To get back to my walk on the promenade, it was HOT so I decided to stop in for a cold one and the only place I could see was the new hotel. The name is the Allegria Hotel and it is one nice place and, lo- and behold who did I meet? Only Noel O’Connell, Director of Banqueting who I have known for years since he was manager of the Fitzpatrick Hotel on Lexington Avenue. Noel gave me a tour, and what a beautiful place it is as well with a rooftop bar and pool. It felt like home… just kidding. Now if you ever take a trip to Long Beach on Long Island call into The Allegria because you will not be disappointed and, yes, I did have a cold pint, ah somebody has to do right?
As Long Island’s only luxury oceanfront hotel they offer a dash of South Beach style with a lot of “don’t worry, be happy” spirit. For vacations, weekend escapes, meetings, corporate retreats, weddings, special events, and simply enjoying life, they are all about elegant high-touch service with a beachy, low-key feel. Come and see how good life at the water’s edge can be with the best views on Long Island! Their floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the iconic Long Beach Boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean beyond will do wonders for your state of mind. Featuring a fashionable restaurant and lounge, an infinity pool on the roof with complimentary amenities like lounge chairs, umbrellas and towels, The Allegria is an easygoing version of an exclusive beach club – with plenty of beach and just enough club to delight Manhattanites looking to leave the city’s bustle and distractions behind.
Call in and say hello to Noel, he is a total gentleman and would be very happy to see you. For information on the Allegria Hotel (80 W Broadway, Long Beach) call (516) 889-1300 or visit info@allegiahotelny.com.
The great Brian McCabe was the guest speaker at the Irish Business Organization breakfast on Tuesday at the Fitzpatrick Hotel to a capacity crowd. Gee, they must have been hungry, just kidding as I am so sorry myself that I did not make because I have so much respect for Brian. Brian is a member of a large and well-known Irish American family with a distinguished tradition of service in the political, legal, educational, building trades and cultural life of New York City. He enjoyed a long and accomplished career in the NYPD Detective Bureau as detective and commander, and was widely recognized for his service in the Irish Peace Process.
He is currently a System Director with the Bon Secours Charity Health System and a consultant in investigative and security operations, creative and educational projects. Brian is Chairman of the Executive Council of the Society, on which he has served for a number of years. He is one of the best and a very good friend.
Frank Gillespie, a great friend of mine and the son-in-law of Brendan Grace sent me this on his wife Melanie, daughter of Eileen and Brendan Grace to let me know how the family gave a tribute at the Mass in Dublin. Brendan Grace’s son, Brendan Patrick described his father as the kindest, gentlest and most compassionate person he knew. Speaking at the funeral mass for Grace, who died on Thursday aged 68 after a brief illness, he said relationships with his family, friends and fans were the most important things to him. He said he was a man who liked simple things like Club Orange, Kit Kats and ham sandwiches and who had a love of gadgets. His daughter Melanie said being Brendan Grace’s daughter was far from ordinary. She spoke of how he spent hours writing letters and notes to friends and fans. She said being Brendan Grace’s daughter was like being enveloped by a massive hug, by a mighty protector, for 41 years. She thanked him for being compassionate, optimistic and generous. She said: “For most you’re a legend in show business, but to me you’re a legend of a dad. You’ve certainly earned your final bow. Rest easy dad.”
His son Bradley described his father as “generous, wise, confusing and beautifully strange” and said having him as a dad was like experiencing unbridled kindness, an honor and a source of unyielding pride. He said being funny was effortless for him and he had earned the title of Grand Master of Irish Comedy through intensely hard work.
His daughter Amanda concluded the family tributes by talking about his prolific letter writing and how he had prepared himself and his family for his death. She said he filled their lives with courage, acceptance and love in his final days.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe said he was taken aback at the number of people who turned up at the Mansion House to sign the Book of Condolence for Brendan Grace: “It’s a sad day for Dublin, but also a day where we get to celebrate Brendan’s life and I think he’’ll appreciate that.”
Delivering the eulogy Brian Keane, who was Grace’s tour manager for 37 years, said he was his humorous, kind and brave self as he approached death. He said when he asked Grace if he could do anything in his final days Brendan said “yes.” He asked him to set up a merchandising table at the back of the church to sell the rest of his DVDs and to give the priest a 20% cut. He also said Brendan asked him to ask the funeral directors to invoice him for chauffeuring services rather than funeral services so he could claim back the VAT.
Mr Keane said he had no doubt that heaven is a funnier place now. He ended the speech with the words he said Brendan used at the end of every gig: “Goodnight, god bless and safe home.” The ceremony concluded with a recording of Brendan Grace singing ‘This Old Guitar’ and his coffin was carried from the church to a recording of the comedian singing ‘The Rare Old Times.’
See you all again next week when I am Out&About again.