MONTREAL, Nov. 15, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The United Irish Societies of Montreal Executive Committee is pleased to announce they have chosen the parade dignitaries and award recipients for the 194th St Patrick's parade taking place March 19, 2017.
The Grand Marshal, once a working position, is now a honourary one and has been going back many years. It is the highest honour parade organizers can bestow upon a person who has had a positive influence on the Montreal Irish community. We are pleased to announce Mayor Denis Coderre will be the 2017 Grand Marshal.
Since his introduction to the Montreal Irish community in 2013 Mayor Coderre has enthusiastically taken part in not only the parade but many other events in the community. His support and participation grows year after year. Mayor Coderre travelled to Ireland in 2015 to not only sign an agreement to foster relations with Dublin and have our two cities become sister cities but also took the opportunity to trace his Irish heritage.
Mayor Coderre had these words when he was advised he was chosen as Grand Marshal:
"I am deeply honoured to have been chosen Grand Marshal for the 2017 St Patrick's Parade. As Mayor of Montreal and now 2017 Grand Marshal, it is with great pride I share my deepest love of my Irish heritage as I take part in one of Montreal's oldest traditions and the longest-running St Patrick's Parade in Canada. Irish heritage is an undeniable part of Montreal's history, as reflected on our City's flag, and I am convinced that the 2017 Parade will be one of the highlights of the 375th anniversary celebrations."
Please visit our website for more info including past Grand Marshals:
http://www.montrealirishparade.com/notables/grand-marshal
The Chief Reviewing Officer, like the Grand Marshal, is an honourary position given to those with or without Irish heritage who have contributed to the community. We are proud to introduce Sister Dianna Lieffers of St Gabriel's Parish as our 65th Chief Reviewing Officer.
Please visit our website for more info including past Chief Reviewing Officers:
http://www.montrealirishparade.com/notables/chief-reviewing-officer
Each year the United Irish Societies hands out two awards.
The first is the Simon McDonaugh Humanitarian Award, named in Mr McDonaugh's honour for his dedication to his heritage and to the humanitarian acts committed during his life. This year's recipient is an organization chosen for the same reasons, The Erins Sports Association.
A full biography can be found here:http://www.montrealirishparade.com/notables/humanitarian-award
The second is the Liam Daly Heritage Award. Mr Daly promoted the Irish culture in Montreal throughout his life. This year's award goes to the Richard Clahane for doing the same.
A full biography can be found here: http://www.montrealirishparade.com/notables/heritage-award
On February 4, 2017 the United Irish Societies of Montreal will be choosing its Queen & Court through a public speaking contest. Those wishing to take part in the esteemed competition or who would like to join us on this evening filled with Irish music, dance and other entertainment can find more information on our website:www.montrealirishparade.com
The United Irish Societies of Montreal is a non-profit group founded in 1928 to take over the organization of Montreal's internationally renowned St Patrick's Parade, a parade held annually without interruption since 1824. It is the largest and longest running parade in Canada and among the top worldwide. The UIS are one of the leading Irish organizations in Montreal dedicated not only to the parade but its charitable endeavours held throughout the year.
SOURCE United Irish Societies of Montreal Inc.
Media inquiries: Kevin Murphy, Vice President Public Relations, 514-436-1512, [email protected]
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