[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 2004 PROVIDENCIA AWARD RECIPIENT, MR. PATRICK ROONEY, SR.

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                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of the 
House the achievements of Patrick Rooney, Sr., a constituent of mine 
from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in receiving the prestigious 2004 
Providencia Award from the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors 
Bureau.
  May 2004, being National Tourism Month, is the perfect time to honor 
Pat, who owns and operates the Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm 
Beach and three Irish restaurants called ``Rooney's Public House'' 
located at the Palm Beach International Airport, West Palm Beach and 
Jupiter's Abacoa. I am a patron of those restaurants and can testify to 
the quality of food and service and to the vibrancy they bring to the 
surrounding communities.
  The Providencia Award was named after the coconut-laden Spanish ship 
that sank off the shore of Palm Beach in 1878, washing ashore its cargo 
bringing Coconut Palms to the island and inspiring the name ``Palm 
Beach.'' Each year, it is awarded to an individual or entity that has 
made an exceptional contribution to the County's $2 billion tourism 
industry. Past recipients include Burt Reynolds, Chris Evert, Jack 
Nicklaus, Alex Dreyfoos, The Breakers, The Boca Raton Resort and 
others. This year it belongs to Pat Rooney, who is being honored for 
his contributions.
  Mr. Speaker, in my South Florida Congressional District, home of 
fervent Miami Dolphin fans, we forgive and overlook Pat's strong 
allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which his family owns. We focus 
rather on the tremendous impact Pat has on our community. Pat serves on 
the Economic Council, and the Palm Beach County Attractions 
Association. The Hanley Hazelden Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of 
Palm Beach, Greyhound Adoption League, Lynn University, and the 
American Red Cross have also benefitted from his generous philanthropy.
  Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Mac McLaughlin and his team for 
selecting another great honoree this year. To Pat Rooney, 
congratulations on this important recognition and I wish you good 
health and continued success, except when it comes to the AFC 
Conference Championship.

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