The atmosphere in and around the parade was fabulous and the TV coverage was just brilliant. Again, Treasa and Tommy Smyth did another wonderful job with the broadcast that was seen by millions around the world.
I did get to visit PJ Moran’s for the Grand Marshal and Aides breakfast with host Eamonn Maher making sure that everything went smoothly.
Stout, Gossip’s, Desmond’s and Tuttle’s were packed to capacity as I did visit them, well somebody has to do it. The Guinness and Budweiser were flowing very nicely as everyone was celebrating this great day.
I have to say that the organizers of the Parade were on top of their game again this year with Sean Lane and Hilary Bierne coordinating every move and, with a top class pick as the Grand Marshal in Brian O’Dwyer what more could you ask for? Keep it going lads, you should be very proud.
The Irish Repertory Theatre has done it again with another Sean O’Casey play Juno and the Paycock that has started running from March 9th until May 25th
Playing on the The Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage, this Sean O’Casey play directed by Neil Pepe with Úna Clancy, Terry Donnelly, Rory Duffy, Meg Hennessy, John Keating, Robert Langdon Lloyd, Ed Malone, Michael Mellamphy, Ciarán O’Reilly, Maryann Plunkett, James Russell, Harry Smith, and Sarah Street, this is one that you really shouldn’t miss.
Jack Boyle is out of work and determined to stay that way. He postures and drinks with his sidekick Joxer while his long-suffering wife Juno struggles to support their family and maintain their dilapidated tenement flat.
Their son Johnny, crippled fighting in the revolution, cowers indoors to avoid the bitter new civil war, while his sister Mary considers her options for the future.
When a handsome visitor arrives with news of an inheritance, the family begins to plan their new life, but their apparent salvation soon reveals itself to be the cause of their ruin.
One of the great plays of the twentieth century, Juno and the Paycock is a devastating portrait of wasted potential in a Dublin torn apart by the chaos of the Irish Civil War.
You can buy your tickets right now and I would advise to do it as soon as you can. Juno and the Paycock is the second play in The Sean O’Casey Cycle. The first play, The Shadow of a Gunman is now running, and The Plough and the Stars begins performances on April 20th.
Irish Rep Members and O’Casey Cycle Subscribers get VIP access to the full O’Casey Season, including discounted tickets. You can get tickets at their box office (132 West 22nd Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, over the phone on (212) 727-2737 or online at irishrep.org. Now, only once more, book early as these shows will be sellouts I promise.
Going back to the Showband days in Ireland you had many great bands and front singers with the likes of Joe Dolan, Dicky Rock, Brendan Bowyer, Brendan O’Brien, Larry Cunningham, Big Tom and so on. The one I really admired was Declan Ryan, lead singer of the Regal Showband from Cork who just passed away.
He had a #1 hit song in Ireland called “I Need You” that is sung today in nearly every pub in Ireland and he was a great friend of mine. Here is the sad news: The death has occurred of Declan Ryan. Church Road, Blackrock, Cork On March 18th, 2019, peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. DECLAN (Regal Showband), dearly beloved husband of Pamela (née Philpott), much loved father of Jackie, Gillian, Suzanne, Gerard and Shane, dear brother of Monica and the late Michael. Sadly missed by his loving wife, family, his adored 13 grandchildren, sons-in-law Eddie, Tony and Dave, daughter-in-law Liz, extended family and friends. Lying in repose at the Temple Hill, Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Road of Jerh.O’Connor Ltd; Removal at 6.00pm on Tuesday evening to St. Joseph’s S.M.A, Church, Blackrock Road. Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon on Wednesday. Funeral afterwards to The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Co.Cork. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to Marymount Hospice or The Irish Cancer Society.
May he rest in peace.
This was another bit of sad news that came in from the United Irish Counties Association of New York: “Heartfelt condolences are extended to Kevin Finn and the Finn Family on the passing of their beloved brother and uncle, Sean, on March 15th.A proud native of County Mayo, Sean was a longtime member of the Mayo Society of New York as well as a longtime delegate and feis volunteer with the UICANY.
“A soft-spoken gentleman, Sean will be fondly remembered by all who knew him for his kind and generous nature.
“Arrangements are as follows: Funeral Mass: Wednesday 20 March 10:45am Saint Sebastian RC Church 58-02 Roosevelt Avenue Woodside, New York 11377 Telephone: (718) 429-4442 Interment: Ballyhaunis Old Cemetery County Mayo, Ireland.”
I hope to see you all again next week whem I am Out&About again.