Who’s Philly’s most eligible bachelor?

By Pierce O’Reilly We’ve heard about "Temptation Island" and "Big Brother" in recent weeks, but now it’s the turn of the Irish to find their most eligible bachelor. The Philadelphia Immigration Resource Center has come up with a unique fund-raising idea that should stir up huge interest and rivalry among hostelries and Irish organizations within the city. The center is in search of the most eligible Irish bachelor who can "pour the perfect pint, chat up the most women, sing or tell jokes at the drop of a hat, and down a pint of Guinness in less than 5 seconds." The champion will receive a free trip to Ireland to compete in the Guinness International Mullingar Bachelor Festival later this summer. Organizer Tom Conaghan said the fund-raiser extends far beyond just raising money. "It’s a celebration of Irishness and an effort to bring the Irish community closer together," he said. "We also hope to increase awareness of the Immigration Center and we want people to be aware of what we do." Man of Erin chairperson Jennifer Hatton said that it’s been a tough year for elections. "That’s why we’ve decided to let the audience choose their man," she said. The 12 contestants, representing bars, Irish-American organizations and companies, will be given the opportunity to do their own "party piece" before the "underwear" section gets under way. "We decided that the swimwear section was a bit too much, so the lads will have to come back on stage instead in their boxers before the final decision is made," Hatton said. The Philadelphia Immigration Resource Center opened in December 1998 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. It was founded by the Federation of Irish-American societies and has being managed by a committee of Irish immigrants and Irish Americans since. The center is funded by the Irish Government Foundations and the Irish-American community in the Philadelphia area. The center is a non-profit organization that was set up to provide meaningful services, guidance and support to Irish immigrants and their families. Contestants for the "Man of Erin 2001" competition will be judged on appearance, personality and talent. "We’re going to have a great celebration and plenty of fun on the night as well," Conaghan said. The audience, along with a distinguished panel of adjudicators, will help select the best candidate to represent Philadelphia at the Guinness International Mullingar Festival in July. The entry fee per contestant is $250. The contest will be held at the Springfield Country Club on March 3, with live music by The Hooligans and D.J. John McDaid. For details, call (610) 924-0277. The Philly immigration center is also running a major seminar on immigration issues this Saturday, March 3. The seminar which is taking place at United Hall, 35 South 4th St., will cover criminalization of immigrants, INS standards, Immigrant workers rights, positive effects of immigration on U.S economy and current proposed legislation. Among the distinguished speakers will be Steve Morley, Al Caprara, Luis Tlaseca, John Lavin and Judith Bernstein. Admission is free and lunch will be served. For details, call (610) 924-0277.