By Paddy McCarthy
On my Out&About this weekend, that started on Friday, I went fishing with my neighbor Paul on the Long Island Sound and the weather was beautiful and very warm I might tell yea. No, the fish were not biting but we enjoyed just lazing around on the river, reminds me of a song. People were still basking on their boats and yachts and really enjoying themselves, now where would yea get, it only on Long Island, New York.
Why I’m tell you all this my travels is that Saturday and Sunday were completely different as the weekend started off with rain, thunder and lightning as the time clock for summer is over now as there was so much rain that never stopped for a long time.
Yes, it’s all happening this month starting with the IBO September Evening Event on Wednesday, September 10 at the Bank of Ireland NYC Hub (2 Grand Central Tower, 140 East 45th Street) where guest speaker Catherine Flood will be speaking on Making Career Moves and Organizational Changes—Without the Drama. Catherine is a co-founder and Principal of Croston Flood, a recruitment consultant, career strategist and special event specialist operating from New York and serving clients in the USA and Ireland.
She is a powerhouse in recruitment, a dynamic community leader, and a passionate advocate for personal and professional transformation. As Principal of Croston Flood Inc., a New York–based recruitment, organizational consulting, and events company she co-founded with Linda Croston, Catherine brings over 24 years of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate transition, growth, and opportunity.
At the heart of the company’s mission is a deep commitment to empowering professionals through tailored career coaching, strategic job placement, and leadership development. The firm also partners with corporate and nonprofit clients, providing consulting services that support staff restructuring, organizational development, executive search, outplacement, and team building.
Under her joint leadership, Croston Flood Inc. has earned a strong reputation not only for delivering results but for building relationships rooted in trust, integrity, and vision.
A natural connector and strategist, Catherine is equally at home planning high-impact events and leading successful fundraising campaigns. Beyond the boardroom, Catherine is a driving force in community building and philanthropy.
A proud native of Co. Monaghan, Ireland, she has spent decades making a significant impact across the Irish American community, founding organizations, launching initiatives, and producing events that have raised millions for charitable causes.
At the core of Catherine’s work is a genuine commitment to supporting others as they create opportunities, build confidence, and make a positive impact in their careers and communities.
I can personally vouch for that as she is a total professional in all that she does and not forgetting her co-founder and Principal partner Linda Croston in the Croston Flood Recruiting, Consulting and Events, wow what a team they are, as I have only the one-word and that is Brilliant.
Now for another very happy note about one of the biggest fairs in North America. The Great Irish Fair of New York is happening next weekend in Brooklyn, New York and I am so honored to be part of and so proud to be the Bard of the Fair, I just hope it all goes well for me. As the Bard I hope to present myself in a positive way maybe with a song and a little story about myself and my Irish Heritage ahhh, just kidding.
So, to all the readers of my Out&About please do your best to come along and have some fun and get your Irish up even if you have some in you or not as you will be more than welcome, I promise you that.
So now I’m giving you the list of the honorees so here goes. I must say congratulations to all the honorees with special thanks to the IABS and the Great Irish Fair committee for the work they put into this annual celebration of Irish heritage, community and faith.
Now I am giving you the list of honorees starting with the Chief Brehon award for Niall Murphy, Colleen Queen Award Genna Cottingham, Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Memorial Award Fr. Christopher Ryan Heanue, Captain Timothy Stackpole Memorial Award Fr. Jim Cunningham, Father Mychal Judge Memorial Award Monsignor James J. Kelly, St. Brigid Award Sister Helen Kearney, CSJ, Paul O’Dwyer Memorial Award Ann Garvey, Kathleen Slattery Woman of the Year Award Christine Curran Canny, Irish Man of the Year Thomas Sullivan, Jerry Forrest Memorial Award Patrick Steffens, Firefighter Thomas Phelan Memorial Award Patrick Brennan, Celtic Cross Award Bridie Mitchell and Round Tower Award Lieutenant Brian Leary.
What a great lineup of Honorees!
Saturday will start with 9 am Mass that will be followed with the 11 am Fair. The Mass will be held at the Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church (245 Prospect Park West in Brooklyn).
Hope to see you all again next week to tell how I got on at the Great Irish Fair…