By Paddy McCarthy
This notice was sent to me that I am honored to publish in my Out&About this week, as you are all welcome to attend. On Wednesday January 29, Brehons will welcome John Finucane, MP to the New York City Bar Association (42 West 44th Street in Manhattan) from 6 to 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required and you can do so at the following link: services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=ILJ012925&WebsiteKey=f71e12f3-524e-4f8c-a5f7-0d16ce7b3314. John will be providing an update on the death of Patrick Finucane and inquest into his killing in Northern Ireland. The event is free for NYC Bar Association members and $15 for non-members. Members of co-sponsoring organizations should call Customer Relations at (212) 382-6663 to register.
“Join John Finucane, MP as he discusses the 35 year long campaign for truth about the murder of his father, Northern Irish human rights lawyer, Patrick Finucane. John will discuss the long-awaited quest for answers as to who was involved and why and provide an update into the British government’s recent commitment to hold a public inquiry into his father’s murder.
“Special thanks to Brehons Jennifer Frankola-Crawford and Christopher Pioch who helped organize the evening.
“We look forward to welcoming back John Finucane, MP to NYC and we look forward to seeing you there. All are welcome. Thank you. The Brehon Law Society of New York.”
“Speakers include John Finucane, Member of Parliament, Belfast North and Jonathan Moore, Brehon Law Society. Opening Remarks will be made by Christopher Pioch, Chair, NYCBA Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges Sponsoring Committee: Independence of Lawyers and Judges Task Force, Christopher Pioch, Chair Co-Sponsoring Committees: Council on International Affairs, Margaret E. McGuiness, Chair International Human Rights, Suchitra Vijayan, Chair European Affairs, Katherine Gonzalez and Rafael Carmona, Co-Chairs Co-Sponsoring Organization: Brehon Law Society of New York.”
I also received news that the 8th Annual AOH Snowbird Social will be held on Thursday February 20, from noon until 3 pm at the Mecca for Irish culture in south Florida, Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub (on Federal Highway in Delray Beach, Florida). The event, started by Tim Myles, Jim Sullivan, Matt Reily, Ed Wallace, Kieran Kelly and others, has the aim of keeping Hibernians together when they winter in Florida.
The event will provide a choice of a served hot meal, complimentary drink and entertainment by Mike Duignan, all for $30. All Hibernians, LAOH and friends are welcome. Please email Tim Myles for more info and reservations at Timtam614@aol.com or call (516) 660-7456. Please do not contact Finnegan’s for reservations.
Now I have news of a fundraiser that should be supported and I am positive that it will be very well supported as the man heading this event is Michael Mellamphy who always gives 100%: “Join us as we celebrate and support new Irish and Irish-inspired theatre at Origin Theatre’s Annual Fundraiser! Tickets are now on sale for the event which will be held at The American Irish Historical Society on Thursday, January 23.
“This year we are thrilled to honor Irish actress Brenda Meaney with the George C.Heslin Artistic Leadership Award and John Mahon and his associate Noel Donovan with the Tom Moran Business to Arts award.
“The evening features live entertainment from opera star Michael Kuhn, The Josh Marcum String Trio, Karen Kileen on piano and a presentation from “Parcel from America”, by Andrea Lynn Green and Georgi James.
“Raffle prizes for those in the room on the night include a signed PS5 and Nintendo switch by Red Dead Redemption 2 star Roger Clarke as well as a kitchen appliance by Drew Barrymore as well as tickets to the Drew Barrymore show and her new signed cookbook and more surprises! Hors d’oeuvres, champagne and open bar included! Tickets are limited and selling fast!
“We hope you’re able to join us and help Origin in its mission to help the new generation of Irish inspired playwrights bring their work from the page to the stage!”
This fundraiser for the Origin Theatre will and should be well attended, and yes, I also hope to attend myself.
I recieved one more note with a message to all our readers: “Happy New Year 2025 from the Emerald Isle Immigration Center! As we begin the new year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support. The work we do would not be possible without you. Your dedication helps us provide crucial services to immigrants and their families, offering the guidance and assistance they need to navigate the challenges they face.
“In 2025, we look back on our successes from the previous year, we remain focused on our mission to support the community and advocate for their rights. We are excited to be able to do this in our nearly-completed office in Woodlawn, which is approaching completion! We are wishing you a year of good health, happiness, and success. We look forward to another year of working together!”
I have to admit it, my job this week with my Out&About column was pretty easy as I got a lot of notices that are always welcome to get the word out about them to you our readers. I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again…