By Paddy McCarthy
I have been to a lot of dinner events and all of them I have to say were always fabulous, so here is another one that I was at on Friday evening. It was the Hibernia Provident Society’s Gala Dinner that was held at the Tavern on the Green in Central Park, New York.
What was great about it was I got to meet a lot of friends I have not seen for a very long time as most of them are building managers and superintendents form all over the Tri-State and are all pretty busy.
The host of the evening was none other than John Egan from Dublin. I must say that we have been friends for a very long time going back to my music days in Ireland and what a great job he did hosting the event.
I met so many that I could not mention all of them like Noel McCarthy, John Healy, Shane Humphreys and Debbie McGoldrick and, as I said, there were lots more great friends that were nice to meet who I don’t meet very often. It was so professionally organized from top to bottom and very enjoyable, well-done lads.
The next day I was invited to the Harvest Moon Ball who were celebrating their 92nd Anniversary at The Irish American Center but I just could not make it. I was so much looking forward to the evening to meet again a lot of people I would have known so I’m so sorry I missed it.
This is another one of the events that I had missed last week as my back was so painful. The Emerald Society, Correction Department, City of New York held their 68th Annual Scholarship Dinner at Antun’s of Queen Village last Friday.
As you will see in the photos, the Honorees were CO Mathew Romano was honored as the 2023 Irishman of the Year. Emily Schroeder, daughter of CO Robert Schroeder (retired), recipient of the 2023 CO David J. Leahy Scholarship, CO James Quinn, President James Mulvey Award recipient, CO Eric Cohn, The Public Service Award recipient and Deputy Commissioner Francis Torres who was their Civilian of the Year.
Irish Arts Center (IAC), based in New York City and renowned for presenting dynamic, inspiring, collaborative experiences of the evolving arts and culture of Ireland and Irish America in an environment of warm Irish hospitality, has announced that Emmy award-winning comedy icon and The Late Show host Stephen Colbert and former UBS Americas and Wealth Management Americas chief operating officer Kathleen B. Lynch as honorees of its 2023 Spirit of Ireland Gala which will be held on November 17 at Pier Sixty (60 Chelsea Piers, New York).
The Center proudly recognizes the enduring quality and influence of Colbert’s insightful social commentary and humor, and the honesty and warmth with which he has convened his nightly national conversation, especially during difficult times.
An American of Irish ancestry who has shown a keen interest in his heritage and in the arts, his towering career has seen him speak with levity and compassion to the American public for nearly two decades, first durationally in character via the beloved Colbert Report, and in recent years as himself, with The Late Show.
Kathleen B. Lynch has had a distinguished three-decade career in the financial services industry, including leadership positions at UBS and Merrill Lynch.
Born and raised in the United States, her mother’s roots are in Burtonport, County Donegal, Ireland, and have given her a deep interest in and appreciation of Irish culture.
Lynch dedicates her time to philanthropic efforts on both sides of the Atlantic. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of UBS Americas Holding LLC and Eastman Kodak.
IAC’s 2023 Spirit of Ireland Gala also features special appearances by the Center’s longtime honorary chairs Gabriel Byrne and Liam Neeson, and a musical performance from the Irish Afro-Soul singer-songwriter Loah, a frequent IAC visiting artist and host of RTÉ’s The Heart of Saturday Night.
The Gala is chaired by IAC board member Robert J. McCann, a veteran Wall Street executive, Co-Chair of New Edge Capital Group, former President of UBS Americas, and a previous Spirit of Ireland Gala honoree.
I have to finish with some sad news on the passing of James A. Lombard. Jim was a first generation Irish American of Cork and Mayo lineage. He was a distinguished and influential leader in the Irish American community. He was a graduate of Iona College and received a Masters degree from NYU. He worked in the banking field before starting his public service career in 1976 joining the staff at the NY City Council under the leadership of President Paul O Dwyer. He spent 25 years in the City Council retiring as Director of Administrative Services.
Jim was a member of many organizations including the Mayo Society, the AOH, the Irish Institute, the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, The Knights of St. Patrick, the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural Sports Centre and was a delegate to the United Irish Counties Association.
We offer our condolences to his brother Stephen and nephews Stephen and Douglas Lombard. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Rosemary with whom he is now joyfully united.
A wake will be held on Sunday, October 29 from 2 pm to 5 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson FH (6110 Riverdale Ave. Bronx) with a Mass of Christian burial on Monday, October 30, at St. Margaret of Cortona Church (6000 Riverdale Avenue) at 9:30 am.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Out&About and I’ll see you all again next week.