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April 30, 2008

Providence pub owner in D.C. to see Irish P.M.

The owner of Patrick’s Pub, on Smith Street, is in Washington today to hear an address by the prime minister of Ireland.

The bar’s owner, Patrick Griffin, is a native of Ireland who came to the United States in 1984. Two years later he opened the bar, and has also served as the president of the state’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

“I’m proud that Patrick Griffin will represent Rhode Island on this remarkable occasion,” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who sponsored Griffin’s visit, said in a statement.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the Irish prime minister, is stepping down after more than a decade.

Joining Griffin will be Speaker of the House William Murphy and John Murphy, Chairman of Home Loan Investment Bank, FSB. The two Murphy's are guests of Rep. James Langevin.

“I am delighted that Speaker Murphy and Mr. Murphy will be able to join me on this historic occasion, especially since this will likely be the Taoiseach’s last address before Congress,” Langevin said in a statement.

"As active members of the Irish community in Rhode Island, I thought they were fitting to represent our state at this address.”

Ahern’s address to Congress will be televised on C-SPAN 1 today at 11:00 a.m.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 10:59 AM | Permalink

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