By Paddy McCarthy
How is everybody? Are you getting back to normal after the summer holidays? I have to say it was a good summer for me and hopefully for everybody else too.
I do not review books in this column, I leave it to my Arts and Entertainment Editor Brad Balfour to cover that, but I can give certain books an introduction and with this one I will, as I personally have a big interest in it as it is well written by a fantastic gentleman Brian McDonald so here, we go. The book is called Five Floors Up and I am sure you all know what that is about? that’s right the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11that will never be forgotten. Did we ever imagine it would happen in New York to ordinary citizens who just wanted to work do their job and go home? I am so sorry it did happen because of those F…… B…….s who had hate in their hearts. The people of New York rose up though and answered them back with the strength that have and got back to doing what is best, fighting back and they did.
We are still not over it as you could see last week with the anniversary that was held on the site of the World Trade Site disaster with thousands of people turning out to pay their respects and to mourn all the were effected by that tragedy. The Irish Examiner USA’s staff would like to send our deepest condolences to all those who died and their families, RIP.
Rescue Me meets Blue Bloods in this riveting social history of the New York City Fire Department told from the perspective of the Feehan family, who served in the FDNY for four generations and counting. Seen through the eyes of four generations of a firefighter family, Five Floors Up is the story of the modern New York City Fire Department. From the days just after the horse-drawn firetruck, to the devastation of the 1970s when the Bronx was Burning, to the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, to the culture-busting department of today, a Feehan has worn the shoulder patch of the FDNY.
The tale shines the spotlight on the career of William M. Feehan. “Chief” Feehan is the only person to have held every rank in the FDNY including New York City’s 28th Fire Commissioner. He died in the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. But Five Floors Up is at root an intimate look at a firefighter clan, the selflessness and bravery of not only those who face the flames, but the family members who stand by their sides. Alternately humorous and harrowing, rich with anecdotes and meticulously researched and reported, Five Floors Up takes us inside a world few truly understand, documenting an era that is quickly passing us by.
Brian McDonald was born in the Bronx and grew up in Rockland County, New York. He is a graduate of Fordham University and the Columbia University School of Journalism, has contributed to major news publications and taught writing and journalism at several schools, including Fordham University. He is the author of the nonfiction works My Father’s Gun, Indian Summer, Safe Harbor: A Murder in Nantucket and Last Call at Elaine’s. He co-wrote, with Malachy McCourt, Death Need Not Be Fatal, and his latest non-fiction work is Five Floors Up: The Heroic Family Story of Four Generations in the FDNY published by Grand Central Publishing. Brian lives in New York City.
To all you golfers out there and are ready to play here is one that should be supported: the Saint Patrick’s Day Foundation’s NYC Golf Outing which will be held on Thursday, September 29 at Plandome Country Club (145 Stonytown Road, Plandome). You can see their full-page advertisement in our digital edition that gives you all the information on it. You can also email: Golf@StPatricksdayfoundation.Org.
What a great turn out there was for the Second Annual Chieftain’s Walk last weekend showing respect for one of Ireland’s great chieftains, Martin McGuinness. The who’s who from the Irish community had done the walk in their thousands. My friend Marty Glennon told me that Martin’s wife Bernie and son, Emmett were on hand to hear the praise given to Martin from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as he once again addressed those who participated. Sen. Schumer reflected upon his relationship with Martin and spoke about the loss of his own father recently at the age of 99. He also said that Martin was a true Chieftain and not only did he talk the talk, but more importantly, he walked the walk. He acknowledged that there would be no Good Friday Agreement without the leadership and courage of Martin McGuinness and the support he got from his family. The Chieftain’s Walk coincided with over a dozen other Chieftain walks in Ireland and London all on Sunday.
If you missed the walk and would still like to support the Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation (a 501(c)(3) charitable organization) there is a dinner this Wednesday night at the Manhattan Manor. The event will commence at 6 pm and there will be welcoming remarks from Senator Schumer, Congressman Richie Neal and Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald. The special guest for the dinner will be Gerry Kelly, MLA. Martin’s family will also be at the dinner.
Shane Humphries said he is doing the Tunnel to Towers 5K on Sunday September 25. That’s this Sunday, what a man as I don’t think I could do it. He said no wise cracks about him running, it’s a run/ walk event. If anyone would like to sponsor him for this worthy cause, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/118632/Donate/DSSOI6pNwvRJtdv8. Sponsorship funds go straight to Tunnel to Towers.
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again…