By Paddy McCarthy
The World Cup has just finished with one of the greatest teams in the world from South America winning it, yes that is Argentina along with one of the greatest players that has ever played the game (outside myself, oh I wish), that is Lionel Messi.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes and in 2020 was named to the Ballon d’Dream Team. I had to give you this information as most of the Irish bars and restaurants were packed to capacity, all roaring for none other than Argentina which has an Irish connection with Alexis Mac Allister, whose great grandfather was from the town of Donabate in County Dublin, wow!
I just got this notice from the Emerald Isle Immigration Center who do a lot of good work for immigrants and our seniors all throughout the year that often goes unnoticed and should be praised, so keep them on your minds over the Christmas and Holiday Season this year and support them as much as you can. I know it would be very much appreciated as a lot of homes will be very happy thanks to your support and all the joy that you bring to the misfortunate who have not much means to help themselves.
This month EIIC hosted two Christmas parties for their seniors – one at the Bantry Bay Public House in Queens and the other at The Rambling House Restaurant and Pub in Woodlawn. Both events featured a delicious buffet dinner and dessert with Irish traditional songs and Christmas music, provided this year by EIIC Creatives team member Mary Courtney. At their Bronx gathering they were glad to welcome back Megan Macdonald, LMSW onto staff as their new Director of Social Work and Community Services. They were also sad, but grateful, to extend to Bronx office staff member Ethel Breheny their very best wishes on her (full) retirement after a decade of service to EIIC during her “semi-retirement”!
They also thanked all the staff members in their Bronx and Queens offices for their work in organizing and producing both events, and they thank both venues and their staff for hosting them.
Special guests at the events included Irish Deputy Consul General Seán Ó hAodha and former City Councilman (now EIIC Board Member!) Danny Dromm who joined them in Queens and City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, State Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and a representative from the office of US Congressman Jamaal Bowman who joined them in the Bronx! We here at The Irish Examiner USA are all proud of you and we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
It’s just been announced here in New York City that the City Winery is bringing its signature blend of wine, food and music to midtown Manhattan at Grand Central Terminal. Located in Vanderbilt Hall off 42nd Street, City Winery Grand Central celebrates the beauty of the historic space’s towering ceilings, elegant marble, and crystal chandeliers while creating a warm, inviting environment to enjoy locally-made wine and a meal. The restaurant and private event space has original built-in benches, stools and seating centering a stage draped in burgundy velvet where talented musicians will perform to create an ambiance perfect for sipping wine and enjoying conversation – and while still hearing train announcements.
Featuring two wine bars with innovative tap systems and reclaimed oak barrel staves pouring vintages made right here in New York City, City Winery is the perfect place for savoring a leisurely glass or grabbing a growler to take home or enjoy on the train. Now that the Long island Rail Road will be coming into Grand Central Station this will be a huge added attraction for all the train riders coming and going. I myself will have to check it out, ahh, I love it.
Now where would The Irish Repertory Theatre be without these two fabulous people who are its heart and soul, yes that is Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O’Reilly. The theatre has presented over 200 productions and worked with more than 500 company members. It continues to be a home for Irish and Irish American theatre-makers, theatre audiences and excellence in theatre.
To celebrate this Christmas Season the Irish Rep is offering up the sixth special return of its joyous holiday classic, Dylan Thomas’ iconic “A Child’s Christmas in Wales”. Charlotte Moore’s musical adaptation of this “never to be forgotten day at the end of the unremembered year” features heartwarming contemporary and traditional Christmas music interwoven with the popular story of that snowy Christmas Day in Wales. It will play through December 31. Visit irishrep.org for more information.
From all of us here at The Irish Examiner USA we thank you all so much for the great support you have given us. To you our readers and also to all our advertising sponsors, we would not be here without you and we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for making us who we are and we hope to be even better in 2023.
I hope to see you all next week after you had your Christmas dinner and when I am Out&About again…