[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 30 (Thursday, March 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E330]]
               HONORING THE SAVANNAH SHAMROCKS RUGBY CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2000

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize The Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club, which is a non-profit, 
charity aiding organization in Savannah, GA. The club was founded in 
1978 and now has approximately sixty members. The club is comprised of 
Military personnel, Teachers, Scientists, Doctors, Engineers, Sales 
people, and College students. The team plays 24 games per year in 
Savannah, facing competition from local teams such as Georgia Southern, 
Hilton Head, Columbia, and Augusta. Occasionally, the club is given the 
opportunity to compete against International teams such as the British 
Navy, South America, and Canada. There are two seasons per year, one is 
played in the Fall and the other in the Spring.
  The main highlight for the club is the popular, annual St. Patrick's 
Day Rugby Tournament. This tournament is held every year on St. 
Patrick's Day weekend, which makes it feasible for the ``out of town 
teams'' to compete. The tournament's overwhelming popularity on St. 
Patrick's Day is the main reason The Shamrocks is the number one 
amateur sporting event economically in the Savannah area. Based on 
sheer numbers of players and supporters, who attend this great event, 
it is estimated that approximately $3 million is generated to the local 
economy over this one weekend. During the rest of the year the club 
spends about $42,000 per year locally, and approximately $54,000 on 
``out of town'' spending. The club also donates annually to local 
charities and in nine years the club has donated over $25,000 to MDA. 
The Shamrocks have hosted this tournament for the past twenty one 
years, and would like to continue to host the tournament for many more 
years to come.
  It is my pleasure to commend this charitable organization, which 
provides many benefits to the community beyond the intense, competitive 
game of Rugby.

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