HONORING THE IRISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA'S EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

On 2025-03-03, Representative Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE IRISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA'S EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered the environment.

HONORING THE IRISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA'S EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025)] [House] [Page H939] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE IRISH-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA'S EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT (Mr. BRESNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Irish-American community in Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District. During the 1880s, Hazleton and the Wyoming Valley attracted many Irish immigrants, particularly from County Donegal, to work in the anthracite coal mines and the Duplan Silk Mill, the largest silk mill in the world at the time. Those immigrants not only helped build the economy but also their local communities. They built St. Gabriel's Parish as a hub for religious and social gatherings. After a long day's work, they would go to enjoy fellowship at locales like the Hazleton Swing Club. Today, their descendants support organizations like the Swing Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Hazleton. These groups organize the Toys for Tots drives, support the disenfranchised, and keep their families' heritage alive. In St. Gabriel's Cemetery in Hazleton is the grave of Condy Brislin, one of the earliest immigrants from County Donegal to move to Hazleton to work in the coal mines. As we prepare to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, let us honor our ancestors like Condy Brislin who paved the way for our prosperity today, and to those who keep their memories alive. ____________________