By Paddy McCarthy
It’s fabulous to be Out&About, going to Irish events and dinners again and you could feel the joy in meeting people. I was in Manhattan and lo and behold, who did I bump into? Only Des O’Brien, Pat Burke and Eamonn Maher from some of the most well-known restaurants in the city. I was with a friend of mine Dermot Kelly, as we were heading to another event and we strolled into a restaurant off 6th Avenue and the boys were there having a cocktail. Now you can guess that, of course, we joined them for one or two and a good chat on how their businesses are now only getting back to normal after almost three years of the pandemic.
I was at the County Cork BP&P Association’s 137th Saint Patrick’s Day Banquet, which was a welcome return to celebrating Cork and its people, with President Martina O’Dowd. The honorees were Breda Carroll, Maura Coughlin and John Mahony. Also in intendance was Congressman Tom Suozzi, along with the Lord Mayor of Cork City Colm Kelleher, Chief Executive of Cork City Council Ms. Ann Doherty, and Paul Moynihan, Corporate Affaires Cork City Council. Joining them was Sean O’ Sullivan, Chairman of the Recreate Shandon Company Butter Market Exchange, Father Jim Drew, Eileen Cronin, Radio Irish radio host, along with 70-year members Patricia Young O’Connor, Patrick O’Leary, and Ellen Smith. Then you had 60-year members Oliver Neligan and Catherine O’Shea and 50-year member John Mahoney.
Congratulations to you all. I must not forget Dinner Dance Co-Chair Treasa Goodwin-Smyth and, of course, the man of the hour, the one and only Tommy Smyth, who was the toastmaster of the evening and as always he did a great job.
I can say again that Antun’s in Queens Village is just superb and well recommended and the King family Joe and Micky should be very proud as they deserve five stars for the food and service.
Talking about food and restaurants one that really sticks out in my mind is Stitch Bar and Blues. Since 2004, Stitch has been an oasis for locals and tourists looking for fun in the Garment District. Over the years Stitch has hosted over 2 million visitors including top celebrity names from film, theater, music, media and television. Nicholas Cohen one of the partners told me that this year marks a new chapter for Stitch as they’re back with a fresh new look as Stitch Bar & Blues where they’ll have all your favorites on the menu including their famous Wings, Ribs and Burgers with a specialty dish for Saint Patrick’s Day, yes, Corned Beef with Cabbage yummy, along with some new delicious dishes and cocktails. So, when you get off the train in Penn Station just walk up a couple of blocks on between 7th and 8th Eighth Avenue on West 37th street there you have Stitch.
Okay! For all you Saint Patrick’s Day enthusiasts and I do mean everyone who wants to celebrate the greatest day of the year March 17th, there are parades happening all over before the Biggest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the World happens. Now here is one of them: The White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade is less than a week away! After a long two-year wait, their Parade Committee is looking forward to March 12th as they will finally be able to MARCH AGAIN! The White Plains parade committee are very professional and we wish then lots of success this Saturday and you should try and make it as it seems to be a beautiful day.
Jim Houlihan said: “I’m looking forward to leading the White Plains St. Patrick’s Day Parade as this year’s Grand Marshal this Saturday, March 12th and I hope to see you there. If you are joining me on one of our two floats, please show up at the corner of Mamaroneck Avenue and Old Mamaroneck Avenue at 11:30 am. Our floats will be decorated with our Houlihan-Parnes banners, etc. and I’m sure you’ll be able to find us.”
I am also in the sprit of Saint Patrick’s Day as I write this column. See you all next week when I am Out&About again…