By Paddy McCarthy
Now that I’m back from my Out&About trip to Cork, Ireland that was not only rewarding to me but was also a great promotional trip for The Irish Examiner USA. It was not planned to be that way, but it turned out magnificent for me. I did leave some friends of mine out in the last week’s Out&About column that I got to meet and who went out of their normal day routines with their generosity to accommodate me when I was there. I can tell you now that these were my friends Gerry Walsh and Charlotte Byrne who I have to thank as they would never complain one way or another, that is why I want to show my total respect to them and say “Thank you so much”.
I’m always very proud to bring you some announcements that should be known about as it is my greatest pleasure to do so, so here goes: “‘PJ Unfiltered’ premieres at Theatre Row to benefit Solace House. A powerful new play exploring themes of addiction, mental health, and redemption, opened on September 30th at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street) and will run through October 12th. The production was written by PJ Leonard, with contributions from Hannah Bialous and Miles Kath, and is executive produced by Patrick McGowan.
“This intimate, podcast-style play follows a man navigating his past and present, guided by his older self, as he journeys through chaos, denial, and ultimately hope on the road to sobriety. All proceeds from the play will benefit Solace House Inc., a nonprofit providing free, confidential counseling services for NY & NJ individuals in emotional distress and those bereaved by suicide. Solace House is dedicated to lowering barriers to care by offering support without cost or insurance requirements.
“‘This production is not only a tribute to PJ’s creative vision but also a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and community in the face of struggle,’ said Dr. Nandini Mathur Collins, CEO of Solace House. ‘Every ticket purchased directly supports our mission to provide life-saving mental health services to those who need it most.’”
You can get your tickets for the show from www.theatrerow.org or by calling (212) 714-2442, extension 45.
Patrick McGowan has been at the heart of Solace House from its beginning. He served as the organization’s founding CEO and has held the role of Chairman of the Board since 2012. Pat’s commitment and Leadership has enabled Solace House to become the invaluable community resource it is today.
This sad notice came to me from the United Irish Counties Association of New York: “Deepest condolences are extended to Patricia, Gerry, John, Vince and Thomas and the Phelan, Duggan and Beecher Families on the passing of their cherished father and grandfather, John, on Monday 29 September. John had recently celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends. A proud native of Graignagour, County Waterford, John was a longtime member and officer of the Co. Waterford Association of New York as well as a longtime delegate to the UICANY. While still able to travel, John was a faithful attendee at our monthly meetings as well as our annual dinner dance each January, proudly representing Waterford in our Grand March.
“John was a devout and dedicated GAA man and supporter, and involved with the Waterford GAA New York, the New York Rangers Football Club and the NYGAA to name a few. Loved by all who knew him, John will be missed, but never forgotten. In lieu of flowers, we ask that if you wish to honor John, please consider a donation to St. Peter’s Church where he was a proud parishioner for over 57 years, RIP.”
I also just got some very sad news on the death has occurred of Teresa Crowe, Beakstown, Holycross, Thurles, and formerly of The Bronx, New York, and Leonia, New Jersey. She was a very good friend of mine here when she lived in New York and was always a big part of the New York GAA where she was a volunteer Nurse at every game played at Gaelic Park in the Bronx, New York. RIP.
Hope to see you again next week when I am Out&About about again.