Rep. Kelly honored for public service as U.S.-Ireland leaders strengthen ties during annual D.C. meetings

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Last week, Friends of Ireland Caucus Co-Chair U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA) met with members of the Ireland delegation during their annual meetings in Washington, D.C. The meetings preceded an event on Wednesday, March 13 in which Rep. Kelly was honored by The Ireland Funds 32nd Annual National Gala for his career in public service. The Ireland Funds was co-founded by former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and Pittsburgh Steelers owner, the late Dan Rooney. Among the Irish officials in attendance were Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland.

The event comes as the U.S. and Ireland celebrate their 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"It's always a privilege to break bread alongside our Irish colleagues here in Washington. I want to thank them for making their annual visit once again. I'm honored to receive this award, but the real honor is strengthening the ties between our two nations," Rep. Kelly said. "Like many in the United States, I'm proud to trace my roots back to Ireland. As we mark the 100th anniversary of United States-Irish diplomatic relations, it's important to remember the role that our Irish ancestors played in developing the United States and the role that so many still play today as we chart our future together."

The final meeting of the week was Friday, March 15 with the annual lunch between Friends of Ireland Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Kelly and Richard Neal (D-MA), President Joe Biden and Irish leaders at the U.S. Capitol.

Additionally, President Biden declared March is Irish-American Heritage Month.