[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2421-E2422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO BRENDAN DENIS O'CONNOR ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, as Congress prepares to recess today for 
the Thanksgiving holiday, I wish to take a moment to congratulate my 
friend Brendan O'Connor on the recent occasion of his 50th birthday, 
November 3, and to express my gratitude for his extraordinary 
contributions to the greater Worcester, Massachusetts community. In a 
place rich with kind people and colorful characters, Brendan stands 
apart but certainly not alone. His quick wit, brilliant sense of humor 
and boundless compassion have endeared him to countless admirers both 
near and far. This was never more evident than at the spectacular 50th 
birthday celebration his wonderful wife Claire and devoted sons Rory 
and Eamon hosted for him at Worcester's historic Tuckerman Hall on 
Saturday, October 22, 2005. My wife Lisa and I were honored to attend 
that unforgettable evening with scores of Brendan's family and closest 
friends. The night was made truly special by the presence of Brendan's 
father, Sean, who traveled from the family's native Limerick City, 
Ireland; and all four of his siblings--his brothers, John, Kevin and 
Declan, and his sister, Carmel. And while Brendan's dear departed 
mother Joan (Horgan) O'Connor was not able to be there in person, her 
spirit was felt in the festive atmosphere that continued well into the 
night. All in all, the birthday party was an incredible tribute to 
Brendan but it does not reveal the full measure of the man.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to being a great human being, Brendan 
O'Connor is a also a very successful entrepreneur. As proprietors of 
the renowned O'Connor's Restaurant and Bar in Worcester, Brendan and 
Claire have graciously welcomed thousands upon thousands of hungry and 
thirsty patrons to their establishment. Every customer that comes 
through their doors is treated to excellent cuisine accompanied by the 
sterling service and warm hospitality the Irish have made famous. In 
fact, O'Connor's has grown to become much more than just a popular 
dining destination. It has become an institution deeply embedded in the 
fabric of the Worcester community. This is due in large part to 
Brendan's remarkable gift for making everyone he encounters feel 
special and at home.

  However, it is important to note that Brendan does not reserve his 
gifts and talents for his patrons alone. He has generously given his 
time and energy to numerous civic and charitable causes. As a long-time 
board member and past-president of the Emerald Club of Worcester 
County, Brendan has raised enormous financial support for the clients 
of the Mercy Centre through the promotion of Irish cultural events. His 
tireless efforts on behalf of the Emerald Club and the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians earned him the well-deserved honor of having been previously 
selected as the Grand Marshal of Worcester's annual Saint Patrick's Day 
Parade. Brendan has also shared his talents with the Worcester area 
youth as a volunteer soccer coach for many years. His unbridled passion 
and skillful teaching of the sport have produced numerous championship 
teams at various competitive levels. More importantly, he has been a 
positive guiding force in the lives of an untold number of young 
people.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to simply say that Brendan 
O'Connor is among the most beloved figures in my hometown of Worcester, 
Massachusetts. His charm is exceeded only by his devotion to his family 
and fellow man. I look forward to celebrating many more happy occasions 
with he and his wife

[[Page E2422]]

Claire and congratulate him again on this important milestone in his 
life.

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