Congressmen Boyle and Neal Introduce Resolution Honoring 100th Anniversary of the First Dáil

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-2) and Congressman Richard Neal (MA-1) introduced a resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the First Dáil Éireann, Ireland's Parliament, which produced a Declaration of Independence for Ireland on January 21, 2019.

"One hundred and forty-three years after a group of brave American patriots signed the Declaration of Independence in my hometown of Philadelphia, a group of Irish citizens began their own revolution. The Dáil's first meeting 100 years ago declared Ireland an independent nation and enabled its people to enjoy the freedoms they treasure today," said Congressman Boyle. "This resolution honors Ireland's struggle for liberty, and those who fought to advance Irish independence. This is an important commemoration for Ireland, for the millions of Irish ancestry in the United States, and for all who believe in liberty worldwide," said Boyle, the only member of the U.S. Congress with an Irish-born parent.

"As the Democratic Chairman of the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the United States Congress, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this resolution celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the first Dail Eireann in 1919," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "This seminal event in Dublin's Mansion House a century ago helped change history and led to the creation of an independent and modern Ireland. The relationship between America and Ireland is strong and enduring, and it is fitting that the U.S. House of Representatives should recognize the centenary of the establishment of Ireland's first democratic structures and institutions. I am pleased to mark this historic occasion, and congratulate my friends and colleagues in the current Dail for achieving this significant milestone."

###