By Paddy McCarthy
What a beautiful day I had while I was Out&About at the 52nd Nassau County Ancient Order of Hibernians’ Feis and Irish Festival. The honoree was the one and only Betty McLoughlin who believe me is a woman for all seasons as she is there for everybody’s needs and for all those who would need some advice on matters on personal and business problems as she is brilliant on all matters.
She is what you call one of the old stocks and I am not meaning old in any way as that is an Irish phrase as she is so smart and always has a great vision on how it should be done.
This event was held at Nickerson Beach (880 Lido Boulevard in Long Beach, New York). The work by all the volunteers that goes into this event is mind boggling as they come very early in the morning to set up all the tents and stages to have it ready for the different competitions that are held all over the very large space where it all happens.
You know what? They all deserve lots of credit as the kids who perform mostly get to enjoy all what goes on in the competitions as the parents watch so proudly and that was great to see let me tell you.
The entertainment and attractions were also so professionally put to gather like Irish step dancing, traditional music and singing, Irish vendors and crafts, a Gaelic football camp, bagpipers, road bowling, the art competition, children’s games, Irish language and of course a raffle that helps with some of the costs.
Yes of course you also had some live music in the afternoon concert that featured two great Irish bands The Narrowbacks and Bangers and Mash on the band stage that everyone loved to hear and really enjoyed.
I got to meet so many people that I had not seen for a very long time so I won’t be able to name them all, but I will mention one man that really worked so hard behind the scenes to make sure that everything was up and ready for this great historic Irish festival and that was that man himself, Mike Byrnes, he just never stops to make sure all was right and it was, believe me.
Now that is what makes us all proud of our heritage as I know this happens all over the USA in all States so please keep it going as its for everybody and whether you’re Irish, Irish American or neither, you will love it.
Now here is a big announcement: The Irish Exit, Moynihan Train Hall’s quick-service concept from The Dead Rabbit, is sticking around! The new concept of the Irish Exit is just fabulous and I wish I could be there, only I will be traveling to Ireland for a few days, I’m sure that they won’t miss me as it is always my stop for a pint or two when I am catching a train out to Long Island. This Thursday September 18, Managing Partner Jack McGarry and the team behind the world’s most awarded pub, The Dead Rabbit, debut their newest concept, The Irish Exit. As the centerpiece for the Moynihan Food Hall–located inside Moynihan Train Hall–the contemporary Irish pub will be open daily from 10 am to midnight.
Designed for locals and passengers on the go–arriving and departing via Amtrak, LIRR and MTA–The Irish Exit features modern Irish drinks, food, culture, and hospitality. The bar stands sentinel within the Moynihan Food Hall, developer Vornado’s dining destination that offers a curated selection of New York City’s best food and beverage.
The Irish Exit serves as a beacon for travelers, oering an escapist experience for quick transit pints, after-work cocktails, or a neighborhood meet-up.
As a flip on the term traditionally associated with leaving without goodbyes, The Dead Rabbit redefines the “Irish exit” as a gateway to introduce customers to the spirit of Ireland during their journey–combining authentic Irish heritage with a quick wit.
Expeditious and warm service comes by way of Director of Operations Laura Torres, complemented by Modern-Irish music playlists curated by Music Director Liam Craig. Guests can expect great hospitality, high-quality serves, and good craic.
The Irish Exit is a contemporary Irish pub experience with a focus on quick service. The all-day concept from the world’s most awarded bar, The Dead Rabbit is designed for travelers–weaving together exceptional modern Irish drinks, culture, music, and hospitality.
Created specifically for fast-paced travel hubs, the first location is located in New York’s Moynihan Train Hall, Penn Station with additional locations planned for 2024 and beyond in airports and train stations around the country.
Moynihan Food Hall, located within the iconic Moynihan Train Hall, offers a curated selection of some of New York City’s most sought-after culinary destinations. Designed for New Yorkers on the go, Vornado’s best-in-class food hall offers both commuters and neighborhood locals a diverse roster of delicious food and beverage, including New York-based favorites such as Jacob’s Pickles, Magnolia Bakery and Naya, and nationally-recognized brands.
For more information and a complete list of vendors, please visit moynihanfoodhall.com or follow on Instagram @moynihanfoodhall.
You just can’t miss it when near Penn Station the most recognized station in the USA. So come on down as you will get a cead mile fáilte that is Gaelic for ‘a hundred thousand welcomes.’ These words capture the welcoming heart and hospitality of The Irish Exit.
I hope to see you all again next week when I am back from Ireland with a little bit of gossip as I’m Out&About again…