New York State Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) and Buffalo Common Councilmember Chris Scanlon (D-South Buffalo) were joined by friends, colleagues, and members of the community at the Buffalo Irish Center this morning to unveil the new Irish Immigrant Monument, concluding a year-long collaboration between the pair. The monument memorializes the Irish immigrant experience in the United States.

“Most of us in the United States share a similar story of our ancestors immigrating here for a better life,” said Burke. “My grandfather, Paddy Burke, was a plasterer. He came to the U.S. from Ireland in 1950 and fought tooth and nail for our family. This monument is in honor of people like him. The road was rocky and people were not always welcoming, but this country ultimately gave Irish-Americans the chance to succeed, and our community is better because of it.”

The monument depicts contrasting images. On the right, a family just arriving in New York from Ireland, gazing at the Statue of Liberty. On the left, a business owner pointing to a sign that reads “Irish Need Not Apply.” The images capture the harsh reality that many Irish families faced when they arrived in the United States with hopes of an easier path.

“It has been a pleasure collaborating with Assemblyman Burke to bring public art which depicts the Irish immigrant experience to this community,” said Scanlon. “The Irish have played a large role in the history of Buffalo – as laborers, civil servants, religious clergy, and

community leaders. Our ancestors who emigrated here helped to build this city. Despite numerous obstacles upon their arrival in this country, our ancestors persevered and left a legacy we are very proud of – a legacy we continue to honor today.”

The monument was commissioned by Assemblyman Pat Burke and Councilman Chris Scanlon and was completed by local artist Bill Koch at Stone Art Memorial in Lackawanna. This project was also made possible through the generosity of the Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo & WNY, the Irish Cultural & Folk Arts Association of WNY, Teamsters Local 449, Operating Engineers Local 17, and Cement Masons Local 111.