[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6201]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE HARP & SHAMROCK MARCHING BAND FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 12, 1999

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a group of young 
women who have honored my district by participating in both the New 
Haven and Milford annual Saint Patrick's Day Parades. Locally supported 
by their parents and neighbors, the Harp & Shamrock Marching Band 
traveled from Ireland to join the New Haven community's celebration.
  The Harp & Shamrock Marching Band originated with a music class at 
the Scoil Bhride girl's primary school and today is organized and run 
by a dedicated committee of parents and volunteers. With the strong 
support of their community, and uniforms made by a dedicated group of 
parents and supporters, I am so proud to join them in their celebration 
of Ireland's patron saint.
  Playing instruments ranging from whistles and accordions to bell 
lyres and percussions, these forty-three young women keep Irish culture 
and history alive. These young women, all between the age of 8 and 18, 
show a rare dedication and commitment to a demanding level of 
competition. Representing their town, county, province, and country in 
national events, they continue to proudly promote the Irish culture and 
tradition. They have been honored for fourteen consecutive years as 
Offaly Co. Champions in addition to their 1996 All-Ireland 
Championship. They have also been to London in 1996 and Manchester in 
1997 and 1998 to take part in their St. Patrick's Day parades.
  I am proud to take this opportunity to thank the Harp & Shamrock 
Marching Band for joining the New Haven and Milford communities in 
their Saint Patrick's Day Parades. It was a pleasure to join them at 
both events and I congratulate them on their hard work and success at 
bringing the Irish culture to each community they visit.




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