By Paddy McCarthy
I am starting with my Out&About column this week with the weather news from back in Ireland in case my readers would like to know how hot it was as we are not used to any heat like was had and is not finished yet I presume. A country more accustomed to cool Atlantic breezes than scorching sunshine has just experienced a historic heat wave, as Ireland baked under record-breaking temperatures for several days. What were the heat wave temperatures in Ireland? During the recent heatwave in Ireland as you can see that I am repeating it again and again because it was unbelievable temperatures that reached highs of 34 degrees Celsius that is around 93.8 Fahrenheit with several weather stations recording temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius for consecutive days. Marking it as one of the hottest periods. I was just told that the hottest day in Ireland so far in 2026 was June 25, with a peak of 32.1C (89.8 F) in Athenry County Galway.Tempeatures in excess of 30 degrees are unusual enough in Ireland to have created a narrative on their own. Now that I gave you my little bit of gossip on how things have been happening across the pond in Ireland. I am sure that they did not have their buckets and shovels out in the sandy beaches as I would think it was extremely to hot. Unless they kept themselves cool in the water?
As you all know by now, the World Cup football (soccer) final is over and as you also know, Spain won and it was well deserved too I might tell yea.The reason I am telling you all this is that most of the pubs, bars and restaurants had some unbelievable business that they would never had have around this time of the year, thanks to the World Cup tournament. I am personally so happy for all of them as I also know they have a lot of overheads that I am not going to name as it goes from staffing and stocking up and lots more that goes into running one of these establishments today, well done to all of them. If I start naming names of all the establishments that I might frequent from time to time it would not be fair to the rest of them from all over the USA. I do travel a bit and stop here and there just to say hello and maybe have a cold one or a cup of tea or something refreshing.
I am also going to introduce you to a very special event that I will always support as it is one of the best fundraising events that I always like to attend: “The Detective Barney Ferguson Fund is pleased to announce our 11th Annual Fundraiser to be held on Thursday August 20th at 6 pm at Juliano’s Caterers (700 Main St, New Rochelle).
“We are privileged to have our 2026 group of amazing honorees as well as the NYPD Pipes and Drums, raffles, prizes, buffet and free parking.” \Here are the names of the special guest honorees that are well deserved: (NYPD-Ret.Commissioner) Ray Kelly – Irish Legacy award, (NYPD Ret.) Matthew McCauley -Irishman of the Year, (MVPD Ret.) Westchester Blue Matthew Frank – President’s Award, (NYPD) Dep. Chief William Gallagher – Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and (FDNY/NYPD Ret.) Fire Marshals Ben. Assoc. Bill Kregler – Firefighter of the Year. I know it promises to be a fabulous event as it always is! This came from the President NYC Fire Marshal’s Benevolent Association: “We are deeply grateful for your steadfast support these past 11 years and for the difference you make in the lives of cops, firemen and their families throughout this State and Country. With your help we have been able to send tens of thousands of dollars to MOS’s families in need, sponsor scholarships and donate to 2 of Barney’s favorite causes: the NYPD Widows and Orphans Fund and the Pipes and Drums. We hope that you can attend this year’s event and/or support us with an journal ad. This year we will have a performance by the NYPD Pipes and Drums, our all night buffet, auction, raffles, a 50/50, shirts and other items for sale. Be Safe, James Barney Ferguson Jr.”
Hot off the press and now in my Out&About, The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the oldest and largest Irish-American Catholic organization in the United States, has re-elected President Sean Pender of New Jersey to a second term as National President while adopting a national advocacy agenda focused on Irish unity, legacy justice in Northern Ireland, comprehensive immigration reform, and preservation of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home site in Cork.
Meeting in Omaha for its biennial National Convention, the AOH also elected national officers and adopted initiatives promoting membership growth, youth engagement, leadership development, and stronger engagement in local communities. “We are always stronger when we work together,” President Pender said as he congratulated National President Sandi Swift on her election as National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. “Delegates leave Omaha prepared to grow the Order, strengthen their communities, defend our heritage, and use our collective voice in the cause of peace and justice.”
I just got this sad news from the United Irish Counties: “Heartfelt condolences are extended to Maeve and Maureen and their families on the passing of their cherished mother, grandmother and sister, Kathleen Walsh D’Arcy, on Saturday 18 July.
“Born and reared in Holy Name Parish in Manhattan, Kathleen was an extremely proud Irish-American. She was known as a feminist, a community organizer, a human rights activist, a writer, a teacher and a social worker. Above all else, she was known as a dear and devoted friend to many!
“Among her numerous accomplishments within the Irish community, Kathleen is probably best known as the longtime co-chair of the annual ‘St. Pat’s for All’ Parade in Sunnyside/Woodside, Queens. As UIC delegate (and member of the parade’s Board of Directors) Shohn Donaghy noted yesterday, “we have lost our matriarch.”
Kathleen’s parents immigrated to the United States in the 1920s. Her Mom, Kathleen Margaret Kearney Walsh, hailed from Tullamore, County Offaly, and was the first woman elected president of the Offaly Social and Athletic Club of New York. She also served as a member of the UIC Feis Committee for several years. Her Dad, Patrick Francis Walsh, a native of Clonmel, County Tipperary, was a bandleader, and the Paddy Walsh Orchestra entertained the guests at many a UIC Annual Ball years ago.
And while daughters of Irish women were known to “be initiated into county rituals from an early age, beginning as flower girls at the annual balls, especially that of the United Irish Counties Association”, there could very well be a few photos in the archives of Kathleen as a UIC flower girl.
As a child, Kathleen was a step dancer with the McNiff School and a competitor in the UIC’s annual feis each June.
In 2016, Kathleen received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, and was honored at a state dinner in Dublin by then President Michael D. Higgins for her “sustained and distinguished service to Ireland and Irish communities abroad.”
Funeral Mass will be on Saturday 25 July at 10:30 am at Church of St. Francis Xavier (46 West 16th Street
Please keep Kathleen as well as her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers and I will see you when I am Out&About next week…