Concurrent resolution; recognizing the long friendship between Oklahoma and Ireland; welcoming esteemed guests from Ireland; and commemorating the celebration of St.Patrick's Day throughout the state

Resolution
ENROLLED SENATE
CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION NO. 17 By: Boren and McIntosh of the
Senate

and

Hill and Stewart of the
House

A Concurrent Resolution recognizing the long
friendship between Oklahoma and Ireland;
commemorating economic relations between Ireland and
Oklahoma; welcoming esteemed guests from Ireland;
recognizing ties between Ireland and the United
States and the Irish ancestry of many Oklahomans;
commemorating the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day
throughout the state; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, Oklahoma and Ireland have enjoyed a long friendship
that predates Oklahoma’s statehood and Ireland’s independence; and

WHEREAS, in 1847, during the Irish famine, the Choctaw Nation
raised $170.00 for famine relief, over $5,000.00 in today’s money,
which was a fortune at the time, even though they had recently been
forcibly been moved to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears; and

WHEREAS, in 2017, Ireland commemorated the gift of the Choctaw
Nation with the dedication of the Kindred Spirits sculpture,
featuring a circle of eagle feathers, in County Cork; and

WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation unveiled on August 30, 2024, as a
tribute to their connection with Ireland, the Eternal Heart
sculpture, depicting a Celtic Trinity knot intertwined with a heart,
facing the east toward Ireland; and

ENR. S. C. R. NO. 17 Page 2
WHEREAS, in 2024, Oklahoma established the Oklahoma Ireland
Trade Commission for Oklahoma businesses and industries to benefit
from Ireland’s position within the European trade market; and

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma State Legislature is honored to welcome
Senator Aubrey McCarthy, of the Irish Senate, and Mr. Phil Thompson,
Chief Executive Officer of the humanitarian organization Tiglin, an
Irish organization dedicated to helping people overcome addiction,
homelessness, and social exclusion, which he co-founded alongside
Senator McCarthy in 2008. The two will meet with Oklahoma business
leaders regarding economic development opportunities between
Oklahoma and Ireland. Their visit also honors the 250th anniversary
of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Three of the signatories were born in Ireland, and others were of
Irish descent; and

WHEREAS, many Oklahomans take pride in their Irish ancestry and
continue to preserve Irish culture through festivals and
celebrations, particularly in March, as Oklahomans honor the Patron
Saint of Ireland and celebrate Irish heritage, including Tulsa
IrishFest, ShamROCK the Gardens in Oklahoma City, and the Oklahoma
City St. Patrick’s Parade in Stockyards City, with Margaret “Peg”
Malloy serving as this year’s Grand Marshal.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION
OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONCURRING THERIN:

THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature recognizes the state’s long
history of friendship and relationships with Ireland.

THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature welcomes Senator Aubrey
McCarthy and Phil Thompson as they visit the Great State of
Oklahoma.

THAT the Oklahoma State Legislature commemorates March 17 as St.
Patrick’s Day.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to Senator Mark
Daly, Chair of the Senate of Ireland; and the Oklahoma American
Irish State Legislators Caucus.

ENR. S. C. R. NO. 17 Page 3
Adopted by the Senate the 11th day of March, 2026.

Presiding Officer of the Senate

Adopted by the House of Representatives the 11th day of March,
2026.

Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________
day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________