By Paddy McCarthy
I have to tell you, not being Out&About has its advantages as I was invited to tune into the ‘Virtual Spirit of Ireland Gala’. The Irish Arts Center Gala featured performances and appearances by Bono, Sting, Elvis Costello, Loah, Camille O’Sullivan, Liam Neeson, Gabriel Byrne, Colum McCann, Paul Muldoon, Declan O’Rourke and more. I have to tell yea it was very well put together and it was so nice to see all the artists giving their time to make this a very successful live stream.
I have to thank Charlie Garland, husband of Pauline Turley for inviting me to tune in because it was something that I really loved and to see all the artists performing was just fabulous. I have to congratulate Aidan Connolly and Pauline Turley for a very professional production and to thank them both and all the volunteers.
I did have a busy weekend as I also watched the Irish movie ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ on Apple that I paid $19.95 for and it was well worth it. Most of the production was shot in Mayo and let me tell yea the scenery is just breath taking. I will not be going to spoil it for you, only go out and rent it as you will not be disappointed and there’s a great story line to it as well. Talking about the actors Irish brough, I thought they done a fine job on it as well. The main actors were Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, Jon Hamm and Christopher Walken who you could see gave it their best as to actually be Irish you have to be Irish. Now of course the movie had a lot of rain in it, but the storyline was not about a beach it was about farmers in rural Ireland at its best and that’s what I love about the movie.
Now that I’ve given you some inside information on theatre and movie land how about the most important time of the year, CHRISTMAS! I know we are all going through hard times at the moment with the Covid-19 pandemic going around that is frightening believe me. I will try and put some light hearted words into it and tell you what happened to me. This was the week I had to go for a colonoscopy that I have not had for over four years, then the next day the last exam on my eyes and guess what? I came through I think with flying colors, I should know the final result in a few days and then out comes the champagne, well any excuse right? I have to tell you this because my advice is that anyone over 45 years should go for a check up and it is also so easy, so go for it.
My editor is back in good health after the scare he had with pneumonia as well and he’s on then road to recovery [and still putting the paper together each week – Ed].
Look who I met at Eisenhower Park’s Veteran’s Memorial on Long Island over the weekend, the man himself Santa Clause in his army suit, he is always working that Santa (see the picture on this week’s cover).
Now here we have something I have been hopping on for the last couple of months and now we have some support at last. There is a relief fund opportunity for restaurant workers by ROAR (Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants) and the Robin Hood Foundation. It is a one-time grant of $500 for restaurant workers. It is on a first-come, first served basis and will be open until funds are exhausted. The relief fund is open to residents of all five boroughs. The application is available in English and Spanish. There are no questions regarding immigration status. They ask for verification through picture ID with address to ensure that the applicants live within the five boroughs. Applicants should have ALL of their information ready when filling out the application because they cannot save and return to complete the form.
You can apply at fund.uptogether.org/ROAR. You will also find more details on how to log in on our website at www.irishexaminerusa.com. This is NOT funded by the City. Thanks to Siobhan Dennehy, Executive Director of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center who sent us this information.
The lockdown is here for most of the bars and restaurants in New York City. Most employees will be out of work for the Christmas season that is now here; did you ever in your mind think that this would happen, well it did. I am going to be pointing the finger at anybody and if what they have said is the truth with how the pandemic is spreading then you have to take action on it. Will the Federal Government pass the Restaurants’ Act rent relief; I really don’t think so for a lot of reasons? I have a lot of friends who are owners, operators, workers and hospitality industry in the restaurant and bar business who are scared stiff on the outcome. What they need right now, and I mean right now, is for the Governor, the Mayor and State Legislature and City Council to step up to the plate and help this industry that is definitely the biggest tax provider in the biggest city in the world! Right now, I can’t say the words that I want to say is Happy Christmas to any of the staff members in the hospitality industry because they’re going through a tough time.
The presentation will feature recording artists on location in County Dublin, Ennistymon in County Clare, Tallahassee Florida, Riverdale NY and the scenic Lower Hudson Valley. Artists include recording artists Mundy, Aoife Scott, Mary Courtney, Donie Carroll and Tara O’Grady and vignettes from community members and past events of the Fest and Center.
On a normal year the community-based, not for profit cultural group celebrates the rich Irish-American heritage in the Hudson Valley year-round, culminating with a day of Irish culture at the Peekskill Riverfront. Dan Dennehy, the organizations’s founding chair states: “Back when in September we had to cancel the Fest due to Covid. The Home For Christmas Concert brings our talented artists from Ireland and America into everyone’s homes, safely, with the same community spirit we fold into every activity we participate in!”
Cathal McGreal, their Chairman stated, “We plan to resume year-round events, including the 2021 Fest, as soon as its safe to do so. This has been a fun experience for us all and brought us closer with a little Irish Christmas Spirit.”
See you all again next week in our Christmas issue when I am Out and About again.