By Paddy McCarthy
Happy New Year to everyone as we start the new year of 2024, ah we made it. Some did not I am sad to say and a lot of them were friends both here in America and across the pond in Ireland. I am not going to name names as it would take up a full page so I am just going to say Rest in Peace.
I was Out&About on New Year’s Eve as I went to a couple of pubs in Port Jefferson early in the evening for a pre celebration to welcome in 2024 before we returned to my neighbor’s house to see the Ball Drop in Times Square. No, I did not make it into the city as it would have taken too much time traveling and trying to get home after it! I’d be nearly into January 2nd with the trains because I wasn’t driving on that day.
Getting back to celebrating at my neighbor’s house I could not ask for any better occasion to celebrate with friends and neighbors as there was plenty of Champagne, wine and of course beer with lots of hors-d’oeuvres being passed around, ahh now where would yea get it? Only in New York.
Now let’s look to the future as we have a lot to say and do when I am Out&About and this should be a positive year for everyone so, please look on the bright side of life, I know that I am.
Yes, I will take a couple of trips to my home land Ireland this year like I always do, all my family are there and it is so nice to get back for a few days, yes, that’s what, I said a few days. Well, I can’t miss my Out&About and a little bit of gossip along the way.
I paid a visit to the Pig N Whistle on 36th Street just off Seventh Avenue, to meet my editor Grahame for “refreshments” and to discuss our plans for 2024. It did not take that long as we never had time to have a Christmas cocktail so now was the time after our meeting to do so and wish each other a Happy New Year, now that’s my excuse and I stand by it.
So, who arrived in was the big man himself and one of the owners, only Des O’Brien and the first thing he said “I’m not drinking” so I laughed as the next thing he said I’ll have a zero zero that’s 0’0’ Guinness. I thought the world has changed overnight but in fairness he had another meeting with his partner who just walked in, Cormac McCormack.
I’m just kidding as so many people make New Year’s resolutions that do last for a while and then slowly get back to normal as it always was. Now I am not encouraging anyone not to abide by their resolutions as I think it’s a fabulous thing to do, yes I did think about doing it myself only I just get sidetracked when I’m Out&About and meeting so many people as you might understand.
I just remembered that as I left the Pig ‘N Whistle who did I meet on the street? Only Dermot Kelly, the one and only, now I would have been in trouble if I had met him about one minute before as I was running to catch a train to Long Island and it would have been hard for me to leave if that happened.
Dermot is a very good friend and it was a long time since we got to meet and it could have been a late one as we had a lot to chat about, you can understand when you’re in a pub time goes out the window. That’s what I love about been Out&About, you never know who you’re going to meet up with and again that’s what it’s all about.
All I was short was Pat Burke, also a partner in the Pig N Whistle, to be right behind Dermot, oh boy then the party starts and I say that in a positive way as it is always lots of fun meeting up with all those boys and the time does not count.
This just arrived on my desk that I am sure is going to be a sellout. “You are cordially invited to join us for the Grand Marshal and Aides Installation Reception to be held at 3 pm on Sunday, February 25, at Antun’s (96-43 Springfield Boulevard, Queens Village, NY.) This is the only event on the Parade calendar that offers an opportunity to honor both the Aides to the Grand Marshal and Grand Marshal Maggie Timoney for the historic 263rd NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade.
“We look forward to an afternoon that will include a buffet dinner, an open bar, and music by Gerry Finlay and the Cara Band.”
Information about the event is available on their website at NYCStPatricksParade.Org. You will also be able to reserve tables and submit Journal ads online.
That was my Out&About for this week, a short one due to the holidays, so I’m again wishing you a very Happy New Year and may all your wishes come true with a healthy and prosperous year for all.