nassau County Aide; Michael O'Neill, Suffolk County Aide; Cyril Hughes, Rockland County Aide; John Greehy, Orange County Aide; Tom Kennedy, United Irish Counties Aide; William Fitzpatrick, Grand Council Aide; John (Jack) Nelan, Knights of St. Patrick Aide; and Margaret Corrigan, Aide-at-Large.

Congratulations to you all; see you next week...