WHEREAS, In 1958, the Commodore John Barry Club, more commonly known as Philadelphia's Irish Center, was founded by the Irish Community. They purchased a large building formerly known as the Ross House in West Mt. Airy, at Carpenter and Emlen Streets, that housed several bars, restaurant facilities, meeting rooms and an auditorium; and
WHEREAS, When The Irish Center opened, it had a non-political mission which was to provide a common Irish social facility where county societies could hold large fund-raising balls, meetings, concerts and other events; and
WHEREAS, The Commodore John Barry Club quickly grew with a regular bar patronage, a calendar of meetings and a steady yearly cycle of Irish society balls and dances. Since its inception, the Irish Center has allowed a growing number of Irish-born and Irish Americans to mingle together on a regular basis in a warm, inviting place; and
WHEREAS, During the Bicentennial years, Billy Brennan, member of the Commodore Barry Club and of the Heritage Council of the Federation of Irish American Societies of the Delaware Valley, spearheaded the founding of the Irish Center's Library. The library has grown to house a large collection of historic books, rare photographs, society charters, and memorabilia which celebrate Ireland's history and its rich cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, For 57 years, the Irish Center has promoted Irish culture attracting an enlivened Irish American community seeking out their Irish roots. It has fostered the growth of the Philadelphia Céilí Group which has promoted traditional céilí and set dancing for generations of Philadelphians; and
WHEREAS, Currently, the Irish Center's Board, championed by President Vince Gallagher and long-time member Sean McMenamin, has spearheaded a highly successful fund-raising effort to keep the Irish Center functioning well in the new millennium; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and recognize the Commodore John Barry Club, more commonly known as Philadelphia's Irish Center.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Vincent Gallagher, further evidencing the respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End