By Paddy McCarthy
I begin 2021 with an Out&About message to all our readers and friends, wishing you a very Happy New Year. We all know it has been a tough year for everybody as nobody escaped the effects of the pandemic. We have seen something that will be historic and will be talked about for centuries to come. You can call it what you want, Covid-19, Coronavirus or any kind of pandemic you like, but it all leads back to the same pandemic and virus that has taken lives from a lot of people that we know in every country. I just want to reassure you that things will get better and yes, it will take a bit of time, but we will get over it and back to normal and I can get back Out&About again. We have a lot to look forward to as far as traveling, laughing, eating and of course a few cocktails to help us along the way and then we’re back.
I must now also include a eulogy for my father-in-law, Joseph Pistone, who passed away on Christmas Day after a long illness. He was simply one of the best people you ever could come across. Joseph was the father of my wife Patricia and grandfather to my daughter Christina and son James. How he doted on them! Now his own father was also Joseph who was an immigrant who was born in a small town called Carinii in Sicily, Italy. The family came to America way back in the 20th century to make a new beginning in search of a better life, as all of us did. Myself, being an Irishman, I broke the cycle when I married into a family that been purely Italian for so many generations. But I was welcomed with open arms and did not have to kiss the ring. I mention that because a lot of people believe that when you come from Sicily, you think differently. Not so with Joseph’s family. They were and still are the humblest folk you could have ever get to meet. Joseph my father-in-law will be sadly missed by everyone because he was such a giving man, as was as his wife – my mother-in-law, Francis – who passed on in 2012. May they now rest together in peace and love.
I would also like to follow up with another eulogy that is close to me amd a lot of other people here in New York. It was with great sadness that The County Cork Association announced the passing of JoAnn Murphy (nee Mazella) on December 21st. We extend our deepest condolences to her husband Joe, children Joseph, Jr., Patricia, Carolyn and Mary as well as all of her many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her husband, Joe, was the Cork Man of the Year in 1994 in New York and in Cork in 1995. They further honored the Association and education as benefactors through the annual scholarship fund handed out each January by the Association. For many years they have faithfully and graciously contributed to the scholarship through the name of their late son Christopher T. Murphy which is one of the awards handed out each year. As many of you know, our scholarship fund is held in Country Bank which was co-founded by Joe.
I hope you can understand that it was a sad time for many, especially around the Christmas holidays, may they rest in peace.
I have to admit the beautiful new song that Andy Cooney and his son Ryan released at Christmas called “We’re All in This Together” struck the right note and is a great success. Go to YouTube and click on Andy Cooney and you can tune in on the video and hear to the album what perfect timing.
This just came to my attention as well from The Irish Repertory Theatre: “We hope you and your family are well and staying safe. We wish you and our full Irish Rep family the very best, and we are grateful for your past support.
“Each December, we write with holiday greetings and a request for support. In a normal year, we’d share our collective story, about our award-winning Off-Broadway theatre on 22nd Street. We’d tell you how we rely on the generosity of our patrons above and beyond ticket purchases to keep the theatre alive. (Every performance since March has been offered free of charge, with suggested donations keeping the motor running.) This year is different. Since March, our audiences have shared their experiences more than ever before. And so, we share them with you. We love your notes, your thoughts, and your stories.
“In this different year, where nothing is familiar, we ask with gratitude and understanding – if you can, would you please consider making a year-end gift today? Supporting Irish Rep is not only a vote of confidence in our talented company of actors, our designers, and our hard-working staff; it’s also an investment in what makes life worth living – our culture, our language, and our heritage. We need these things now more than ever. Thank you for supporting Irish Rep. Please, send us your stories. We can’t wait to read them.
“Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director & Ciarán O’Reilly, Producing Director”
Now isn’t that nice so let’s keep the culture going for all those who will come after us.
Hope to see you all again soon when I am Out and About……..