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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 227-06
June 30, 2006

MAYOR BLOOMBERG TO TRAVEL TO IRELAND FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2006

On Friday, July 28, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will travel to Ireland at the invitation of the Irish Government and the people of County Sligo.  Mayor Bloomberg will attend a breakfast in Dublin hosted by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the Irish Government, Michael Martin.  U.S. Ambassador to Ireland James Kenny will also join Mayor Bloomberg for this breakfast meeting.  While in Dublin, Mayor Bloomberg will also meet with Mary Harney, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health; Michael McDowell, Minister for Justice, Equality, and Law Reform; and Dermot Ahern, Minister for Foreign Affairs.  Mayor Bloomberg will then travel to Ballymote, Sligo for the official unveiling of a monument of Brigadier General Michael Corcoran in honor of New York’s famed Fighting 69th Regiment.

“Over the last four and a half years, I have had the honor of welcoming a number of Irish government officials to New York City on St. Patrick’s Day and many other occasions, including the dedication of the Irish Hunger Memorial in 2002 and last year’s re-dedication of the plaque honoring the birthplace of Eamon de Valera – a native New Yorker who became the father of the Irish Republic,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “As a result, I have received many generous invitations to visit the Emerald Isle, and I am looking forward to doing so this July.  In addition to discussing shared issues of interest with Irish leaders, it is my honor to represent New York City at the unveiling of the monument to the Fighting 69th – the legendary Irish Brigade.  The Irish have given so much to our City, but perhaps nothing so great as the Fighting 69th, whose members have served our nation with extraordinary valor and patriotism for more than 150 years.  Our City takes enormous pride in the Fighting 69th, and there is no more fitting tribute to those who have marched under its green flag than a monument on Irish soil.”

The 69th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard, is a combat unit rooted in New York City. Its history dates back to 1851, when it was created by Irish immigrants as the 69th New York militia "A" company.  The regiment has served with great distinction in battle, including during the Civil War, World War I, World War II and in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  It was one of the first units to respond to the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.

A detailed itinerary will be provided closer to the departure date.







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