First of all we here at The Irish Examiner USA would like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and that everyone enjoys a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
I know a lot of people will be really celebration especially Noelle Clancy after all her hard work doing the window painting in bars and restaurants all over the Metropolitan area.
Thanksgiving will be the official start to the holiday season and you know what that means? Yes, of course you do: Christmas my favorite time of the year. Also, the headaches when you are shopping for that present you promised to get at the last minute (well, you didn’t promise to get it at the last minute).
Now the good part, and the best part, is that there are lots of parties; oh, I love it. I will tell you later the best places to go for a good night out.
Just a reminder, the Dublin Society Christmas Brunch is only a just over a week away, being held on Sunday, December 8, at Gossip (9th Ave at 49th Street) from 1 pm – 4 pm. There will be a full Irish brunch, open bar (wine, beer and soda) and musical entertainment by Shay Mac for just $50 per head (if you are 21 or over) or $25 per head (for those aged 12 to 20). Call Shane at (212) 396-0516, or email him at Dubnorth@aol.com to book your place. You can also pay on the day, or in advance by Venmo. Remember friends and guests are also welcome, same price for all.
The New York Irish Center’s Holiday Fundraiser “Home for Christmas” is presenting a holiday musical experience with Colm Reilly on Friday December 6 from 6pm to 10pm at the Paddy Reilly Community Hall. Featuring Sean Harkness, the Life of Reilly Band and special guest performances from a host of New York City’s most loved cabaret and Irish country music stars, tickets are just $60, which includes food and libations. Purchase tickets online at www.eventbrite.com/e/colm-reilly-live-concert-home-for-christmas-tickets-79759379451 or visit their website at www.NewYorkIrishCenter.org.
Paul Finnigan asked me to remind you that The Season of Giving has arrived and not to forget The New York Irish Center’s #GivingTuesday Initiative. The New York Irish Center is more than a community center. It’s a place where stories are told. Stories of growing up. Stories of making friends. Stories of generosity and of supporting your neighbors. That’s what the Center stands for.
For cultivating stories and caring for them. #GivingTuesday is December 3, and this year the New York Irish Center asks for your support to care for the stories that echo through our halls. Through Irish music classes for kids, computer classes for seniors, and Irish language and dance classes for all, the Center is here for the community, and now the Center is asking the community to be there for them.
Your gift on #GivingTuesday – of any amount-supports their many programs and services in the community, and helps them continue to tell the Irish story in New York City.
We lost two outstanding gentlemen who made a major impact in the Irish community here in New York in the last week and we send sincere condolences to Nan Smith and the Smith family on the sudden passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Al, on November 20 at the age of 68.
A native New Yorker born in Brooklyn, and a proud Irish-American, Al was the Grand Marshal of the 252nd NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2013. He was a dedicated fundraiser for numerous charities in New York and Connecticut. Al was the great grandson of Al Smith, a 4-term Governor of the State of New York, the Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1925, and the first Catholic presidential candidate in 1928.
We also send sincere condolences to Carol Kelleher and the Kelleher Family on the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Denis, on November 22 at home in Todt Hill, Staten Island.
A native of Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, County Kerry, Denis was the Grand Marshal of the 244th NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2005.
Having arrived in New York in 1958 at the age of 18-years, Denis was the epitome of the cliché “rags to riches” and an example of what hard work and determination can achieve, and what one gives back once they’ve achieved that success …
If you’d like to advertise your party for Christmas or for the New Year as we are giving very good rates that will suite your pockets. Just send an email to advertising@irishexaminerusa.com.
See you all again next week when I am Out&About once more.