Oh, what a wonderful world! I say that every morning when I get up especially now that we have this beautiful weather. I had to tell yea that because since I emigrated to America from Ireland in 1982, I’ve never looked back. Now I still get a bit homesick after all these years but I do not regret coming to New York as it has been very good to me. When I am Out&About is when I really do appreciate it because I get to meet new people every day as well. The other reason is that there are so many opportunities here that you could not get anywhere in else the world so now we are celebrating the 4th of July, God Bless America!
I paid a visit M.J. Smith’s, a new bar and restaurant on 45th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues when I was Out&About this week. This beautiful place is run by Nicky and his wife Attracta who do such a professional job and give you such a great welcome that you want to come back all the time.
I also paid a visit to Mulligan’s on Madison Avenue which is still one of the old fashioned Irish saloons that you will find here in New York. From the owners to the staff, everybody is Irish and you get that feeling you are back home again.
Another fine place I visited is Foxy John’s on 47th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. It was just jumping from wall to wall so it was so nice to have a cold one, ah, somebody has to do it right? Keith the manager does such a great job and he never stops for a minute as his goal is to make everybody feel comfortable and he does that very well I might tell yea.
I also got to meet the Coffeeman Pete Scalley in Tuttle’s on Third Avenue. As he serves almost 100 Irish bars and restaurants all over the Metropolitan area with his coffee, it must be good. It was in Tuttle’s that I watched the Women’s World Cup USA vs England game and yet again the USAWNT were just brilliant. I think they might win it all on Sunday.
Just a reminder and that is that “YES! Reflections Of Molly Bloom” will be playing at the Irish Rep through Sunday, July 7. For years, Aedín Moloney has been performing Molly Bloom’s famous soliloquy from the final chapter of Joyce’s Ulysses at Bloomsday celebrations and other reading events. With novelist Colum McCann, she has adapted a one-woman show that is wrapping its premiere production at the Irish Repertory Theatre. Reviews have been extraordinary: Broadway World writes “In her dynamic portrayal, Moloney offers a portrait of a woman burning to be seen and celebrated by those around her, as she sees and celebrates herself.”
For tickets and information visit them online at irishrep.org. Aedin Moloney deserves an Emmy Award as she is the most underrated actor that I ever came across as she has so much talent it oozes out of her, so do not miss this performance!
This came to my attention from a friend of mine Kevin Brown who represents the World famous Sotheby’s International Realty here in New York. “The Fourth of July celebrations highlight many of our country’s blessings – most of all our diversity. New York City is the most diverse city in the world, and we are proud to accept this title. We are home to residents from every country across the globe, with boundless opportunities in business, in social activities, and in helping charities in need, Wishing you a very Happy Fourth and restful July.” Now that is very nice.
The Cork Association have announced that the July and August General Membership Meetings have been suspended. The next General Membership Meeting will take place on Sunday, September 8 with awelcome back BBQ to follow.
The 8th Annual Tír Na nÓg Children’s Festival will be held from July 8 to July 19 at the NY Irish Center located at 10-40 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City. It will celebrate youth, Irish roots, culture, heritage, and arts, through workshops in drama, music, visual arts and dance, all the while exploring the oldest of Irish legends and folklore.
Two age groups are eligible, group 1: 5-years to 8-years and group 2: 9-years to 12-years at a cost of $300 per child. You can register at: eventbrite.com/e/8th-tir-na-nog-childrens-festival-tickets-59892631473.
Another great annual event that you cannot miss on Stone Street in the Financial District in New York City aims to raise funds for Self Help Africa and is FREE to attend! You can eat and drink at participating bars on Stone Street, Tuesday July 16th, where 20% of all purchases made will go towards supporting rural enterprise across east and west Africa. Some of the restaurants and Bars supporting Street Fest include Beckett’s Bar & Grill, The Cauldron, The Dubliner, Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina, Route 66 Smokehouse and Stone Street Tavern.
The Irish Business Organization’s business breakfast will be held on Tuesday July 16 from 7.30 am to 9 am at Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel (687 Lexington Avenue, between East 56th and 57th Streets). All are welcome.
See you all again next week when I am Out&About again.