[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THOMAS McNABB ON COMPLETION OF 30 YEARS AS THE NATIONAL 
        SECRETARY OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANIEL B. MAFFEI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas McNabb on 
his completion of 30 years as the National Secretary of the Ancient 
Order of Hibernians of America (AOH).
   Thomas McNabb was born and raised in Auburn, New York, where he 
joined the Auburn Hibernian Division in 1955. Known as ``Mr. 
Hibernian'' around town, Tom has served his division in every capacity. 
He started many local Irish-American traditions such as the Friends of 
Ireland Annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon; he was also the founder of 
Auburn's Irish Festival.
   Thomas McNabb also served on the AOH New York State Board as 
Secretary, Treasurer, Organizer, State Director, and Vice President. 
Tom rose through the ranks to become the youngest AOH state President 
in 1975.
   Tom's unwavering commitment to the AOH was recognized nationally 
when he was elected National Vice President in 1976 and then later 
became the second youngest National President in 1978.
   Thomas McNabb was elected to his current position of AOH National 
Secretary in 1984.
   During his years in National Hibernian leadership, Tom met with 
numerous elected officials and prominent figures to promote and support 
Irish causes. Notable meetings included President Jimmy Carter, Members 
of Congress, as well as Catholic Bishops, Cardinals and Archbishops.
   In addition to Tom's great work in the United States, he has 
traveled to Ireland numerous times in support of the nation's causes. 
Tom was instrumental in the funding, building, and dedication of the 
Great Hunger Memorial in County Clare in 1995. This monument was the 
first memorial in Ireland to honor those who suffered and were lost 
during The Potato Famine, now renamed The Great Hunger.
   On top of his distinguished and devoted work for the AOH, Tom had 
worked as the Safety Inspector for the City of Auburn and served as an 
Auburn City Council member from 1995 to 2011.
   Throughout his life, Thomas McNabb has fully embodied the AOH 
Motto--``Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity''.
   Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Thomas McNabb 
on his completion of 30 years as the National Secretary of the Ancient 
Order of Hibernians of America (AOH). May he continue to be a leading 
force for good in an ever-changing world.

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