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Colette Curry
Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1968 to Mary and James Lennon, Colette Curry comes from a large family of eight sisters and three brothers. She attended St. Maria Gretta Primary school and Colaiste Dhulagh Secondary School in Dublin.
With her childhood sweetheart, Dave Curry, Colette immigrated together to New 11988, and arrived in Woodside, Queens. Neither one had any family here, but, fortunately, Dave’s best friend, Martin French, gladly welcomed them. After settling in Woodside, Colette started working in J.D.’s, a popular American diner in New York City, before she took her vast food industry knowledge into the Irish community by working in Jameson’s and Murphy’s, two well-known Irish bar/restaurants in Manhattan.
In 1994, Colette and Dave flew back to Dublin, and, surrounded by all their family and friends, were married. In 1996, their first son, Ronan, was born, and five years later Christian was born. With their growing family’s needs in mind, Colette and Dave decided to depart from Queens and head to Rockland County, following close friends who had moved up a few years earlier.
Pearl River was their first choice, because of the strong Irish community, the excellent schools and the welcoming neighborhood. Colette quickly obtained a job in Muddy Brook Cafe, and worked there for three years. When the rpportunity presented itself to buy the business, she and her sister, Lesley Murtagh, did so in 2007.
Colette and Lesley never looked back after they bought the Muddy Brook Cafe, located on Main Street, in the heart of Pearl River. Colette’s husband, Dave, renovated the premises, and they joined the Pearl River Chamber of Commerce. For the past eight years, she and Lesley have focused on providing the Pearl River community with a quality restaurant, boasting a friendly and welcoming vibe. Muddy Brook Cafe has become a popular fixture, well-known for serving traditional Irish fare, including a top-notch Irish breakfast, plus other tasty food, both American and Irish.
Both Colette and Dave are active members of Division 3, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pearl River, proud to support their Irish culture and heritage. As members, they take part in many charitable events; most notably, the first place winners in Dancing Like the Stars. This was a very successful event, in which they not only participated in but were instrumental in organizing. Colette enjoys volunteering in many of the functions the AOH Division 3 proudly showcases, as she feels supporting charities and local fundraisers are not only an obligation but a rewarding way to give back to a community which has always supported her business and her family.
Colette appreciates all her customers, especially her loyal regulars, all of whom have become like family to her. She wants to keep her business a family one, welcoming not only her regulars but all customers who wish to experience a warm, friendly atmosphere and wonderful food. Colette would love to recognize her very capable staff, and let them know she appreciates all their hard work and dedication. Also, being partners with her sister Lesley has only strengthened their close relationship.
In closing, Colette knows her life would not be complete without the constant love and support of her wonderful husband Dave. They have come a long way, from their early beginnings in Dublin to their married life in Pearl River. Colette’s life has been enhanced by having such a hard-working and devoted husband who is also such a wonderful father to Ronan and Christian. She takes pride in having had their journey start in Dublin, cross over into New York and continue to thrive in Pearl River. Colette looks forward to spending many more happy years in a town she has grown to love.
Lesley Lennon Murtagh
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Lesley Lennon Murtagh was is the fourth eldest of twelve children. Her father, Seamus, was a taxi driver, while her mother, Mary, worked as a chef, along with raising the children.
After attending St. Maria Goretti Primary School, Lesley completed her secondary education, with an emphasis on electronics, at Colaiste Dhulaigh. Upon moving to Hampshire, England, Lesley landed a job with IBM, that complimented her electronics background.
After six years in England, Lesley decided in 1990 to come to America for a two-week holiday to visit her sister Colette. She knew at once that New York was the place for her. Lesley quickly settled in Woodside, Queens, which had a thriving Irish community. She started her new career at the Blarney Star in Manhattan as a waitress, under the watchful eye of Tony Brady. Tony shared all his experience of the hospitality business with Lesley. She later became a bartender, and worked there for many years.
Wanting to spend more time with her sisters Sharon and Colette, brother-in-law Dave, and her nephews Ronan and Christian, Lesley moved to Pearl River in 2005. She would often stop in to the cafe where Colette worked for a chat and a cup of tea. Little did Lesley know that a few years later she and Colette would purchase that very cafe, the Muddy Brook. Not long after moving to Pearl River, Lesley fell in love with her husband, Kevin. They were married in 2011. He has been a great source of sup¬port and strength for all her endeavors.
Owning the Muddy Brook has proven to be a wonderful chapter in Lesley’s life. It has been a great way to create and feel of a real sense of community. From the regulars who come in for their daily breakfast and a chat to their new customers who come in to experience a real taste of Ireland.
Lesley and Colette have truly succeeded in creating a warm and invit¬ing atmosphere, where all who enter feel like part of the family.