WHAT:
On Thursday, September 15th the Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel will be the site of a very special event: the re-dedication of a plaque to the former president of Ireland, Eamon de Valera, and his association with New York.

The Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel, Bertie Ahern, T.D (Irish Prime Minister/Taoiseach), Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City and other political dignitaries and community leaders will come to together to re-dedicate a plaque to Eamon de Valera.

WHY:
Eamon de Valera, the third President of Ireland, was born on October 14, 1882 at the Nursery and Child’s Hospital located at 51st Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. This is now the site of the Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel.

A plaque to commemorate his birth once hung in the hotel, but over time and due to renovations, it was moved. Now, The Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel, along with the Irish Consulate, and the Mayor’s office are pleased to re-erect the Eamon de Valera plaque in the lobby of the hotel.

WHEN:
Thursday, September 15, 2005
2:15 PM -- 2:45 PM


DETAILS:
2:30 PM -- Welcome remarks by hotel spokesperson, Mayor Bloomberg and Prime Minister Ahern to be held in the Met Lounge (lobby level of hotel).

2:40 PM – Unveil Eamon de Valera plaque (near the hotel’s revolving doors at entrance).

WHO:
Eamon de Valera is best known as a leader of Ireland's struggle for independence from Britain in the early 20th Century, and the Republican anti-Treaty opposition in the ensuing Irish Civil War. At various times a mathematician, teacher and a politician, he served as head of the Irish Government on three occasions, as President of the Executive Council (original name for the prime minister) and as Taoiseach. He ended his political career as President of Ireland, serving two terms from 1959 until 1973. He was also the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland from 1922 until 1975. Mr. de Valera died on August 29th, 1975 aged 93 years, two years after completing his second term as President of Ireland.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City and Bertie Ahern, T.D is the current Irish Prime Minister.

The Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel is a completely remodeled upscale property and Doubletree’s largest hotel. The 755-room hotel is located in the center of Manhattan, and offers guests renovated accommodations, spacious meeting rooms, luxurious amenities and a fully redesigned lobby, bar and restaurant.

WHERE:
Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel, 569 Lexington Avenue (at 51st Street)


-- Photo opportunities are available throughout the event. –