By Paddy McCarthy
I just arrived back from Cork and I stayed at The Metropole Hotel and let me tell yea, I truly recommend it if you’re ever down that way as it is also so central. Now that was the best part of my trip for the few days as it did not start off to well for me. Okay, here we go: I traveled with Aer Lingus which I might say was only fabulous as I took the offer for the upgrade which again was mighty. The service was magic and highly recommended so look out when there are some specials on offer as in my book it’s well worth it.
Now for the part I was not too happy with, when we arrived at Shannon Airport at 4.45 am the airport was basically closed. We had to sit on the plane for another 20 minutes as there was nobody there at the gates to let us off, now where would yea get it? So, we get off to get our bags and that was another 20 minutes and you go out into the main terminal and the place again is basically in darkness with no porters or anybody to meet and greet you from the airport, so you have nobody to ask questions about buses or other transportation, again you’re on your own.
Now think about this we arrived at the airport 4.45 am and a bus to anywhere does not arrive till 7.35 am and only goes to Limerick where you have to change to go anywhere else you want to go, now where would yea get it again? I have been told that there are express buses, well I got two different buses and they both stopped in almost every town on the way down to Cork. Do they know that we are in the 21st century and the airport is closed for the night? Believe me, this is not an Aer Lingus problem, the second biggest airport in Ireland should be open 24/7. Now I’m so sorry for been upset with it but it took me six and a half hours to get from Shannon Airport to Cork City…
Moving on to something more important than me and my travels, here is a benefit that is close to my heart for Irish musician James McGarry “Shay Mac” who needs help to defray medical bills.
A Go Fund Me fundraiser is being run for James McGarry “Shay Mac” by Kevin Sherlock. Shay endured a medical hardship last year suffering from third-stage cancer and I am happy to report he is now in remission. However, this hardship entailed exorbitant medical costs. Kevin is asking for donations to help offset these costs, so Shay can continue to heal, and he and his wife Trish can maintain a stress-free positive quality of life.
Shay has been entertaining and helping people for over twenty years in the tri-state area through his gift of music. Shay is a proud member of The Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh in Ocean County, New Jersey. The Friendly Sons group focuses on local community outreach and charities in need. Shay is also a proud member of the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums band in Ocean County. The Pipes and Drums band donates their time to many charities.
Kevin said: “I have known him for over twenty time and money to many benefits over the years. Now it is time for us to return the favor. Shay is always one of the main bands every year for the Celtic Cruise around the Harbor to benefit the Emerald Isle. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.”
Yes, he could do with all our help as you all know he’s one of us. You can support the Go fund Me at gofund.me/90449108.
Here are a couple of events that you should also attend. First, the general public, and historians are invited to Bowling Green, Manhattan on Monday, September 25 at 12 noon as members of the Bowling Green Association, Sons of the Revolution and a broad cross section of the Irish community in New York City welcomes back the “Fighting 69th” regiment from deployment and celebrates Hercules Mulligan’s birthday with various New York dignitaries expected to be in attendance. The Irish flag will be raised at Bowling Green, Manhattan, (beside the Wall Street bull) in their honor and a presentation will be made to the 69th Regiment to mark their return from deployment.
“We are deeply appreciative of the 69th regiment for their service to the NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade and we want to welcome them home, thank them for their service to this great country and recognize them for being the official escort of the Parade for the past 174 years,” said Hilary Beirne, Chairman of the NYC St Patrick’s Day Foundation.
Hercules Mulligan is an unsung Irish hero of the American Revolution who it is said, saved George Washington’s life on two separate occasions. It is also believed he played a pivotal role in organizing the very first New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1762. He was a proud New Yorker and Irishman from the day he arrived in New York as a young boy from Ireland.
“Since the release of the Broadway musical Hamilton”, the story of Hercules Mulligan from Co Derry has become well known. We want to bring attention to the amazing history of this induvial and believe he should be recognized in some manner here in New York, such as the naming of an unnamed bridge in his honor in lower Manhattan,” said Arthur Picallo of the Bowling Green Association.
Following the flag raising ceremony, a wreath will be laid at Hercules Mulligan’s grave in Trinity Church on Broadway where he is buried near his friend, Alexander Hamilton.
This came to me from the President of the County Cork BP&P Association, Tom Browne and he said: “I hope everyone is healthy and happy!! The Cork Association is asking for support for a worthy event. There is a street naming on Saturday, September 30 for Cork native NYPD Patrolman William McAuliffe who was shot and killed in the line of duty March 18, 1916. There will be family members from Cork and Canada attending the event. I will be there and hope anyone who can please join us. It would be nice to show remembrance for a fallen hero and show he’s not forgotten. There will be a brief ceremony at 11 am at East 67th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan and then a refreshments reception at the nearby 19th Precinct. Visit an NYPD precinct without having to get arrested lol!”
Finally, here’s just another reminder that the St. Patrick’s Day Foundation’s NYC Golf Outing is being held on Thursday, September 28 at Plandome Country Club (145 Stonytown Rd, Plandome). For additional information contact golf committee members Brendan Ben (brendanbenn@iuoelocal30.org), Hilary Berne (hbeirne@hotmail.com) or James Cahill (james.cahill@empireblue.com). Now’s your chance, come on boys and girls, let’s play golf, it’s for a great cause!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Out&About and I’ll see you all again next week.