Jimmy ready to roll out the red carpet

Jimmy Glynn has been rolling out the red carpet for teams from the West of Ireland for as long as he can remember.

Only a few weeks ago, he came to the aid of the Galway camogie team when they were “snowed in” Stateside. In 2010, the infamous “ash cloud” delayed the return of the Galway footballers. Seven years later, the Galway hurlers were stranded after missing their flight to Cancun.

Each time, Jimmy stepped up to the plate and made sure everyone was looked after. The Dunmore native’s amiable and generous nature has never been found wanting, albeit he admits that he’s “winding down” now.

His popular pub, Jake’s Saloon — named after his son — on 23rd street beside the corner of 7th avenue has been a “home away from home” for Roscommon supporters on previous trips to the Big Apple.

And while life in New York is different from the last time the Rossies were in town in 2016, Jimmy is looking forward to seeing some familiar faces for, possibly, the last time if the plug is pulled on the Connacht counties coming across the Atlantic Ocean for their opening round Connacht SFC game.

“Everyone out here looks forward to this day. For the Irish diaspora, it’s huge. We know it’s a five-year cycle, so to lose it would be tough. West of Ireland people would really miss it.

“Gaelic Park is midway through its construction. It would be a bummer if the Connacht teams coming out here had to stop. But there are five competitions in the hurling and two in the football, so maybe a third competition could come out here instead,” he suggested.

The landscape has changed in terms of how people plan their trips abroad these days. Most people crave the independence of choosing their itinerary, including their own hotels.

“There are hotels beside Jake’s Saloon, and I would have developed a good rapport with them over the years. Last time, I was lucky enough to book out a hotel beside me (Chelsea Savoy).

“Michael Caslin (formerly of 747 Travel) would have helped out with the whole deal. He made my life easier and I would have got the business from it. It was a “win win” situation for everyone. I tried to do the same this time but there aren’t many travel agents around. It’s all about the internet.

“A lot of people from Boston and Chicago, who would have been here in previous years, are coming for the weekend. I’ll probably end up with 50 rooms in the hotel next door, which are 50 rooms I wouldn’t have if the game wasn’t on,” he pointed on.

Given Dunmore’s proximity to the Roscommon border, it’s understandable that Jimmy has a “soft spot” for the Primrose and Blue. The eldest of 13, he makes it home a few times a year to take in some of the action. Just last year, he was deservedly named Galway Person of the Year.

The Glynn family is steeped in the GAA, and that baton has been handed to Jimmy’s nephew Jack — Young Footballer of the Year in 2022 — and his niece Mairead, who plies her trade with the Galway senior ladies’ footballers, in recent years.

Back in New York, times have changed, especially since Covid which cost Jimmy two of his bars.

“The bars and restaurants aren’t as busy as they once were. In previous years, GAA supporters coming over here were getting more bang for their buck as regards the euro versus the dollar.

“Young people live their lives differently. My son runs marathons, they’re all into hyrox.

“They used to say that New York was the city that never sleeps. We have a 4 a.m. license, which most bars have in New York, but 2 a.m. is max.

“Everyone is watching their jobs. The offices are only three days a week, which is huge. Most people get food to go and take it back to their office. The day of the Three-Martini Lunch is gone. They’re at home in bed early on Sunday to be up bright and early Monday. You have to be on your computer early.

“I’m here since 1994. There has been no visa for 36 years. I have nieces and nephews in Australia. A lot of Irish people are in Canada. To become legal here is very tough nowadays.” 

As part of Roscommon’s trip to New York, Shannonside FM will broadcast a special programme from Jake’s Saloon on Saturday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Irish time). Willie Hegarty will be behind the mic, chatting to GAA royalty.

“It’s always a fun day. The Grand National is on that day. We talk to invited guests and a few random people having a pint and some food,” highlighted Jimmy.

As for the match itself, Jimmy is confident that anyone who wants to go to the match will end up with a ticket, and while Roscommon will be favourites for victory, they’ll have to be wary, given New York’s low-key preparations.

“There isn’t much coming from the New York camp. Everyone is raving about the way Roscommon are playing at the moment but New York are keeping their cards very close to their chest.”

And his wish for this season, apart from Galway winning the All-Ireland?

“I hope it’s a Galway/Roscommon Connacht final in the Hyde!”

Nobody will quibble with that.