Title
To declare Wednesday, March 17, 2004 St. Patrick's Day in Columbus, Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, for more than 100 years the Irish Clans of Columbus have gathered on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, to celebrate their grand heritage by marching proudly through the streets of Downtown; and
WHEREAS, many of the strong men and women of earlier generations fled The Great Hunger in Ireland to come to a new life with new opportunities in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, so many of those proud Irish faced economic, religious and social discrimination with heads held high and shoulders squared, especially on the day when they marched in honor of St. Patrick; and
WHEREAS, those same Irish survived and prospered and built the infrastructure of Columbus, as well as large families that spread from old Irish Broadway, also known as Naghten Street, out to the North, South, East, and West ends of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, Shamrock Club President Tim Feeney is the third of his Clan to lead our parade, beginning at the very beginning with his great-great grandfather, Patrick Egan in the 19th century, then by his great-grandfather Michael Ryan in the 20th century, and Tim himself representing 21st century Irish Americans here in Columbus, and
WHEREAS, on March 17th this year, as we march together to the oldest Catholic church in Columbus, Holy Cross, to join together in celebration and prayer, we remember the contributions of those who came before us, AND those who stand with us, and thank God for the good fortune to be Irish; and
WHEREAS, this year we know that just as the strength of Columbus is in its people, so too is that strength reflected by the contributions of this year's Irish American honorees, recognized by Columbus's Irish cultural and religious organizations, and
WHEREAS, we recognize the parade sponsor and organizer, the Shamrock Club of Columbus, and honor Irishman of the Year and City employee David Hartigan, especially for his work with the Irish Cultural Foundation and the Irish Way Scholarship as well as his knowledge of Irish military history; Shamrock Club Member of the Year Shaun Campbell for his untiring work to improve the Club; Outstanding Service Award winner Todd Sichel for 10 years of being the "numbers man," keeping the Club's financial house in order; and Parade Grand Marshall Gene O'Brien, whose regal bearing and gentle Irish humor are the mark of this true Irish gentleman, 365 days of year, and
WHEREAS, the Daughters of Erin honor Irish Woman of the Year Julie O'Keefe McGee for her dedication, her commitment and her work to honor the history of the Irish in Columbus; and Member of the Year Marita Surry for her continued dedication to the Club as well as excellence in darts, and
WHEREAS, the Ancient Order of Hibernians honor Mike (Not the Mayor!) Coleman for his work with the Catholic Action Committee, Stephen Hayes, O.P. for his consuming interest in the ancient tongue and ways of our ancestors, as well as his priestly care; and
WHEREAS, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians honor Member of the Year Maureen Lovell, long-time member, current president and truly a lady of kindness and grace, and
WHEREAS, together, as Clan Na nGael, One Family Irish, representing the Shamrock Club of Columbus, The Daughters of Erin, the Emerald Society, The Irish Cultural Foundation, The Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Irish Living History Society, we all recognize and honor County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien for his long-term commitment to the Irish community and his exemplary record of public service to the people of Columbus and Franklin County; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare Wednesday, March 17, 2004 as St. Patrick's Day in Columbus, Ohio.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be presented to representatives of the various Irish Organizations in Columbus, Ohio on March 12, 2004.