EVENTS

Joe Pilotte

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

☘️ 2026 Chief Reviewing Officer ☘️
Montreal born and raised, Joe has been an active member of the Montreal bar scene for over 20 years. He had his beginnings at a young age at Jello bar, made his way through the ranks at the Old Orchard, eventually opening Griffintown’s Lord William Pub, becoming the Vice President of operations and a partner within the Orchard group.
Growing up in the south west sector of Montreal, sports were always a major part of Joe’s life. Being active in sports always kept him out of trouble and taught him the essentials of being a team player. Joe remains active playing basketball and softball in leagues. When away from the bar and sporting life he is an active member in his community, whether raising money through events organized by the Old Orchard or the Erin Sports Association, of which is a proud member.
Additionally, Joe is a Freemason, the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Its members share a common goal of helping each other become better men. Although a little known fact, Joe volunteered as a marshal in the annual Parade from 2003 through 2005, appearing in the original parade marshals’ group photo at the old Forum in 2004.
Joe’s Irish ancestry stems from his grandmother Frances Helen O’Neill who was born in Montreal in 1911 but whose parents Christopher O’Neill and Ann Cooper immigrated from Ireland and were married at St. Anthony’s Church.
Despite the hectic life he leads, being a father and husband is his main daily focus. He loves his role as father, the best gift a man can receive.
🎉 The United Irish Societies of Montreal is pleased to present Mr. Joe Pilotte as the Chief Reviewing Officer of the 2026 St. Patrick’s Parade.

Gary McKeown

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

☘️ 2026 Grand Marshal ☘️

Gary McKeown has quietly gone about making a difference in the community. Currently the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, he has served as a member of the Karnak Shrine since 2007 and led it as Potentate in 2018.
Gary played an important role in bringing an annual St. Patrick’s Parade to the Town of Hudson in 2010 with his cohorts, leaning on the United Irish Societies of Montreal for some operational advice.
Gary is Vice President of Business Development at STS Aviation Services, a one-stop service provider to the global aviation industry. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Hudson Yacht Club, the Canadian Professional Sales Association and is a Mason with Hudson’s Lodge #98.
Gary’s Irish ancestry comes from his paternal great grandfather Thomas John McKeown, who was born in Belfast in 1870, left Portadown in the mid 1890s, and settled in Montreal where he married recent immigrant Annie Berry in 1897 and where they raised their family.
Gary’s community involvement comes to him naturally. In 1995 the Erin Sports Association named Brian McKeown, Gary’s father, as Irishman of the Year and in 1998 the United Irish Societies of Montreal honoured Brian McKeown as the Parade Grand Marshal. In 2018, the organizers of the Hudson St. Patrick’s Parade named Gary as its Irishman of the Year.
Gary married Leslie Bouchard in 1992 and is very proud of their 3 children, Kristofer, Kaitlyn and Kolby. They are both immensely proud of their 3 grandchildren, Amalia, Elijah and Aycee.
🎉 The United Irish Societies of Montreal is pleased to name Mr. Gary McKeown as Grand Marshal of Montreal’s 201st St. Patrick’s Parade in 2026!

2024 UIS / Catherine Polson – SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

The Catherine Polson Memorial Scholarship for Community Activism

The UIS Scholarship was created in 2019 by UIS President Lori Morrison and her sister Kayra Morrison. The award was renamed in 2023 to honour the memory of community activist Catherine Polson, who the United Irish Societies will always remember for her kindness and dedication to the community.

This award aims to acknowledge, broadcast, and reward someone from the community who is doing their part to lift up those around them. It could not be more fitting to honour someone as extraordinary as Catherine Polson, who, in her far too brief passage in our world, made such an impact on the community at large.

This year, the award has been increased to $2000 thanks to a generous donation by Dr. George Polson, Catherine’s father.

The scholarship is open to Montrealers of Irish descent aged between 18-25, enrolled full-time in a post-secondary school (CEGEP, Trade School, University), and active in helping the Irish Community of our city. The applicant must be in good standing in their respective school.

What is required in the application:

  • A short description (250 words or less) of your involvement in the Irish Community, and how your actions are helping improve those within said group.
  • 1 letter of reference with contact information from someone who can testify to your community endeavors.
  • The most recent school transcript.
  • A description of Irish background.

Applications will be accepted each year, with the recipient being announced at the UIS’ General Meeting in September. The recipient will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship, as well as a 1-year membership to the UIS. Attendance at subsequent general meetings is not required but would be appreciated.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION

Application Process:

Applications are available for download and the timeframe for applying is August 20th – Sept 15th at 6PM.

Candidates meeting all requirements (as outlined on the application) will have their applications forwarded to the Selection Committee and selected no later than September 15th and the winner will be announced.  The winner will be presented with their cheque on Sept 29th at the United Irish Societies’ General Meeting.

Applications can be emailed to:

lori.morrison@gmail.com

Selection Process:

  • A panel of three (3) members comprising of people from Montreal’s Irish Community will be chosen to decide which of the applicants best represents the values, commitment, and determination of our people, and who shows a concentrated effort to continue to promote our culture.
  • The decision will be made no later than September 15th, and the announcement will be made at the UIS’ General Meeting on October 23rd, 2024.
  • The winner will receive a cheque for $1,500, as well as a one (1) year membership to the UIS.
  • The Selection Committee’s decision is final.
  • The person chosen cannot run in subsequent years. Those not chosen may reapply in the following years.

Après-midi de sélection de la reine 2025 – Dimanche 17 novembre 2024

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

Depuis 1956, les Sociétés irlandaises unies de Montréal organisent un concours pour choisir une reine et une cour pour le défilé annuel. À l’origine, il s’appelait le Queen’s Pageant et avait lieu au Sailor’s Club dans le Vieux-Montréal. Aujourd’hui, la soirée de sélection est un événement d’art oratoire qui offre aux femmes de 18 à 25 ans l’occasion d’explorer leurs racines irlandaises et leur communauté et de réseauter avec le gratin de Montréal.

Pour plus d’informations sur l’événement, veuillez consulter https://unitedirishsocieties.ca/event/2024-queenselection/

Achetez vos billets pour l’événement ICI

Si vous souhaitez participer à l’événement en tant que participant, vous pouvez remplir ce formulaire d’inscription électronique ou communiquer avec Elizabeth Quinn (equinn17@videotron.ca – 514-894-5087) ou Colleen Murphy (cmurphy2_3@msn.com – 514-885-7365) par courriel ou par téléphone et elles pourront répondre à toutes vos questions.

2025 Queen Selection Afternoon – Sunday November 17th, 2024

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

The United Irish Societies of Montreal has organized a contest to select a Queen and Court for the annual parade since 1956. Originally it was called the Queen’s Pageant and was held at the Sailor’s Club in Old Montreal. Today the Selection Evening is a public speaking event offering an opportunity for women 18 – 25   years of age to explore their Irish roots and their community and network with the who’s who of Montreal.

For event information – please go to https://unitedirishsocieties.ca/event/2024-queenselection/

Get your tickets for the event at – Tickets

If you like to participate in the event as a contestant – you can fill out this electronic application form or please reach out to Elizabeth Quinn ( equinn17@videotron.ca – 514-894-5087)  or Colleen Murphy (cmurphy2_3@msn.com – 514-885-7365) by email or phone and they can answer any questions you might have.

2024 Montreal St-Patrick’s Parade award winners

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

Here are the Award winners for the 2024 Montreal St-Patrick’s Parade – Congratulations to ALL !

TROPHY, BEST OF | TROPHÉE, MEILLEUR DE Name of Group | Nom du groupe
SIMON MCDONAUGH (Grand Prize/Grand prix) Les Titans de Québec
OUT OF TOWN | HORS DE LA VILLE +  Les Titans de Québec
MILITARY | MILITAIRE The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada Pipes & Drums
AUTHENTIC IRISH | AUTHENTIQUE IRLANDAIS Erin Sports Association
BAND | ORCHESTRE Ottawa Caledonian Pipes & Drums
COMMERCIAL CN – Canadian National Railway Company
MARCHING | MARCHE Black Watch Association Pipe & Drums
AMATEUR Lester B. Pearson School Board
IRISH DANCING | DANSE IRLANDAISE Costello Irish Dance
MEDIA Virgin Radio
YOUTH | JEUNESSE École Socrates-Démosthène

Les gagnants du défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Montréal 2024

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

Voici les gagnants des prix pour le défilé de la St-Patrick de Montréal 2024 – Félicitations à TOUS !

TROPHY, BEST OF | TROPHÉE, MEILLEUR DE Name of Group | Nom du groupe
SIMON MCDONAUGH (Grand Prize/Grand prix) Les Titans de Québec
OUT OF TOWN | HORS DE LA VILLE +  Les Titans de Québec
MILITARY | MILITAIRE The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada Pipes & Drums
AUTHENTIC IRISH | AUTHENTIQUE IRLANDAIS Erin Sports Association
BAND | ORCHESTRE Ottawa Caledonian Pipes & Drums
COMMERCIAL CN – Canadian National Railway Company
MARCHING | MARCHE Black Watch Association Pipe & Drums
AMATEUR Lester B. Pearson School Board
IRISH DANCING | DANSE IRLANDAISE Costello Irish Dance
MEDIA Virgin Radio
YOUTH | JEUNESSE École Socrates-Démosthène

Announcing the 2024 Parade Queen and Court

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

 

On Saturday Feb 3rd, 2024, we held our annual Queen Selection Evening and crowned the 2024 Queen & Court! This wonderful group of women will represent the Irish community during this Irish season, and we are so lucky to have them.

All contestants in last night’s public speaking contest did wonderfully – the judges had a very difficult task when selecting the final 5.

Congratulations once again!

Queen Chloe Miller
Princess Julia Rochford
Princess Madison Lalonde
Princess Mia Simard
Princess Shaeleigh Rose Spracklin

Photo credits to Peter McCabe.

Annonce de la reine et de la cour du défilé 2024

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

Le samedi 3 février 2024, nous avons organisé notre soirée annuelle de sélection de la reine et couronné la reine et la cour de 2024 ! Ce merveilleux groupe de femmes représentera la communauté irlandaise au cours de cette saison irlandaise, et nous avons beaucoup de chance de les avoir.

Toutes les participantes au concours d’art oratoire d’hier soir ont fait des merveilles – les juges ont eu une tâche très difficile lorsqu’ils ont sélectionné les 5 dernières.

Encore une fois, toutes nos félicitations !

Reine Chloe Miller
Princesse Julia Rochford
Princesse Madison Lalonde
Princesse Mia Simard
Princesse Shaeleigh Rose Spracklin

Crédits photos à Peter McCabe.

2024 Queen and Court a été sélectionné

January 16 @ 4:38 pm

Le samedi 3 février, nous avons organisé notre soirée annuelle de sélection de la reine et couronné la reine et la cour de 2024 ! Ce merveilleux groupe de femmes représentera la communauté irlandaise au cours de cette saison irlandaise, et nous sommes si chanceux de les avoir.

Toutes les participantes au concours d’art oratoire d’hier soir ont fait des merveilles – les juges ont eu une tâche très difficile lorsqu’ils ont sélectionné les 5 dernières.

Encore une fois, toutes nos félicitations !
Reine Chloe Miller
Princesse Julia Rochford
Princesse Madison Lalonde
Princesse Mia Simard
Princesse Shaeleigh Rose Spracklin

Crédits photos à Peter McCabe.

UIS_logo_web-white

View our: Privacy Policy

UNITED IRISH SOCIETIES
OF MONTREAL
Organizers of the St. Patrick’s Parade

PO BOX 97544
Verdun, QC, H4G 3M6

SOCIÉTÉS IRLANDAISES UNIES
DE MONTRÉAL
Organisateurs du Défilé
de la Saint-Patrick

Boîte postale 97544
Verdun QC, H4G 3M6

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and provide personalized content. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. To learn more about how we use cookies and how you can control them, please review our Privacy Policy

WEBSITE MAINTAINED BY