By Paddy McCarthy
To all the readers of my Out&About I have a special message for you for this Memorial Day from The Irish Examiner USA: “As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. This weekend, as we gather with family and friends, let’s take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day. May we carry their legacy with gratitude in our hearts and strive to live in a way that honors their memory. Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Memorial Day Weekend.”️ I also want to thank you all for your dedicated support as it is always very much appreciated.
Last week we took a trip up to Springfield, Massachusetts to visit my son James and his family for a few days, which was very nice I might tell yea. They took me to a public park called Forrest Park that is just beautiful as it is geared for all the families that visit. I was happy to view a monument to acknowledge Ireland with the flag of Ireland and the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic to the people of Ireland that made me so proud to be Irish. The park is highly recommended as it has a swimming pool, a zoo for children with some animals to enjoy viewing, playing fields and lots of gardens for walking in and to view, as it is very well kept, yes, I do recommend you give it a visit.
I got this sad news in as we went to press: “I regret to inform you of the passing of Harry Smyth, brother of Tommy Smyth, sports TV and radio personality and brother-in-law of long-time member and Past President of the Cork BP&P Association Treasa Goodwin Smyth. Harry Smith passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 16th and was laid to rest in Ireland. Please keep Harry Smith and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this time. May Harry rest in Peace!” We would like to send our deepest condolences from the Irish Examiner to the Smyth family.
When I visited Cork last week for a few days I did visit a few pubs and restaurants that are all super. I called in one of my local pubs where I always hung my hat if you like to say and that was the famous Pa Johnson’s which is just next door to the Murphy’s and Heineken Brewery in the Blackpool area in the North side of the city. I had a very nice time there and got to meet some friends who always frequent Pa Johnson’s, including Cónal Creedon, Barry Twomey, and Gerry Walsh and it was also nice to meet the famous Cork goalkeeper Billy Morgan. The great thing about Pa Johnson’s is you never know who is going to walk in and to meet the owner himself, Barry Johnson, who will be serving you behind the bar along with his bartender Ray, ahh I love it when I visit there when I am back in Ireland for a few days at a time.
That’s it for this week’s Out&About I hope to see you all again when I’m Out&About again…