LIAM DALY HERITAGE AWARD:

Kenneth Quinn

When former United Irish Societies (UIS) Historian Don Pidgeon retired, Kenneth Quinn stepped into the role with a passion and dedication that has made him an invaluable asset to the organization. Serving as UIS Historian for many years, Ken has taken on this responsibility with the utmost seriousness and has truly elevated the role. His commitment to promoting Montreal’s Irish history is unmatched, consistently seeking out information and writing engaging articles that enrich the knowledge of our members. Ken’s work extends beyond UIS, as he also contributes to various publications, ensuring that Irish history and heritage are celebrated and preserved for future generations.

Ken's deep pride in his Irish heritage is evident in everything he does, much like Liam Daly, another staunch advocate of Irish culture. Ken’s ability to highlight important moments and figures in Montreal’s Irish history reflects his devotion to keeping the spirit of Irish heritage alive. His efforts go beyond research; they inspire others to explore and take pride in their own Irish roots, making him a true ambassador for our shared history.

His legacy as UIS Historian is not just in the wealth of knowledge he brings to the role, but in the way he connects our past to our present, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of Irish culture within our community. Ken was also the 2024 Erin Sports Association’s Irishman of the Year, a truly deserved title for someone so involved in the Irish community of Montreal.

It is with tremendous pleasure that we name Kenneth Quinn as the 2025 Liam Daly Heritage Award winner.

A native son of Dublin, Ireland, Liam Daly, was proud of his Irish heritage. From the first day he arrived, through his talent, love and devotion, Liam volunteered his time to the continual presence of the Arts and the Irish Cultural in the City of Montreal Liam is missed by the Irish Community. As a tribute to him, the United Irish Societies of Montreal has

created the Liam Daly Heritage Award which will be awarded to a worthy candidate who exemplifies Liam's love of his heritage and promotes the Irish heritage through the arts.

SIMON MCDONAUGH HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT:

George O'Reilly and Susan Mooney

George and Susan Mooney are devoted community volunteers with a deep commitment to helping others. George, after retiring from the Verdun Fire Department with over 30 years of service, continued to support his community by serving meals through the Salvation Army Food Truck, delivering Meals on Wheels, and volunteering at the Breakfast Club at Verdun Elementary from 2010 until the pandemic in 2020. He also led the Manna Verdun Food Bank as President from 2010 to 2020, personally delivering food to those in need. George’s service extended to being a Community Celebrator at the Verdun Mission from 2013 to 2015, and in 2024, he resumed his Meals on Wheels work in LaSalle.

Susan’s volunteerism was similarly impacted by COVID, but from 2016 to 2020, she faithfully supported Manna Verdun, the Breakfast Club at Verdun Elementary, and the Mini Market at Verdun Mission. Following Manna’s integration into Dawson Community Center, she continued volunteering at the Dawson Food Bank until its closure in 2022. Susan also served as a Community Celebrator at the Verdun Mission and, in 2024, began volunteering at both Meals on Wheels LaSalle and Saint Willibrord Food Bank.

Together, George and Susan are partners not only in life but also in their shared dedication to serving the less fortunate in their community, quietly and humbly making a difference without seeking recognition, much like Simon McDonaugh.

The United Irish Societies is pleased to name George O’Reilly and Susan Mooney as this year’s Simon McDonaugh Humanitarian Award winners.

The United Irish Societies lost a dear and valued member in 1992, when Simon McDonaugh passed away. An award was established in 1993 for the community to remember Mr. McDonaugh’s dedication to his heritage and to the humanitarian acts performed during his life. Mr. McDonaugh’s association with the United Irish Societies and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade were longstanding: from 1940 to 1979 he served the organization and the annual parade as its Chief Deputy Marshal. During those years, he was an inspiration to the marshals and society members due to the successful execution of the parades. For many years, he and his colleagues were

responsible for building the reviewing stands for dignitaries to review the parades. In later years, Mr. McDonaugh was presented with a Gold Card Membership in recognition of a lifetime of loyal and faithful service to the United Irish Societies and to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The memory of Mr. McDonaugh’s humanitarian lifestyle lives on through this award.