By Paddy McCarthy
When I was Out&About this week I popped into Napper Tandy’s Irish Bar in Northport, New York. You have to visit this Irish pub that was established in 1994, it has risen to the top of class among the Irish scene in New York. Napper Tandy’s Northport is known locally for its great Irish fare as I should know because I was there last Sunday to meet a couple of friends and boy did I like this place, wow, it’s got everything with an excellent food menu, drink specials, live music, big TVs and a full-service patio. Honey I’m home, that’s what I thought to myself, ha-ha.
Now the service was also excellent as the bartender was so professional as I could see the way she handles the customers, brilliant. The bartender’s name is Laura Sangenito, so go and pay Napper Tandy’s a visit, say hello to her and tell her I told you so much about the place I am sure she will be very happy to hear that.
The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade first stepped off on March 22, 1997. Over the years, it has become one of the best-attended and supported parades outside of New York City. The RVC St. Patrick’s Parade annually shares its success with three worthy charities, which are Local, National, and Irish focused. Since the parade’s inception, over $1.8 million has been distributed to 78 separate charities. The parade is an IRS registered 501(c)(3) non-for-profit corporation.
Molloy University has been a proud supporter of the Rockville Centre parade since its inception. Molloy University, located in Rockville Centre, New York, has proudly upheld a 70-year legacy rooted in Dominican values and traditions.
Founded in 1955 by the Dominican Sisters of Amityville, Molloy began as a Catholic college for women, emphasizing service-oriented professions such as nursing and education Over the decades, it has grown into a coeducational institution, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to over 4,800 students. The university’s commitment to community service and academic excellence reflects its Dominican heritage, fostering a close-knit, supportive environment for students and faculty alike. Molloy’s enduring presence in Rockville Centre continues to enrich the local community through its educational initiatives and community engagement through its Irish Studies Institute and its Communiversity Initiative.
The Parade is the only known New York State St. Patrick’s Parade that donates all of its net proceeds to charity, including one-third to Irish Charities, the vast majority of which have been located in Ireland itself; selects different charities each year, representing a range of causes, from The Irish Studies Institute at Molloy University to numerous children’s hospitals and organizations combating children’s health afflictions; has donated over 80% of its charitable giving to causes that benefit children and students; has an active membership of 80 area residents, over 50% of whom were newcomers to Rockville Centre when they joined the Committee has had a female President for 6 of the last 10 years.
The Parade steps off each year on the Saturday falling immediately after St. Patrick’s Day, observed on March 17th, and annually features over 120 different organizations and dignitaries.
The Parade’s Grand Marshals have been a diverse group, including individuals such as an influential member of the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board who played a pivotal role in the Good Friday Agreement, a longstanding US Congressman, a Bishop from the Archdiocese of Rockville Centre, a Major General in the US Army, CEOs of major corporations, a Special Assistant to the New York State Governor for Irish Affairs, a Managing Partner of a prominent international law firm in New York City, a decorated New York City Detective, various mayors and village trustees of Rockville Centre, investment advisors and Vice Presidents from Wall Street firms, a Nassau County Legislator, local business owners, a Nassau County Deputy Commissioner for Parks and Recreation, and a Nassau County Athletic Director.
These Grand Marshals proudly represent a majority of the traditional 32 counties of Ireland.
The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is dedicated to promoting Irish heritage and culture, family, and patriotic values; promoting and financially supporting three charities (National, Irish and local); and contributing to the good and welfare of the residents and businesses of Rockville Centre.
I’ll see you all again next week when I’m Out&About again…