By Paddy McCarthy
I was invited to join The Grand Council of United Emerald Societies Inc. as it celebrated its 47th Anniversary last Wednesday night at Antun’s in Queens Village. The Honorable Edward Grayson, Commissioner, Department of Sanitation, City of New York, was the 2022 Irishman of the Year and will serve as the GCUES Aide to Grand Marshal James T. Callahan on March 17th.
What a night it was as I got to meet a lot of people specially the Irishman of the Year himself Edward Grayson, who spoke very well from the podium, and the President of the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies, Peter Whalen. The man I have to thank for all this is no better man then Brian Sharkey, the dinner Chairman who also is a great host. Brian sent me a message saying he had a great time.
Pete Whalen gave remarks about the pandemic and how members of their organizations had to go to work every day right before introducing the Honoree Grayson. The Commissioner of DSNY, gave a great speech about being an Irish American, Catholic and Civil Servant growing up in Queens. He spoke for nearly 25 minutes, and it seemed like 5 minutes. It was of the best speeches I’ve heard, and I’ve heard a lot.
Now for Brian’s “Luck of the Irish” story so here we go. He said “when I retired in February 2003, my Captain’s shield was also retired, and they permitted me to keep it. I returned the shield in 2006 to someone who worked for me on the Commissioner’s detail when he was promoted. When my friend retired in 2019, it was supposed to return to me. Of course, Department Policy changed on Retired Shields; they wanted to return it to me encased in plastic. The Chief of Administration office XO (the Emerald President) placed a hold so the Shield room won’t reissue it.”
Fast-forward three years. Ed Grayson picked the winner number on Wednesday night, #173, and Brian’s shield number 317 and guess what, he won the $10,000 first prize. Isn’t that a nice story and well-done Brian, we can celebrate that someday soon.
What a great group and all very proud of their Irish connections, I felt right at home with them all. This is a picture of Brian’s shield which I will say that he will treasure for a very long time, is that a nice story or what and again he had the luck of the Irish.
This just landed on my desk from Peter Whalen, President of the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies that said, “Great job by Chairman Brian J. Sharkey and his committee Marty Bellew, Jimmy McGoorty, and Mike Barzal for all their hard work. Special thanks to Antun’s (Joe King, Mickey King and Richie Bowlin), DJ Chris Cash, DSNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, Ken Fraser (Universal Live Media), Nuala Purcell (Nuala Purcell Photography), Glen Lynch (Take Two LLC), Ray O’Hanlon (Irish Echo), and Paddy McCarthy (Irish Examiner).
It did not finish there as Antun’s was packed again for the second time with Emerald Green in a few days on Sunday, as the NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade held its Grand Marshal reception honoring Grand Marshal James T. Callahan and his Aides. Great job by the Parade’s dinner committee Hilary Beirne and Katie Barrett. I was a guest with over 700 other guests in attendance. Thanks again to Brian Sharkey I was sitting at the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies table. If I could mention everybody that was at this event, I would have to have a least 100 pages or more to name them all. I got to meet my friend Jeff Cleary and his lovely wife Michelle Cleary, all the way down from Albany who always makes a big impact when he hits New York City. I was also so happy to meet Denis Mulcahy who has a beautiful guest house in Greenwood Lake in upstate New York that is well worth a visit because I should know, I stayed there last year and will hopefully do so again this year.
The lady herself, Mae O’Driscoll, who does so much for the Cork Association and the lady in red, Noelle Clancy were also there along with Deirdre O’Hea. It was so nice to meet Dolores Walsh, Katie Barrett, Brendan and Michael Benn. The man of the hour Tommy Smyth gave a very professional introduction was there with his wife Treasa Goodwin-Smyth and I can’t forget Michael O’Reilly, the new President of the United Irish Counties Association of New York, well done Michael.
I can’t forget the man himself, Parade Chairman Hilary Bierne who also was the master of ceremonies and made it all happen. I did see Brian O’Dwyer the last Grand Marshal as he was working the room shaking hands and meeting as many guests that he could; he missed me, ahh well. I love dropping names… you never know I might get noticed ha, ha.
There’s lots more happening as you can see and with all the events planned for the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities it is looking like this season may be the best-ever to happen in New York City.
Here is some of the Irish talent that will be performing in concerts, that are not to be missed and well worth your attendance as you will have a Hooley. The beloved all-sister pop-folk band Screaming Orphans make their first New York City appearance since the fall of 2019 in a one-night only appearance at the New York Irish Center (NYIC) on Thursday March 10 at 7 pm. Known for combining original songs and a contemporary sound with traditional Irish folk, the genre-busting, chart-topping Diver sisters officially kick off NYIC’s weeklong St Patrick’s cultural celebration. For more information visit www.NewYorkIrishCenter.org or call (718) 482-0909.
Known for combining original songs and a contemporary sound with traditional Irish folk, the genre-busting, chart-topping Diver sisters are currently promoting their new album, “Sunshine and Moss,” created during COVID and released in August 2020. This seated concert will be held in the Center’s newly remodeled storefront theater, The Reilly Room, and tickets are just $25.
Since George Heslin took over at the New York Irish Center it has become the in place for the Irish and Irish Americans so don’t miss out.
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations early on St. Patrick’s Day-eve with a performance by Lúnasa at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture (18 Bleecker Street, New York) with a live performance by Celtic Angels at our historic, Loretto Theater. The Sheen’s safe, family-friendly environment, and convenient access to public transportation, eateries, and parking make it the perfect NoHo hotspot for those looking for quality live performance at reasonable prices. Tickets are available from their Box Office at (212) 925-2812.
See you all next week when I am Out&About again…