Mike’s Irish ancestry originated in Ulster. He has been a pillar of the Irish community for many years; he has played roles from the bottom to the top of organizations and has contributed to countless fundraising events. He notes that he would not have been able to play all of these roles without the support of his wife Gale and his children Erin, Ryan, Tiffany, Amanda and grandchildren Cassandra, Colton, and Charlotte. 

Mike held the position of UIS President in 2012-2013. He was also Vice President for the Erin Sports association from 2016-2018, and Vice President for Verdun minor soccer from 1983 -1997. At an early age, doctors told Mike that contact sports were no longer possible due to injuries, at which point he shifted gears to coaching. In the beginning he coached the sport he loves most – football. Many years ago Mike was the Assistant coach of the Bantam Lasalle Colts, during which time he coached the current UIS president, Kevin Tracey. He also coached the Warriors Midget team, and acted as offensive line coach of the Chateauguay Jr Raiders. He then went on to coach, along with Danny Doyle, the Verdun Atom Ti-Cats as the first provincial championship team from Verdun. Mike also coached hockey in Verdun from the micro squirts to the pee-wee Aces, and in Lasalle for Pop-Harrigan. He was on the governing board for Verdun minor soccer where he also coached at many different levels. 

Mike involved himself in countless fundraising events including the Verdun Adult Soccer Tournament, the Verdun Wackers Children’s Hospital Fundraiser, The Chateauguay Food Bank, The Point St. Charles Hall of Recognition, The Children’s Wish Softball Tournament, and The Liam Foundation. He was also involved in the food preparation for the annual Erin Sports Club American Thanksgiving, and recently the St Patrick’s Cup Hockey tournament. If all of this wasn’t enough… In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when kids were not able to go visit Santa at malls or schools, Mike took the initiative to start « Dancing with Santa », an online initiative via Facebook, which promoted physical activity and spread Christmas spirit, and did Santa home visits from a distance.  

Mike is a leader within the community and deserves to be recognized for his commitment to our community. It is with great pleasure to name Mike Kennedy Grand Marshal of the 2024 Montreal St. Patrick’s Parade.