Out&About

By Paddy McCarthy

One of Ireland’s biggest country music legends is none other than Daniel O’Donnell from Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland who just turned 60 years of age last Sunday. He was the guest on the Late Late Show on Saturday night, and said he planned to mark the day quietly with his family and some friends. The cream of Irish country music entertainment field appeared with Daniel for his birthday celebrations on the show, including Paddy Cole, Margo O’Donnell, Cliona Hagan, Susan McCann, Louise Morrissey, David James, Marc Roberts, and Jimmy and Claudia Buckley — as well as friends of Daniel’s from other walks of life such as Packie Bonner and Shona McGarty. Now were would yea get it? Only for Daniel who I might tell yea I got to meet thanks to Betty McLoughlin at the Irish American Society Hall in Mineola, Long Island just before the pandemic.

Known for his close relationship with his fanbase, and his charismatic and engaging stage presence, O’Donnell’s music has been described as a mix of country and Irish folk, and he has sold over ten million records to date. He is widely considered a “cultural icon” in Ireland, and is often parodied in the media. Affectionately known as ‘Wee Daniel’, O’Donnell is a prominent ambassador for his home county of Donegal, now there you got it in my Out&About.

There is an old saying that you can’t keep a good man down and that is what happened to Hilary Beirne, Chairman of the Saint Patrick’s Day Foundation. He was the guest of honor at the 122nd Army-Navy Football Game followed by the gala reception that was held in his honor. He gave an unbelievable speech as he had to speak to very distinguished military leaders at the function, not too bad for a country boy from Roscommon, Ireland. The gala is hosted annually by the Ben Franklin Global Forum and honors the members of US Special Operations Command. The Gala annually presents the Admiral Charles LeMoyne Award to a distinguished Soldier, Sailor, Civilian, and Healthcare Professional.

The gala also marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and Hilary was invited to speak briefly of that fateful day in New York City. While he did the introductions, General Mulholland recognized the sacrifice of the fallen members of the FDNY, the NYPD, and members of the Port Authority Police Department by presenting them with a cased American flag that was flown over Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Veterans Day, November 11th, 2021. It was Hilary’s pleasure to introduce Chief Joe Duggan of the FDNY, Deputy Commissioners Robert Ganley of the NYPD and Edward Center, Superintendent of the Port Authority Police Department. 

Let the parties begin! The Irish Business Organization’s in-person Holiday happenings are this Wednesday, December 15th starting at 6.30 pm. You will love the open bar, food, live music, 50-50 raffle and lots more. It’s being held at St. Patrick’s Bar & Grill (22 West 46th Street) on the third floor with private bar which is elevator accessible. They will follow New York State and City COVID directives and proof of COVID Vaccination is required. For more details contact info@IBONEWYORK.org.

Here is something you might enjoy if you are visiting the city for some Christmas shopping. That is Rockefeller Center as it has a shopping experience unlike any other, right there in Midtown Manhattan for spring fashions and Christmas gifts, so enjoy shopping where it’s all about what you can find.

The Irish in Peekskill are hosting their 1st Reindeer Run for Christmas Toys, Hats, Gloves and Meals for Struggling Families. Here is something very nice that came into me from a good friend of The Irish Examiner USA, Dan Dennehy about the Irish in Peekskill hosting its 1st Run for Christmas. The Peekskill/Cortlandt Irish American community is hosting the Reindeer Run in Depew Park, Peekskill on December 4th. Sponsored by Hudson Valley Irish Fest & Center, AOH and LAOH Division 18 Peekskill, Peekskill St. Patrick’s Committee, Peekskill Lions, and Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343 members, the Run is the second charitable event coordinated by the groups this season.  A Thanksgiving event collected hundreds of turkeys and other food items for wholesome meals distributed to the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Assumption Church, Let It Shine, and other local food banks. Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith stated, “Delighted to kick off the 1st Reindeer Run and collect food, toys, hats, and glove donations for struggling families this Holiday Season.” I have to say that there are people out there who give a lot of their time to help somebody else and that is what Dan and others have done again.

See you all next week when I am Out&About again…