By Paddy McCarthy
Are we all ready for a cruise down the Hudson and around New York City, well I am, are you? This just came to me from Emerald Isle Immigration Center and it says that: “Time flies – it is already coming to almost the end of May and three weeks from now we hope you will join us aboard The Spirit of New York once again, as the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 7 rolls out another annual cruise to benefit the EIIC, on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023. Our vessel will board at 6 pm at Pier 60 (the Chelsea Piers), which is located at West 23rd Street and West Street (the West Side Highway).
“As always, we will enjoy a very fun evening in support of a good cause: the immigration legal, social and healthcare access services and programs the Emerald Isle Immigration Center provides to thousands of immigrants of more than 100 nationalities, year-round! While cruising around New York Harbor to see its iconic sights – Lady Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more – we’ll have multiple Irish bands playing, a delicious full buffet dinner, open bar, and plenty of space to dance the night away under the stars across the vessel’s three decks!
“Sponsorships and tickets are available now at celticcharities.org and we look forward to seeing you soon!” OK! are you all ready? Well you’d better hurry up as it will be a sellout. Tickets are $125 in advance and $135 on the day of the cruise and includes an open bar and full buffet dinner, live music by Celtic Cross, The Cunningham Brothers and Shay Mac. Boarding begins at 6 pm, sailing at 6:45 pm and the boat returns at 10pm. Tickets are on sale at CelticCharities.org.
Great news has just been announced that outdoor dining will now be legally available to restaurants in all neighborhoods across the five boroughs, and no longer primarily concentrated south of 96th Street in Manhattan like it was before the pandemic. A compromise between the Mayor and City Council for the new permanent outdoor dining program has been reached and we are thrilled! Well done to all involved especially New York City Hospitality Alliance who worked very hard to accomplish this change.
“Good Vibrations is rocking the house – Belfast’s Grand Opera House – to sold out shows and rave reviews. As the Lyric Theatre’s punk rock musical prepares to wrap its Northern Ireland production and head to New York next month, we mark its arrival with some news: we’re extending the US premiere through July 16. This ‘perfect from start to finish’ (Culture Clash) show is based on the life of Terri Hooley, whose record shop on the ‘most bombed mile in Europe’ during the Troubles became a symbol of resistance to the division of the time.
“The other night, when addressing a room of friends from the NYC arts community who had gathered to celebrate Terri’s story, Lyric executive director Jimmy Fay described him as “an entrepreneur who didn’t make any money, but created something much better – hope.’”
It’s all happening this Memorial Day weekend so come and enjoy the biggest Irish American event in the Catskill Mountains, located in the valley of East Durham. For the last 46 years, The Michael J Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Center has celebrated the East Durham Irish Festival. Some of the performers in the 2023 line-up include The Narrowbacks, Screaming Orphans, Ronan Tynan, Andy Cooney & His Band, The Young Wolfe Tones, Tom Comerford, Darren Kiely, The 19th Street Band, Sheridan Ruitin, Kitty Kelly, Dee Reilly, The Diddley Idols, McLean Avenue Band, Nine Mile House and many more! Kids 13 and under are admitted for free so bring the whole family!
For even more fun this summer, don’t miss the Annual Catskills Irish Artist Festival, a week-long celebration of Irish music, song, dancing, language, crafts and yes lots of fun.
This came to me from the President of the Grand Council of United Emerald Societies Inc., Martin Bellew: “With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our dear Treasurer Steve Flynn. Steve was an exceptional leader, colleague, and friend. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to our organization and selfless dedication to his role.
“We ask that you keep Steve and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will share details about the wake and funeral as soon as they become available,
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. At the right-hand side of God may be his soul faithful.”
I myself got to know Steven Flynn as I attended many of the Emerald Societies, Rest in Peace Steve Flynn you will never be forgotten. We here at The Irish Examiner USA offer our deepest sympathies and condolence to his family.
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again.