LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sean O'Rourke upon the occasion of his
selection as Grand Marshal of the 2014 Rockville Centre St. Patrick's
Day Parade on March 22, 2014

WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is a time for people of all nationalities and
generations to assemble and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of
Irish people throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Sean
O'Rourke upon the occasion of his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2014
Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 22, 2014; and
WHEREAS, For the past 18 years, the Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Day
Parade has remained dedicated to promoting Irish heritage, traditions,
family, and patriotic values; it has gained a reputation as one of the
best in the State and boasts over 100 contingents including many of the
area's top pipe bands; and
WHEREAS, This St. Patrick's Day parade is unique in being one of the
first such parades to raise money for worthy causes; during the past 17
years, the Parade has supported and donated significant funds to 52
charitable organizations; it is truly the parade that cares and shares;
and
WHEREAS, The three charities that have been selected as beneficiaries
of the 2014 Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Day Parade include New
Ground, Inc., The Angelman Syndrome Foundation, and the Nassau County
AOH Irish Feis and Festival; and
WHEREAS, Sean O'Rourke is a long-time resident of Rockville Centre,
New York and member of the Parish of St. Agnes since 1983; he has been
tremendously supportive of the Parade, and has worked tirelessly on
behalf of the community and on issues affecting Irish Americans; and
WHEREAS, The oldest of eight children born to Bridget and Thomas
O'Rourke in County Galway, Ireland, Sean O'Rourke came to America in
1971, at the tender age of 19; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Sean O'Rourke became President of the Division Three
Nassau County Ancient Order of Hibernians, making him the youngest Divi-
sion President in the United States at the time; he was later honored as
Division Three Man of the Year in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Sean O'Rourke is the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Coast-Line International Distributors Ltd., a supplier of raw materials
to the aircraft and aerospace industries; furthermore, he serves as
President and CEO of Bangor Reality; and
WHEREAS, Genuinely concerned with the promotion of Irish culture, Sean
O'Rourke has assumed an active role in the community; for the past 30
years, he has been a member and one of the main sponsors of the Galway
Mummers Festival, which promotes traditional Irish music, dance and
storytelling; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, he was a founding member of the Eire OG Gaelic Foot-
ball Club, and currently plays with the Long Island Gaels Hurling and
Football Club; Sean O'Rourke was honored by both the New York State
Gaelic Athletic Association and Ards Friary in 2010 as Man of the Year;
and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man is also a member of the Advisory Board for
the Institute of Irish Studies at Molloy College and joined the Rock-
ville Centre St. Patrick's Parade Committee in 1998, serving as its

Vice-President during 2009 and 2010 and as its President during 2011 and
2012; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Cynthia, their five
children, Heather, Cynthia, Thomas, Patricia and Breffni, and their
spouses, as well as five grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Sean O'Rourke has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sean O'Rourke upon the occasion of his selection as Grand
Marshal of the 2014 Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Day Parade on March
22, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sean O'Rourke.