By Paddy McCarthy
I paid a visit to the Irish Arts Center as I was invited by Tourism Ireland to an event marking the third season of ‘Ireland with Michael’ on PBS. As their release said, “World-renowned Irish tenor Michael Londra has returned to our screens with series 3 of his hit public television show ‘Ireland with Michael’.
“Proudly sponsored by Tourism Ireland, Aer Lingus and CIE Tours, the series takes viewers on an intriguing journey to popular and lesser-known destinations on the island of Ireland – to learn about Irish history; meets local artisans; experience small-town pubs and food; and enjoy unique musical and cultural experiences.
“Ireland with Michael’, shines a spotlight on Ireland through the eyes of its greatest assets, its artists.”
The presentation was just fabulous and both Alison Metcalfe, Executive Vice President Tourism Ireland, North America, and Ruth Moran, Manager of the New York based Publicity and Communications team of Tourism Ireland. Well done, it was a great presentation for Ireland with Michael and the man himself Michael Londra.
Look who I met at the Irish Arts Center: Noelle Clancy, the world-famous Joanie Madden and equally as famous Andy Cooney.
The New York Irish Center is also presenting a book launch sponsored by Caddie Tours for The Gods of Clown Alley, A Memoir by Tara O’Grady, who will join them for an entertaining evening of music and words and debut new songs she’s been busy writing during what she refers to as “The Great Pause.”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and O’Grady is using her book to promote conversation and spread awareness about matters of the heart and mind. “What if I were to tell you we are all gods?” This is how Tara, the narrator, invites readers into her illuminating story of self-healing at a mother-daughter retreat in Arizona after a debilitating depression that triggers suicidal thoughts and sparks a spiritual awakening with the realization that George Lucas was right, the Force is real.
For more information about the music, memoirs, and Tara’s tours to Ireland and Europe, visit taraogradymusic.com and caddietours.net.
Now, are you all ready for the Solace Sunrise Walk with your sneakers on? I am reaching out to share that the Solace Sunrise Walk is happening in less than three weeks’ time, on June 33. They would love if you were able to attend and share with your networks. There is still time to spread the word about the walk! You can share on social media, or via emails and texts, or simply by word of mouth.
On Saturday, June 3, Sunrise Walks will take place at the following locations.: Bronx – Gaelic Park (201 West 240th St, Bronx); Queens – New York Irish Center Building (1040 Jackson Ave, Queens); and Rockland – Rockland GAA (160 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg).
Whether you plan on walking, jogging, or running, the important thing is that we are together. We walk each year to help support the continued work of Solace House and to create awareness around suicide and mental health.
For tickets for this year’s walk visit: solacehouseusa.org/solace-sunrise-walk. This is your chance to be part of something special and reinforce the message: “You are not alone.” so let’s all do it as this is a great cause, see you all at the starting line.
The Irish Network NYC will be out and about as they kick off summer in the City in style on the rooftop of the Brass Monkey (55 Little West 12th St, New York)! Irish publican Sean Cunningham has been given a high fashion makeover. Cunningham, who owns New York City’s trendy Brass Monkey bar, was chosen by equally hip label Rag & Bone to be featured as a model in their latest Spring/Summer 2015 menswear collection. Join the Irish Network NYC this Thursday, May 18 at the Brass Monkey Rooftop Bar from 6.30 pm. This free event will feature live music from the fabulous Murphy’s Lawyer, who are not to be missed!
What better way to start the summer by catching up with old friends and meeting new ones, sampling the delicious Brass Monkey IPA created in collaboration with a local brewery and enjoying an evening out on a rooftop. Now you know I’m going to be there. I hope to see you there.
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again.