By Paddy McCarthy
We are on the way to the Big day, Yes! that is Christmas Day that I love so much. I am sure you all know quite well that Santa is coming though.
Now for some sad news as I went to Long Beach on Monday morning to pay my respects at Mass to our dear friend, the late Tom Slattery, RIP. Tom’s family invited us all to JJ Coopers (124 W. Park Ave., Long Beach) after Mass.
I have to say that I must have known Tom all the way back to the 80s, from meeting him in a few Irish bars and restaurants and also from the Kruise for Kids that his friend Denis Mulcahy organized every year up until 2000 as Tom was also a big part of it.
He was also one of the most recognized liquor sales men as he was known all over New York City. Tom was also very involved in Div. 7 Ancient Order of Hibernians, and as I said a very long-time committee member of Kruise for Kids. Tom was also the President of the United Restaurant and Tavern Owners Association New York.
It was great to some of his friends that came to pay their respects including John Tully, Brian Sharkey, Tom Beirne, Pat Burke, Seán Murphy, Tim Myles, Buzzy O’Keeffe, Martin Whelan and a host of other friends.
In brighter news, Shane Humphries sent me this note: “Congratulations to Dublin Society stalwart Finn McKiernan , on receiving the Man of the Year Award from The Ancient Order of Hibernians last night at The White Horse Tavern in lower Manhattan. Delighted to be able to attend to congratulate Finn McKiernan. Maith an fear Finnian, ta an honoir tuilte agut.Ath Cliath Abu.”
Wreaths across America, Billy Lee and Tom Beirne sent me news on this event that should be supported on Saturday, December 16: “The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, AOH New York County Board, and Friendly Sons of St Patrick Morristown, NJ will be hosting a Wreaths Across America ceremony at 12 noon sharp at the front of the Church on Mott Street. The Knickerbocker Grey’s will be providing the color guard.
“All 3,702 sites will simultaneously celebrate this event at 12 noon eastern standard time. Each veteran grave is given a wreath that is placed at their tombstone.
“The program has been fully financed by the owners of the farms in Maine, who produce these wreaths. and started this program. As of this writing, there are over million wreaths aid at the graves of these veterans per year.
“Many corporate sponsors are involved, and all the trucking to the 3,702 sites is through the trucking company donating its own trucks and drivers to this cause.
“Volunteers lay the wreaths. Please come out and join us at The Basilica. Please try and arrive by 11:30 am latest, as the ceremony will start sharp at 12 Noon. Please bring your family; neighbors and friends to honor those veterans who defended our great country.
“Please contact Bill Duggan at wcdugganjr@hotmail.com and Tom Beirne at tombeirne4@hotmail.com for more information and to coordinate any requests to speak or to present.”
You know what? There are so many great people out there who go out of their way and volunteer at events like this coming up to Christmas and never look for any thanks, well I am going to thank them so much and wish them a Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas as they well deserve it.
Here is something that will cheer you up in your upcoming days, which is that you can go and see one of Ireland’s greatest talents who is on his historic North American tour. Yes, that is none other than the great Daniel O’Donnell who’ll be performing at The Keswick Theatre (291 N Keswick Ave, Glenside, PA) on Friday December 8 at 6 pm and at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Saturday December 9 at 5 pm.
I have been told that there are a few tickets available so hurry up and grab them before they are all gone!
I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About.