By Paddy McCarthy
To follow up on my trip to Cork, it was both business and pleasure that went so quick I was on the bus back to Dublin to fly home by Aer Lingus to New York. We have a big family that is spread all over County Cork and to see them all takes a bit of time as you might understand.
Now, for the business time I stayed in the Metropole Hotel, that to me is like home from home and from there it is easy for me to catch up with everybody from family to friends. I have been staying in the Metropole a number of years now and always go back. I have to thank the staff of the hotel for their hospitality specially the Metropole Hotel General Manager Roger Russell and Aaron Mansworth, Managing Director, Trigon Hotels Group, they are super professional in what they do to make your stay more comfortable. I also visited Fota Island Resort to meet Concierge Manager John Coleman and Castlemarthyr Hotel Resort to meet General Manager Brendan Comerford. These two resorts are five star with absolutely beautiful grounds and top of the line golf courses. Before taking up his position John spent a few years with the Trigon Hotels Group Luxury Hotels in the Metropole Hotel, Cork City where he was a very popular host to all who patronized the hotel. Coming to the man himself, Brendan is one of the most experienced General Managers in Ireland. Originally from Cork City, Brendan trained with Fitzpatrick’s Hotels beginning his career in 1997. Before Brendan took up his position as the General Manager of the Castlemarthyr Resort he was General Manager at Fota Island Resort for three years; he also held positions at the Charleville Park Hotel, the Oriel House Hotel, Maryborough Hotel and Spa and the Clarion Hotel in Limerick. This was all part of being Out&About when I was over in Ireland and boy, did I have a blast, well somebody has to do it.
Now back to normality here in New York, starting with The County Cork B. P. & P. Association who held their Michael Collins Commemoration last Sunday at the Cork Club, Bantry Bay Publick House (33-01 Greenpoint Ave, Long Island City) that I attended. We had Mass by Fr. James Drew and the AOH’s Historian and journalist Mike McCormack gave a historic reading on the great Michael Collins followed by Q&A and music from Donie Carroll and John Nolan. This is what the love of Ireland is all about as we honor our heroes who gave their lives to make it a better place for all of us, and they did, we wish them to Rest in Peace.
Now, some other great news that was brought to my attention is that Mike Dunphy, the owner of the Wantagh Inn in Long Island is the 2023 Wantagh St, Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal. Well deserved Michael as you are well-known all-over New York as a super tavern owner with a fabulous history in the business, not bad for a Macroom, County Cork man I must say huh?
As you might know we are being read far and wide and I do mean far and wide, all over the world, not too bad I will say, yes, I must stop bragging. Joan Moody from Texas, who is involved with the Harp & Shamrock 40th Annual Golf Scramble says she loves The Irish Examiner USA that she gets every week. She said the Scramble was a very successful and fun event. They had over 80 golfers play and raised nearly $5,000 – the most ever! The money raised helps the Society continue their mission of “Keeping Irish history and culture alive in south Texas” as well as supplements their Scholarship Fund which meets both academic needs and cultural endeavors of the recipients. Joan especially thanked David Patrick and Ed McCaffre, co-chairs for the event. That is so nice and why should I not mention her event as we do it for everybody else, lots of success Joan I will try and get down there in 2023 as I’ve heard so much about how the Irish settled there in the last century.
I hope you have got your tickets for the Irish Repertory Theatre’s hit making new show Chester Bailey? Remember, I told you to as this show is going to be a big hit with lots of star quality on stage. I am told that they can’t wait to have Ephraim Birney onstage as the title character starting this Wednesday, October 12! Ephraim has been seen on TV in Gotham and The Americans, as well as the indie film Sylvio, and recently Strawberry Mansion, which premiered at the 2021 at Sundance Film Festival. This is his third round as Chester, previously at Barrington Stage Company, and before at the Contemporary American Theater Festival. For tickets go to irishrep.org/chesterbailey.
This just came in at the last minute from our friend Dan Dennehy about a true Irishman so I had to add it to this week’s Out&About: “Over one year ago, Martin Beirne was subjected to career-ending and painful back injuries, when struck by an underinsured driver who rear ended his vehicle at speed while Martin’s car was in standstill traffic on the Major Deegan Expressway. His healthcare benefits have not covered his many surgeries, therapy and the long road of treatment ahead. Martin Beirne is a father of three wonder school age children, husband to Barbara and brother to Tom Beirne, a Hibernian leader in New York, Frank Beirne, FDNY Emerald’s Officer and sister Marie, a nurse in Texas.
“The family are well known in Irish American circles for generations, including the NYC St. Patrick’s Parade, of which Martin’s late father was Chairman, the AOH, LAOH, Leitrim Society and many other organizations and causes. A fundraiser will be held on October 30, accompanied by a raffle and GoFundMe drive. For more information call (917) 842-0578 or visit fb.me/e/2k6voLKPY or gofund.me/b2633de3.
Finally, Mass will be offered for the victims of the Creeslough tragedy at 11:45 am on Friday, October 14 at St Barnabas RC Church in Yonkers, just off Maclean Ave. It will also be streamed live on the church’s Facebook page at m.facebook.com/stbarnabascatholicchurch. May they Rest in Peace and their families find solace.
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again…