These Irish Eyes Are Smiling On Irish American Heritage Month Meet Sean Sheridan of The BayHouse

By Kami-Leigh Agard

In 1991, Congress recognized March as Irish American Heritage Month, and since then, beginning with President H.W. Bush, it has been a bipartisan declaration by every president, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Irish Americans nationwide. In this month-long series, The Rockaway Times salutes our local Irish Americans, expanding on the conversation around what it means to be Irish American. Beyond wearing green and watching the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, these individuals all exude, not just their passion to preserve Rockaway’s rich legacy as NYC’s premier Irish Riviera—but pass it on to the next generation. In this week’s installation, meet Sean Sheridan, Breezy Point resident and owner of The BayHouse.

Sean Sheridan is a second-generation Irish American. Both of his parents hail from County Cavan, and like many Irish-Americans immigrating to NYC in the ‘50s and ‘60s, planted their roots in Brooklyn. Interestingly, the name, “Sheridan,” an anglicized version of the Irish O'Sirideáin (or Ó Sirideáin), originating in County Longford (nearby County Cavan), means descendant of Sheridan ("the searcher”). Hence, no coincidence that the Sheridans’ search for a different life on the other side of the pond, led their son to not just discover, but plant roots in ocean/bayside Irish enclave, Breezy Point.

According to Sheridan, he and his parents first started visiting Rockaway during the 1960s and ‘70s. He shared, “Every year, we used to visit Ireland on a regular basis during the month of July, and in August, we rented two bedrooms in a house on Beach 92nd Street. Back then, this was the old Irish town with a lot of Irish families coming to Rockaway for vacation, renting rooms near the shore. In the evening, everyone would go up to the boardwalk, someone would bring an accordion, and there’d be Irish-step dancing, just having a fun time, watching the fireworks.”

As for how Sheridan ended up planting roots in Breezy Point, it began with a summer job at the Breezy Point Cooperative, which left the Breezy sand between his toes.

“I was studying business administration and management at St. Francis College, and I got an opportunity to work a summer job at the Breezy Point Cooperative. After graduation, I worked on Wall Street for 30 years. Then I retired, rented a sailboat and spent some time in the Caribbean. I was thinking about going back to Wall Street, but I found out that the business, where The BayHouse is now located, was up for sale. So, being a typical red-blooded Irish American, I wanted to own a bar. So, I got the property and opened The BayHouse in 2002. Wow, that was exactly 21 years ago,” Sheridan shared.

The BayHouse, with neighboring Kennedy’s, The Sugar Bowl and Blarney Castle, enjoyed a great run serving restaurant-goers looking for Breezy-good food, drinks and beach/bay vibes. Then in October 2012, the Frankenstorm of all storms hit—Hurricane Sandy—and according to Sheridan, the property was completely annihilated. However, like many businesses and residents on the peninsula, The BayHouse came back Breezy strong.

“Like everyone else, we had to rebuild. For the first two summers while waiting for permits and other things to come through, we operated out of a 40 ft. by 100 ft. tent. It was seasonal, March through October, and the community supported us,” Sheridan said.

Then finally in 2017, The BayHouse re-opened in a new state-of-the-art building, hoisted 10 feet up from ground level; gifting patrons stunning views of the bay, plus adding some sustainability in case of future storms.

When asked about how he views Rockaway’s transformation from the old Irish town to now, Sheridan was optimistic.

“With increased interest from people throughout NYC and beyond to enjoy the beauty of Rockaway’s beaches, especially with the added ferry service, it’s good for the community. And as for our Irish presence, there’s an incredible presence of Irish families, both in Breezy and the Rockaways, still here after 50, 60 years.”

What’s even more endearing about Sheridan is his steadfast dedication to pass on his pride in the Sheridan family’s Irish roots and culture to the next generation, namely his sons, nine-year-old Sean Andrew and sixyear-old John.

For example, he shared that last year for the first time, he took his sons to visit Ireland for Thanksgiving.

He laughed while sharing, “Andrew didn't wanna leave Ireland. He talks about it all the time. He says, ‘We should buy a home over there.’ He loved it because we spent time on the coast in Dublin’s Blackrock area. Plus, we spent time with family in County Cavan. My dad is buried in Ireland, and most of my family still lives there. It’s really beautiful, and my sons and wife, Maureen, feel at home.”

Sheridan recalled a funny anecdote about his sons and a stampede of sheep. “I was having breakfast with a cousin, sitting on the front deck overlooking the farm area, and all of a sudden, we see 50 sheep running for their lives! Two seconds later, we see my two boys chasing them and, I hear them yelling, ‘This is great!’ And my cousin gets up, protesting, ‘They’re gonna kill the sheep!’ He thought the sheep were going to have a heart attack because they were running so fast,” he said.

So yes, like Sean Sheridan and many Irish Americans living on the peninsula, Broad Channel and throughout the country—March is not just about donning green—but celebrating Irish roots, and the impact Irish Americans continue to make in their communities, large and small. Plus, making sure to keep the culture alive with the next generation.

The BayHouse is located at 500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point. Opening hours are Thursday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., (closing at 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). For reservations and more info, call: (347) 926-4926, visit: www.bayhousebreezypoint.com/ or follow on Instagram at @bayhousebreezypoint

Sean Fitzgerald

Direct 917-860-6701

Coastalfitz@gmail.com

Office: 718-318-5030 coastalrealestateny.com

We are in search of Two and Three bedroom rental units. We have multiple applicants looking for long-term rentals. Call us if you have available apartments.

LEGAL TWO FAMILY

Two Duplex Apartments. Each unit has 3 bedrooms and two full baths, gas fireplaces, laundry. Central Air throughout. Hardwood floors, Electric Vehicle Charge ready. Private driveway. Offered at $1,295,000

Rockaway ParkNew to Market

Large Studio. Top floor with unobstructed views of the bay and Manhattan skyline. Offered at $220k

Rockaway Park Multiple Dwelling

12 units on 80x100 lot, PS 114 S/DBeach block with two driveways

$1,300,000

Belle Harbor Short Term Rental

Available now through April. Three bedrooms, terrace, yard, private d/w.

$2800

Off-Market

Legal Two Family 50x100 lot, Brick, Two Car Garage

$975,000

Belle Harbor

Renovated Large One Bedroom

H/W floors, Central Air, Laundry, Summer Parking.

$1900 Includes utilities.

Ocean One Mint 2 BR, 2 Bath Condo. Unobstructed ocean views from every room. Laundry in unit. Private balcony. Offered at $685,000

New to MarketBroad Channel Renovated 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen w/ granite countertops. Bamboo flooring throughout. Walking distance to all.

Offered at $549,000

Arverne By The Sea

“The Nautilus” Building

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo. Private Terrace with Ocean and Bay Views. Offered at $360,000

OFFER ACCEPTED

Brand New on the Market - Mint Belle Harbor Beach Block 60x100

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with an open layout living room. kitchen great room plus den. Two driveways, 2 car garage, inground heated pool! This property has gorgeous ocean views $2.1M

Commercial Building on Beach 116 Street Storefront plus 2 offices. $999 firm

Belle Harbor – Legal 2 on 60x100 lot

Mint one bedroom apt w top 2 floors 6 bed and 4 baths Needs work! $1.3M

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Building on Beach 116th Street with storefront. Think out of the box – Movie Theatre, Roller Rink. Create something great for the neighborhood!!! $2.8M

Belle Shores – Oceanfront duplex condo with open layout with galley kitchen, one large bedroom (can be made into 2), 2 baths plus large top floor terrace $799K

Rockaway Park - 80x100 - Oversized Legal 3 on beach block 3 bed 2 bath duplex, 2 bedroom 1 bath plus 1 bedroom on top floor Needs work! $1.3M

Call for details

OCEAN VIEWS GALORE / NEPONSIT BEACH BLOCK

Move right in! Great room w/ wbfp, EIK plus den, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, finished basement, in-ground & heated pool & spa, long private driveway, 1 car garage. $2.6M

Apartments for Rent:

This charming home features a tremendous front porch for entertaining, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, full unfinished basement. Two car garage, plus parking for 5 cars. Call for appointment. $1.5M

This former hotel on a beach block features 14 rooms plus a commercial space that is rentable. The property could be a Spa or Restaurant or anything our community needs. According to the owner the building can be raised four additional floors!

Asking $2.8M

Call for viewing.

House for Rent -

Beach block $25,000 p/mo

Beautiful renovated Studio

July & August $5500

BH Upper - Six rooms, 2 bathrooms in a two family house.

July & August $6,000

Belle Harbor - one bedroom apt. July & August $6,000

Neponsit – Adorable bungalow, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, use of backyard, driveway, parking.

$2,800

One family, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, dynamic ocean views from every angle. One of the FEW Oceanfront homes available. Call for appt. Must see $4.650M

Belle Harbor - 6 rooms, two baths with w&d ............................................................................................$2,900

Rockaway Beach - One bedroom, beach block with laundry

Belle Harbor - beach block, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, two large terraces, w/d, parking. Fully furnished.

Belle Harbor - Large studio beach block ............................................................................................$1,300

Upper Belle Harbor - ground level, one bedroom, all new includes w&d, seasonal parking

Belle Harbor - Beach block, 6 rooms with ocean views, ............................................................................................$2,650

Belle Harbor - 6 rooms, 2 bathrooms. Use of basement and yard ............................................................................................$3,300

Belle Harbor 3 large rooms, very charming, cable included ............................................................................................$1,800

Rockaway Park - 6 rooms, 1 bath, granite kitchen, hardwood oors, full size w&d.

Rockaway Park - 2 bedrooms with loft! Unique set up parking included

ROCKAWAY PARK - FREE BUILD

Attention Entrepeneurs! Come bring your ideas to fruition in this 1800 sq. ft. open space with 2

Perfectly sized office space that can be custom designed to fit any business needs! Comes with parking. $2,400 · · · AVAILABLE PROPERTIES FOR

THURSDAY, MARCH

9

Colleen Brady

•

 OPEN HOUSE 

 OPEN HOUSE  in for your free consultation and find out what we do that’s different.

Saturday, 3/11 12-2pm

Quality craftmanship is the hallmark of this impressive Rockaway Park home with over 2,300 sq.ft of living space. 3BR, 2.5 bath, private parking, fully renovated. $895,000

HUGE PRICE ADJUSTMENT BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION!

Sunday, 3/12 11am-12:30pm

Spacious 2 BR, 1 bath condo with tiled floors, upgraded kitchen with SS appliances and granite countertops. Fenced in backyard. All appliances included. $469,000

LONG BEACH · · · AVAILABLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE · · · FIRST SHOWING 6BR, 5.5 BATH - $1,950,000 BELLE HARBOR FULLY REMODELED 4BR, 3 BATH - $1,089,000 ROCKAWAY PARK LEGAL 3 - BEACH BLOCK 6BR, 4 BATH - $1,649,000 NEPONSIT DECEPTIVELY LARGE 4BR, 2 BATH - $1,500,000 NEPONSIT NEW TO MARKET 3BR, 2 BATH - $950,000 ROCKAWAY PARK LEGAL TWO FAMILY 417 Beach 129th Street • (718) 634-3134 • 217 Beach 116th Street Lic. Broker-Owner:

B. 140: Center hall colonial summer rental w/ 5BR, 4BA, full basement & pool (BF). . $25,000

B. 117: 2BR, 1BA seasonal or long term rental in multi family. Inc. all utilities (TC). . . . $3,500

B. 117: First floor 2BR, 1BA seasonal rental in multi family home (TC) . . . . . . . . . . . $3,250

B. 125: 3BR, 2BA apt, HW floors and over-sized terrace with city views (LJ) $2,900

B. 118: Modern 3BR, 1BA apartment with W/D in unit and 1 car parking (ZP) $2,800

B. 96: Beautiful corner 1BR, 1BA apartment with views of Jamaica Bay (CF) $2,426

B. 121: Penthouse 1BR, 1BA w/ ocean & city views. Subject to board interview (BF) . . $2,200

·

B. 121: Spacious 1BR, 1BA unit w/ den/home office. Subject to board interview (BF) . $2,000

Brooklyn: Spacious and bright 1BR, 1BA, with EIK and closet space (TC) $1,900

Brooklyn: 1BR, 1.5BA condo unit in Bergen Beach with SS appliances (TC) $1,900

B. 96: 1BR, 1BA apartment in elevator building with parking available (CF). . . . . . . . $1,813

B. 120: Newly renovated 1BR, 1BA apt with HW floors and W/D in building (SB) $1,800

B. 120: Spacious 1BR, 1BA apt with HW floors and W/D in building (SB) $1,800

B. 118: Studio co-op with sleeping cove and views of the Atlantic (NS) $1,700

B. 93: Charming 1BR, 1BA apt with HW floors and open floorplan (SB). . . . . . . . . . . $1,657

Associate Real Estate Broker

Hurricane Forecast is not very favorable this year! Everyone needs to get a flood policy!

OCEANFRONT CONDO

OPEN HOUSE

Seavon Condominium

130 Beach 119 Street, Unit 4A

Sunday, March 12th

12:00pm - 1:30pm

Enjoy living at the beach in this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with ocean front terrace.

Direct ocean views, sunny open layout, high-end kitchen, w/d, lots of closets, deeded indoor parking space, storage, pet friendly.

$735K

Call Susan 347-260-3891

BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT STUDIO COOP

IN CONTRACT

$225,000

Call Bronagh 718-877-6324

BH 130’s

Very spacious, furnished 3 bedrooms, bright and airy, large back yard. $2800 a month + electric, heat is included. Available to May.

Call Susan 347-260-3891

BEST BOARDWALK BUILDING

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, March 11th, 2023 12:30pm - 2:00pm 123 -10 Ocean Promenade Unit 6C

One Bedroom, Oceanfront Boardwalk Coop. Bright, Sunny & Spacious. Newly renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops and stunning cabinetry. The unit offers beautiful hardwood floors and lots of closets. Open living & dining room layout. Building consists of Security Entrance System, laundry room, outdoor shower, rental parking options. No Pets.

Offered at $340,000

CALL SUSAN 347- 260- 3891

To advertise in The Rockaway Times call 718-634-3030 · ads@RockawayTimes.com

Century 21 Amiable II

Margaret A. Wagner

Associate Broker

(347)236-2018 cell | (718)845-4700 / www.c21amiable2.com

Raised Colonial with 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 2 half baths, large open living room, kitchen & dining room, full basement with a laundry room, work shop, lots of storage space, deck right off the dining room with patio doors, hot tub, pool, view sunrises from the front balcony, solar panels, tiled floors, split air units. Walk to trains, express bus, stores, tennis, Gateway National Park. 5 minute ride Rockaway Beach & Ferry to Manhattan. Listed for $629,000

Newly Built Raised Colonial - 2 bedrooms, one full bath, one half bath, new kitchen, laundry room, large yard, walk to stores, parks, tennis courts, library, train & express bus, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Near Rockaway beaches & ferry, 15 minute drive to JFK Airport. Listed for $575,000

Summer Rentals: Call Susan 347-260-3891

• B130’s - 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, use of indent parking

• B130’s – Studio, use of yard and parking

• Rockaway Park -2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

B90s steps to the beach 1 bed duplex oeanviews, hardwood floors throughtout, washer dryer accessibilty, bike & surfboard storage, no pets

$1,600

COMING SOON

BATH BEACH BROOKLYN

GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY

4 Family brick home with parking, yard Perfect location close to shops, train and express bus

CALL SUSAN 347-260-3891

BRAND NEW EXCLUSIVE LISTING

Call Susan 347- 260- 3891

Studios available from .......................$1,100 - $1,400

Call Susan 347-260-3891

WONDERFUL PLACE TO CALL HOME

BH steps to beach, Extra large 3 bedrooms with a master suite, 2.5 baths, terrace plus spacious outdoor living to enjoy. Gorgeous eat in kitchen, large dining/ living room, lots of closets, lovely entrance-way with additional space to utilize as office, w/d & parking. A Great set up to work from home! Pay all utilities. No pets.....................$3,400

Call Susan 347-260-3891

Rockaway Park Beach Block

Adorable 1 bed bungalow

No pets, street parking, pay all utilities .................$1,800

Call Susan 347-260-3891

Beach 120s

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, washer /dryer pay all utilities.....................................................$2,300

Beach Block Legal Two

Owner apartment, 2 or 3 bedrooms, renovated kitchen, large living room and dining room, semi finished basement with half bath. Rental apartment: 2 bedrooms, large living room with terrace, and bonus space on top floor, 3 extra rooms. $975,000

Call Kate 917-680-8051

Call Susan 347-260-3891

Beach 120’s

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms w/terrace, hardwood floors, one block to beach, close to shops, summer wknd parking. Pay all utilities.....................................................$2,600

Call Susan 347-260-3891

Broad Channel Commercial Rental 700 sqft. ............................................................$2,100

Call Bronagh 718-877-6324

Newly Renovated Raised Home, 2 bedrooms, office or small third bedroom, living room, kitchen with plenty of closets, large bathroom with washer and dryer, living room, dining room, attic, yard, plenty of storage space underneath the house, walk to stores, parks, tennis courts, library, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Express Bus to NYC, near Rockaway Beach, & ferry. 15 minute ride to JFK Airport. Listed for $469,000