By Paddy McCarthy
I hope everybody is doing well and hopefully enjoying this summer, you see what I said? Hopefully, as it hasn’t been the best summer yet so far. Now that’s the only bad news I have for you, well not so bad because it has been 70% sun, 30% rain but very dry in the pubs.
Talking about the pubs while I’m Out&About it seems that most of them are holding their own as far I can see. When you’re in Manhattan pay a visit to some of them that I try to do as much as possible to publicize. If I come in on the Long Island train into Grand Central I walk across 42nd Street to Pershing Square, one of Buzzy O’Keeffe’s establishments that I really enjoy visiting. I then go around the corner to Stout on 41st street which is another run by Marty Whelan and partners. I also walk up to the one of New York’s “in places”, Foxy Johns. For as long as I can remember I keep talking about how the Irish and Irish Americans are the greatest tavern owners where ever you go in the United States and you will always get a very good céad míle fáilte greeting. I do that all the time when I am Out&About as it’s nice to be nice.
Now I also come into Penn Station on the west side of Manhattan that is now also looking fabulous after all the construction that they have done, now you can call it a station that you can feel comfortable visiting. You can also visit a brand-new Irish establishment in Penn Station upstairs in the Moynihan Hall called The Irish Exit run by Danny McDonnell, Anthony Malone and others. Just a walk up from Penn Station you can visit the Pig’n’Whistle on 36th Street which is a very comfortable place to watch rugby games let me tell yea. Then just across the avenue you have another Stout and not too far up on Eighth Avenue on 46th Street you have O’Casey’s Times Square restaurant and I’d recommend that you then head back down to Stitch Bar & Blues on West 37th Street that you have to check out as they have some great bands playing. Now what do you think of my walking the streets when I am Out&About.
For this week’s Out&About I am also going to feature some very good events that you should support and attend as they should not be missed .
Leading members of the Irish community in New York City will host a special fundraising event for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust — an organization dedicated to alleviating the financial burden of families whose loved ones have died in tragic circumstances overseas. Set to take place on historic Stone Street, in Lower Manhattan on Thursday, September 21, the event for ‘FLOCK’ — a special fundraising evening in Lower Manhattan to mark the 10th Anniversary of this vital organization for Irish Expats and Their Families — promises a carnival-like atmosphere with musical entertainment, canapés, an open bar and raffle prizes.
“There are precious few among the Irish community in New York City whose lives have not been touched by the KBRT at some point” according to Ian Watchorn — an architect working in Manhattan, and one of the event organizers. “The work undertaken by the KBRT is vital to Irish communities around the world — helping to bring comfort and practical assistance to families upon hearing about the loss of a loved one abroad” he says.
The idea behind ‘FLOCK’ was inspired by the old Irish concept of ‘Meitheal’ — which refers to a group of people coming together to provide support and assistance when needed, according to businesswoman, Caroline Regan who is leading the fundraising effort.
“From professional networking groups like the Irish Network NYC and the Irish Business Organization, to GAA clubs like the Brooklyn Shamrocks and the Manhattan Gaels, there are many Irish communities in New York doing fabulous things. This event is about bringing people together from various communities to support what has become such a vital organization for so many Irish people here in New York,” she says.
Tickets are limited and are on sale now for $150 per person. Contact carolineregan1@cloud.com.
As I said, you must attend this fundraiser as it is one of unique events that you have to support, I hope to see you all there as I will be there as well while I’m Out&About.
I know it’s a long way off but the next one is a benefit long before the parade that I promised to mention so check it out as it says: “It is time to celebrate! Next March we will be commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which celebrates the contributions of those who trace their lineage back to the Emerald Isle. Our hope is that this Anniversary Celebration will bring together generations of families and friends to celebrate the growth and success of the parade over the last 25 years and reflect on those special individuals who have made lasting contributions to the Parade. Please mark your calendars to celebrate with us on November 30 at Fenway Golf Club.
“We will be honoring all past Grand Marshals for their commitment to the success and mission of the WP St. Patrick’s Day Parade at this event. Tickets, sponsorships and journal ads will be available via the website www.wpsaintpatricksdayparade.com on September 15.”
Yes, they do need your help and if you’re a golfer this is the event that is perfect for you to play in and I am sure it will also be fun to do and support so go on sign up now.
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again.