By Paddy McCarthy
I did promise that I would head for the beach with my bucket and shovel and yes I did do that. I was at Smith Point in Long Island last Sunday and the sun was blistering down on me, of course, as I was trying to stay under the shade.
On a serious note, it was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and as you might see in the picture there were really no waves so I took a plunge, ah, it was still a little bit cold, the water I mean.
I know we have all been house bound for a very long time and my advice is to get out there and feel the freedom of the beach and most of all the fresh air that comes with it.
Again, if you feel like a trip to the beach then go early and you can reserve a good spot for yourself and your friends and family. I’m getting like the weatherman now with all the advice I am giving, ha-ha.
I have just been told that inside eating and drinking in Ireland has now been put back from July 5th to July 19th for safety reasons with the delta variant of the virus spreading. This seems like a good call and that is not too bad. Here in New York City, it is outdoor dining as it is still the rule and hopefully that will change as well on July 19th, we will all remember that date for years to come.
Now for more good news. It looks like we can fly back to Ireland very soon with no quarantine, and in saying that there is no definite date on international travel yet as it will not be re-opened until July 19th at least. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD was not exactly advising people to start booking flights today and I am not either just in case it will not happen though I do have my fingers crossed that it will happen.
I was just informed that The Irish Repertory Theatre has another wonderful show streaming on screen running right now, finishing on July 4th that should not be missed called GHOSTING. It is a Theatre Royal, Waterford and Throwin Shapes production, written by Jamie Beamish and Anne O’Riordan and directed for streaming by Jamie Beamish. GHOSTING was originally directed for the stage by Aidan Kelly and starred Anne O’Riordan.
GHOSTING: noun; The practice of ending a personal relationship with somebody by suddenly, and without explanations, withdrawing from all communication. Sí never sleeps well. Sí never remembers her dreams. But she wakes up in the middle of the night to find Mark, who ghosted her six years ago, standing at the end of her bed in London. What the f***? Now she must face her demons and go back to the last place on Earth she wants to be. Waterford. Home.
First premiering to sold-out audiences in London, O’Riordan and Beamish brought their collaboration home to Theatre Royal, Waterford in 2019. This production of GHOSTING was streamed live online from Theatre Royal in April 2020.
Reservations are free but required to access this digital event. A donation of $25 is suggested for those who can afford to give. For more information call the Irish Rep Box Office at (212) 727-2737 or visit them online at IrishRep.org.
This came to my attention from a friend of mine who asked whether I could offer a plug for a brilliant and fascinating podcast called Three Castles Burning. It’s presented by a Kimmage man called Donal Fallon and provides a great social history of Dublin encompassing many topics about the Hibernian metropolis. It’s available on all good Podcasting platforms.
It is always sad to hear when a person that is part of the Irish community passes away, it’s always heartfelt. That is what has happened to a great friend of mine and The Irish Examiner USA, Eddie Dowling’s mom Mairead Dowling who passed away recently. Eddie is well known in the Irish community for all the charity work he does with no fuss.
I send my deepest condolences to Eddie and his family here the United States and in Dublin, Ireland on the passing of Mairead who will be solely missed by all, Rest in Peace.
That’s it for this week hope to see you all again when I am Out&About…