[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 30 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CARMEL REILLY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2008

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, Carmel Reilly has been a member of the 
Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians for 8 years and in that 
relatively brief time has been involved in so many activities involving 
AOH causes that she has been named its 2008 Hibernian of the Year.
  Carmel is the daughter of Matt and Moira Reilly from Blauvelt where 
she grew up along with her three sisters. The family's Irish heritage 
was incorporated into everyday life and Irish step-dancing lessons 
resulted in Carmel being a participant in Rockland County's first ever 
Feis in 1974.
  Carmel has participated in all things Irish: St. Patrick's Day 
parades, Irish festivals, and Feiseanna, to mention just a few events.
  She joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 3 in 2001 
and quickly joined the Rockland County St. Patrick's Day Parade 
Committee. In 2003, she was part of the newly formed Halfway to St. 
Patrick's Day committee. As chairperson of the committee's highly 
successful Night at the Races, over $20,000 was raised for the Rockland 
County St. Patrick's Day Parade over the next 2 years.
  As a Ladies AOH member, Carmel was always ready to volunteer. She has 
been the chair of more than a dozen Christmas and St. Patrick's Day 
dinners. She has contributed to the Rockland AOH/LAOH Feis for several 
years and was a co-chairperson, along with Michael O'Sullivan, of the 
Feis journal for 2 years.
  In 2004, Carmel began raising funds for the Rockland Gaelic Athletic 
Association, originating the highly successful Pub Quiz, which is in 
its fifth season.
  Carmel also has the Irish love of horses and in 2006 she invested in 
two racehorses--one of which, Tater Tutt, recently won his fifth race 
from his last six starts.
  Carmel, a Dominican College alumna, is employed as the Treasury/
Budget Manager for Common Ground, an organization that helps the 
homeless find housing.
  Working with the Rockland AOH in assisting hurricane victims or 
sending a notice of a fundraiser to hundreds of supporters, Carmel 
tirelessly gives her time and energy. Her energy and devotion have 
earned her this honor, and I join in congratulating her for this 
recognition.

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