[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2797]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              HONORING THE O'NEILL SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
thank the O'Neill School of Irish Dancing for taking part in the New 
Haven's St. Patrick's Day Parade during their visit to the United 
States. It is an honor for New Haven to host them at this annual 
celebration.
  In my hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, St. Patrick's Day is a very 
special holiday. Every year the parade committee works diligently to 
sponsor a group from Ireland to participate in the celebration. This 
year we are honored to have the O'Neill School of Irish Dancing join us 
from Bornacoola, representing communities from Leitrim and Longford 
Counties in Ireland. In all, 57 boys and girls, ages 8 to 15 will 
travel to the U.S. to perform in the New Haven Parade and will be 
featured in the big parade in New York. These exceptionally talented 
young people will be performing a combination of traditional Irish 
step-dancing with pieces from the popular shows of Riverdance and Lord 
of the Dance. Our community certainly shares the excitement in their 
attendance.
  Even more impressive than their young talent is the commitment and 
dedication they have put into making this trip possible. Inspired by 
the excitement of performing, these young people managed a variety of 
fundraisers to finance the trip. With tremendous community support and 
enthusiasm, both in Ireland and in the States, they achieved their goal 
and were able to raise enough money for the trip. They are truly a 
remarkable group of youngsters.
  On behalf of the New Haven community, I am pleased to welcome the 
O'Neill School of Irish Dancers--we are certainly thrilled to host them 
during their visit. My sincere appreciation to the many people who have 
helped them join us for the upcoming celebration. I would like to 
extend my very best wishes for continued success. Happy St. Patrick's 
Day!

                          ____________________