LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating The Reverend Robert Sweeney upon
the occasion of his designation as 2010 Celt of the Year by the Green-
wood Lake Gaelic Cultural Society

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those distinguished citizens who devote their time and ener-
gies to the service of those associations which foster ethnic pride and
enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric
of the communities of New York State, and which serve the community and
enhance the character and quality of life for all citizens; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
congratulate The Reverend Robert Sweeney upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as 2010 Celt of the Year by the Greenwood Lake Gaelic Cultural
Society; this auspicious occasion was celebrated on Saturday, March 13,
2010, at the American Legion Hall in Greenwood Lake, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 22, 1944, The Reverend Robert Sweeney of
Holy Rosary Church in Greenwood Lake, New York, settled in Freeport, New
York, and graduated from Freeport High School in 1962; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation from high school, The Reverend Robert Sweeney
enrolled at Adelphi College before enlisting in the United States Army
where he served his country from 1965 to 1968; after his Army service,
he enrolled at Hofstra University, double majoring in German and Histo-
ry; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, The Reverend Robert Sweeney entered the seminary
system, enrolling at Iona College with dual double minors in Philosophy
and Religious Studies; in 1977, he entered St. Joseph's Seminary in
Yonkers, New York, and was ordained on November 4, 1982; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Robert Sweeney's numerous community roles and
involvements include qualified firefighter, Chaplin, volunteer, adminis-
trator and member of myriad organizations, including the Greenwood Lake
Gaelic Cultural Society which he joined in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by the closeness of the Greenwood Lake community and
how it pulls together, helping and supporting each other in both times
of joy and crisis, The Reverend Robert Sweeney has been called upon to
contribute his time and talents to countless events, and has always
given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his entire period of his service to the community,
a period of constructive involvement, The Reverend Robert Sweeney has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, The staples of the Reverend Robert Sweeney's life, hard work,
dedication and concern for others, truly embody all the positive quali-
ties necessary to serve as a leader and role model for all to emulate;
and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which The Reverend Robert Sweeney has
displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate The Reverend Robert Sweeney upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as 2010 Celt of the Year by the Greenwood Lake Gaelic Cultural
Society; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Robert Sweeney, Greenwood Lake, New York.