LIAM DALY HERITAGE AWARD:

Lucas Lawton

Lucas Lawton began his Irish dancing journey at the age of seven with the Bernadette Short School of Irish Dance, after exploring various activities such as hockey and soccer. What began as a weekly recreational pastime soon evolved into a lifelong passion.

For many years, Lucas danced purely for enjoyment and as a social activity. As he entered his teenage years, however, his dedication deepened. He added additional classes and quickly began to achieve success on the international competitive circuit. He continued to excel well into his early twenties, culminating in a fifth-place finish at the world championships in 2016. It was after this that Lucas transitioned into the professional realm of Irish dance.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, via a Zoom audition, Lucas earned a coveted spot in the Taiwanese production of Feet of Flames — a dynamic spinoff of Lord of the Dance performing under strict COVID protocols.

Not long after, Lucas was selected as a cast member of Lord of the Dance for their 25th anniversary tour. Lucas was later given the opportunity to train for the show’s prestigious lead role. In 2024, Lucas had the extraordinary honor of auditioning before the legendary Michael Flatley himself — and the very next day, he stepped onto the stage to perform as the Lord of the Dance, becoming the first Canadian in history to perform this role.

Academically, Lucas attended Valois Park Elementary School (now St. John Fisher), Loyola High School, and John Abbott College, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a Minor in Irish Studies from Concordia University.

The Lawton family has deep roots in Montreal. Lucas’s great-grandfather, Newfoundland-born Inspector Patrick Lawton, served as Grand Marshal of the annual parade.

For his outstanding contributions to promoting Irish dance and for representing Montreal’s Irish community with distinction on the world stage, the United Irish Societies of Montreal is proud to present Mr. Lucas Lawton with the Liam Daly Heritage Award for 2026!

SIMON MCDONAUGH HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT:

The Pointe St. Charles Wish Foundation

The Point Wish Softball Tournament is a charity event held yearly during the first weekend of August. All proceeds from the event go to The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada/Rêve d'enfants, a federally chartered, non-profit organization that works with the community to provide children living with high-risk, life-threatening illnesses the opportunity to realize their most heartfelt wish.

The Tournament has its roots at LeBer Park in Point St. Charles. However, as the Tournament grew in popularity, the needs of the committee necessitated the Tournament’s move to Therrien Park in Verdun to accommodate the number of participating teams

Since its inception in 1993, The Point Wish Softball Tournament has donated over $1.7 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and, in the process, has allowed many, many children the opportunity to experience their wish of a lifetime.

Organizer Howie Myers is one of the original organizers and continues at the helm to this day. Howie has the support of his family and friends who, year after year, continue to volunteer during the first weekend in August.

For the Tournament’s quiet dedication to its great cause and for the joy the Tournament brings to so many children in need of a smile, the United Irish Societies of Montreal is pleased to present the 2026 Simon McDonaugh Humanitarian Award to the Point Wish Softball Tournament.