By Paddy McCarthy
I am opening my Out&About this week with sad news of Jimmy Neary who died last Saturday at the age of 91. Jimmy was the legendary owner of Neary’s Pub and Restaurant in Sutton Place that welcomed Presidents, actors, and other VIPs and was frequented by the likes of world-famous actress Maureen O’Hara, Governor Hugh Carey, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, President Bill Clinton and Cardinal Dolan to name just a few; there are many more that I would like to mention only I would not have enough space. I had the great privilege of meeting Jimmy thanks to another great man Joe Murphy, who also introduced me to the media business and I thank him so much for both introductions, RIP.
Jimmy was a very proud Irishman and true to his word. He came from Tubbercurry, a County Sligo native. He worked right up until days before his death, hosting and welcoming New Yorkers to their home from home.There was always some famous person or persons paying Neary’s a visit and on one of the pubs most famous nights, Neary was about to shut up shop for the night when a tap on his window announced the arrival of frequent guest Mayor Mike Bloomberg accompanied by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton, as well as assorted VIP guests. Clinton, he remembered, warmed up with an Irish coffee and charmed the staff and customers. After my own introduction I frequented Neary’s with another friend all the way down from Albany yes, the one and only Jeff Cleary, for another long night, but a happy one with the host with the most the late Jimmy Neary.
This is a little introduction on some of the history of Jimmy Neary’s pub opened on St. Patrick’s Day 1967 which proudly remains one of the most well-known Irish restaurants in New York. The restaurant is often referred to as the “Irish 21.” Jimmy Neary, New York’s finest host, welcomed everyone in the door with his great Irish smile and charming personality. Each night Jimmy was joined by members of his family and his long-tenured staff to ensure that every customer feels like they are part of the family. This man never forgot where he came from and with his daughter Una at the helm along with his loyal staff I am sure that they will continue his dream for years to come.
We here at The Irish Examiner send our condolences to the Neary family. Jimmy’s funeral service will be held next Saturday at 10 am at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, presided over by long-time friend Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
The New York Cork Association had their annual welcome back party recently and I missed it as I was in Cork City, Ireland. It seems that they all had a nice time and I hope everyone is doing well. It was great to see so many people turn out for the annual barbeque. President Martina O’Dowd sent a message saying that she hoped everyone enjoyed catching up as many of us have not seen each other for the last year and a half. It feels like we are finally beginning to return to normal. I am so sure it will and be stronger than ever and here are some of the attendees at the party. I could see that the woman that is the backbone of the association Mae O’Driscoll seemed to be in a very happy mood along with a lot of the regular members. It was another great event that I missed and of course a few fixtures of the Cork Association were present Noelle Clancy and Deirdre O’Hea and again I wish I could mention everybody who attended only it would take up the whole page but I can see they had a ball of a time.
I just got great news for you that The Irish Repertory Theatre are back in LIVE shows after a long period online during the pandemic The word is that it’s back and you can get $22 tickets before they’re gone with a super show ‘Autumn Royal’ on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage. Written by Kevin Barry and directed by Ciarán O’Reilly, ‘Autumn Royal’ stars Maeve Higgins and John Keating and will run from October 8th to November 21st. Street tickets are available NOW for preview performances (10/08-10/17)!
You can buy your tickets for the show by calling the Box Office on (212) 727-2737 or online at www.irishrep.org.
See you all again when I’m Out&About…