LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Niall Burgess, Consul General of
Ireland at New York, upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State American Irish Legislators Society at
its Annual Dinner

WHEREAS, March is a time for people of all nationalities and generations
to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Irish
people throughout these United States; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Niall Burgess, Consul General of Ireland at New York, upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Ameri-
can Legislators Society at its Annual Dinner; and
WHEREAS, Niall Burgess was appointed Consul General of Ireland at
Ireland House in New York in May of 2007; Ireland House is also home to
the North American head offices of Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland
and the Industrial Development Authority; and
WHEREAS, As Consul General, Niall Burgess carries a broad range of
responsibilities including business, cultural and community relations
and consular assistance in a 10 state area which includes Connecticut,
Delaware, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North and South Caro-
lina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Prior to assuming this role, Niall Burgess served as Director
with responsibility for political affairs at the Anglo Irish Division of
the Department of Foreign Affairs in the period leading up to the estab-
lishment of the Northern Ireland Executive in May of 2009; and
WHEREAS, Since coming to New York, Niall Burgess has sought support
for the Irish economy on an all-island basis, also working closely with
the Northern Ireland Bureau; and
WHEREAS, Born in Dublin, Ireland, he initially studied to be an
archaeologist; and
WHEREAS, Previously, Niall Burgess served in Chicago, New York, Geneva
(with the United Nations) and Brussels (with the European Union); he was
the private secretary to Foreign Minister, Dick Spring from 1993 to
1997, and also served as Joint Director of the International Fund for
Ireland, which provides a range of reconciliation and job creation
programs in Northern Ireland and the border counties; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marie Morgan, and
their two children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, No nation on earth has sent to the shores of America a people
more spiritual than the Irish; throughout the ages, they have left their
cares forgotten among the lilies; from the mode and texture of that
endowment, the cathedrals and colleges of our nation were built, a
heritage largely formed, our American character greatly forged; and
WHEREAS, The Annual New York State American Irish Legislators Society
Dinner celebrates the spirit, purity and strength of the Irish culture,
its people and its fine traditions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Niall Burgess, Consul General of Ireland at New York, upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York
State American Irish Legislators Society; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Niall Burgess, Consul General of Ireland at New York.