Representative Mike Kelly Honors the Prime Minister of Ireland, Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with President Obama
Representative Mike Kelly Honors the Prime Minister of Ireland, Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with President Obama, Vice-President Biden
Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) attended a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon honoring the Prime Minister of Ireland. The Friends of Ireland Luncheon was hosted by Speaker of the House John Boehner and was attended by President Obama and Vice President Biden. Guests also included members of Congress from both parties, including Reps. Pelosi (D-CA), Hoyer (D-MD), Ryan (R-WI), McCarthy (R-CA), and Senator Leahy (D-VT). The luncheon has been a longstanding Washington tradition started by Speaker Tip O’Neill in the 1980s. Representative Kelly released the following statement:
“Like many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day holds a very dear place in my heart. Today we celebrate the people, the traditions, and, of course, the patron saint of Ireland, a man who overcame tremendous adversity through an unshakeable faith and love of God that continues to inspire Christians throughout the world.
“During a lunch today honoring the Prime Minister of Ireland, I broke soda bread with my fellow Congressional colleagues, President Obama and Vice President Biden. We shared stories of Ireland and the generations of Irish immigrants whose talent and hard work helped make America great. President Obama told a story about two of America’s most famous Irish Americans: Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill. President Obama said that during a White House party for Tip O’Neill’s 70thbirthday, President Reagan toasted Tip, saying: ‘Tip. If I had a ticket to heaven and you didn’t have one, I would give mine away and go to hell with you.’The room filled with laughter.
“With good cheer and high spirits, people from all walks of life and every political persuasion come together to raise a toast to all things Irish. Coming from Northwestern Pennsylvania, with its strong Irish influence, being in the room today with so many Irish Americans was almost like being home.
“May everyone in the 3rdDistrict have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day. Erin go Bragh!”
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