[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E595-E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING SEAN MACKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a businessman, a 
humanitarian, an advocate for Irish American Causes, but most 
importantly, a dear friend. I have known Sean Mackin for many years and 
I cherish the friendship he and I have forged over that time. I am 
honored to be able to recognize his many accomplishments.

[[Page E596]]

  Born in Belfast, County Antrim, Sean joined the Irish republican 
movement at age 11. He was arrested and imprisoned several times by 
British security forces, starting at age 12, but was never found 
guilty. In 1978, Amnesty International cited Sean's cause as one of the 
five most serious cases of torture in Northern Ireland. Following his 
release from prison, he met and married Philomena Devine, and the two 
immigrated to New York in 1983. Shortly after relocating, Sean was 
detained at the behest of the British government. As a Member of 
Congress, I heard about Sean's case, and knew that if he were to be 
deported his life would be at grave risk. I decided to get involved on 
Sean's behalf, and we soon became fast friends. After our prolonged and 
hard fought legal battle, the Mackin family won a landmark decision. 
His wife and daughter became the first Irish women to be granted 
political asylum in the United States, and Sean's deportation order was 
denied as he would go on to become an American citizen. He has been 
very involved in the Irish peace process and has worked with elected 
officials in Washington D.C. promoting peace and justice in Northern 
Ireland.
  Sean is also a cofounder and chairman of the New York Irish Center 
known for its outstanding services to the senior Irish generation and 
suicide prevention assistance for the Irish community. In 2014, Sean 
was honored by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform for his work on 
behalf of undocumented Irish.
  Of course, Sean's true love is his family. He and Philomena have 
three children, Jenifer, Sean Og and Ciaran, and four grandchildren, 
Gavin, Tyan, Ella and Pierce. They all live in Eastchester, NY.
  This year, Sean will serve as Grand Marshal for the EIASC's 13th 
Annual Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade. I cannot think of a more 
fitting Grand Marshal. Congratulations to my friend Sean Mackin on 
receiving this wonderful honor.

                          ____________________