[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 18 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. KEVIN GUERIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 3, 2012

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Kevin 
Guerin of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. Mr. Guerin will be honored as 
the 2012 Irishman of the Year by the Ancient Order of Hibernians 
Volunteer Patrick Torphy Division 2 of Monmouth County. Mr. Guerin is 
an outstanding leader and member of the community whose contributions 
have continued to promote, preserve and uphold Irish heritage, as well 
as embodying the AOH motto of friendship, unity, and Christian charity. 
His actions and dedication are undoubtedly worthy of this body's 
recognition.
  Mr. Kevin Guerin was born in Miltown Malbay in County Clare, Ireland, 
a region commonly known for its traditional Irish music. As the second 
youngest child of 11 siblings, Mr. Guerin attended St. Joseph's 
Vocational School in Miltown Malbay and received his certification in 
carpentry. In addition to his professional career, Mr. Guerin is an 
accomplished musician and earned the title of All Ireland Tin Whistle 
Champion. After immigrating to the United States in 1973, he continued 
to pursue his passion for music. Mr. Guerin began playing with several 
Irish bands throughout New York and New Jersey, ultimately starting his 
own band, ``The Biddy Earlys,'' which was later named ``Round The 
House.''
  Mr. Guerin has admirably served on numerous boards for various 
organizations throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey. He is a valued 
member of the Knights of Columbus Bayshore Council #2858 and continues 
to dedicate countless hours to the Irish Federation of Monmouth County 
and the Frank McGovern Association of Newark. Mr. Guerin is a 
hardworking member of the John F. Cryan Association of South Orange, 
the Irish American Society of Union and is committed to upholding the 
mission of the Joseph Nugent Association of Elizabeth and the Friendly 
Sons of St. Patrick of the Jersey Shore. Kevin is the founding member 
of the famous Hoboken St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Jersey Shore 
Irish Festival of which he served as Chairman in 1999. As a result of 
his impressive actions, Mr. Guerin was recognized by the Irish American 
Fenian Society in 1987, Jersey Shore INA in 1996, the Order of St. 
Brendan in 1999 and is the highly deserving recipient of the Patrick 
Torphy Award in 2008. Kevin and his wife Kathleen are the proud parents 
of Fiona, Delia, Mike and the late Siobhan. They are also grandparents 
to Quinn Morgan.
  Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Mr. Kevin Guerin upon receiving the 2012 Irishman of the 
Year award and also for his leadership and service to the Irish 
American community.

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