[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 27520-27521]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO BRENDAN DENIS O'CONNOR ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, as Congress prepares to recess today for 
the Thanksgiving

[[Page 27521]]

holiday, I wish to take a moment to congratulate my friend Brendan 
O'Connor on the recent occasion of his 50th birthday, November 3, and 
to express my gratitude for his extraordinary contributions to the 
greater Worcester, Massachusetts community. In a place rich with kind 
people and colorful characters, Brendan stands apart but certainly not 
alone. His quick wit, brilliant sense of humor and boundless compassion 
have endeared him to countless admirers both near and far. This was 
never more evident than at the spectacular 50th birthday celebration 
his wonderful wife Claire and devoted sons Rory and Eamon hosted for 
him at Worcester's historic Tuckerman Hall on Saturday, October 22, 
2005. My wife Lisa and I were honored to attend that unforgettable 
evening with scores of Brendan's family and closest friends. The night 
was made truly special by the presence of Brendan's father, Sean, who 
traveled from the family's native Limerick City, Ireland; and all four 
of his siblings--his brothers, John, Kevin and Declan, and his sister, 
Carmel. And while Brendan's dear departed mother Joan (Horgan) O'Connor 
was not able to be there in person, her spirit was felt in the festive 
atmosphere that continued well into the night. All in all, the birthday 
party was an incredible tribute to Brendan but it does not reveal the 
full measure of the man.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to being a great human being, Brendan 
O'Connor is a also a very successful entrepreneur. As proprietors of 
the renowned O'Connor's Restaurant and Bar in Worcester, Brendan and 
Claire have graciously welcomed thousands upon thousands of hungry and 
thirsty patrons to their establishment. Every customer that comes 
through their doors is treated to excellent cuisine accompanied by the 
sterling service and warm hospitality the Irish have made famous. In 
fact, O'Connor's has grown to become much more than just a popular 
dining destination. It has become an institution deeply embedded in the 
fabric of the Worcester community. This is due in large part to 
Brendan's remarkable gift for making everyone he encounters feel 
special and at home.
  However, it is important to note that Brendan does not reserve his 
gifts and talents for his patrons alone. He has generously given his 
time and energy to numerous civic and charitable causes. As a long-time 
board member and past-president of the Emerald Club of Worcester 
County, Brendan has raised enormous financial support for the clients 
of the Mercy Centre through the promotion of Irish cultural events. His 
tireless efforts on behalf of the Emerald Club and the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians earned him the well-deserved honor of having been previously 
selected as the Grand Marshal of Worcester's annual Saint Patrick's Day 
Parade. Brendan has also shared his talents with the Worcester area 
youth as a volunteer soccer coach for many years. His unbridled passion 
and skillful teaching of the sport have produced numerous championship 
teams at various competitive levels. More importantly, he has been a 
positive guiding force in the lives of an untold number of young 
people.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to simply say that Brendan 
O'Connor is among the most beloved figures in my hometown of Worcester, 
Massachusetts. His charm is exceeded only by his devotion to his family 
and fellow man. I look forward to celebrating many more happy occasions 
with he and his wife Claire and congratulate him again on this 
important milestone in his life.

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