LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending William Kennedy upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Irish American Heritage
Museum

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that individuals who
distinguish themselves in their profession and in their commitment to
their heritage and their community merit the highest commendation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend William Kennedy upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Irish American Heritage Museum; it was celebrated at
its 2nd Annual Governor Hugh L. Carey Awards Dinner, on Saturday, Novem-
ber 1, 2014, at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Irish American Heritage Museum is a permanently chartered
not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and telling the
story of the contributions of the Irish people and their culture in
America, inspiring individuals to examine the importance of their own
heritage as part of the American cultural mosaic; and
WHEREAS, The Irish American Heritage Museum Award acknowledges those
who exemplify its ideals and help to further its mission; William Kenne-
dy truly merits such recognition; and
WHEREAS, The Irish American Heritage Museum proudly recognizes the
achievements of those who reflect in their work the contributions of the
Irish people in America, and exemplify the Irish spirit of Governor Hugh
L. Carey and the Museum's mission; and
WHEREAS, Irish American Pulitzer Prize author William Kennedy is a
novelist, playwright and screenwriter whose works include the ALBANY
CYCLE series, which feature members of the Irish American family, the
Phelans; in 1975, he began the ALBANY CYCLE with LEGS, which was
followed by BILLY PHELAN'S GREATEST GAME; and
WHEREAS, In 1983, William Kennedy wrote IRONWEED, which was made into
an acclaimed film starring Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep, both of whom
were nominated for Academy Awards; and
WHEREAS, In 1983, William Kennedy also wrote O ALBANY!, the combined
history, street guide, and memoir of Albany, New York, based on his
experiences, wide reading, and an illustrious career as a Reporter for
the TIMES UNION; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, William Kennedy wrote QUINN'S BOOK followed by VERY
OLD BONES in 1992; four years later he authored THE FLAMING CORSAGE; in
addition, he wrote ROSCOE in 2002, and CHANGO'S BEADS AND TWO-TONE SHOES
in 2011; and
WHEREAS, William Kennedy's work greatly illustrates the contributions
of Irish people in Albany and in America; 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, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the
edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend William Kennedy upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Irish American Heritage Museum; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to William Kennedy.