St. Patrick’s Parade : a third crown for Samara O’Gorman

The judges had a tough job to do in choosing this year's St. Patrick's Queen in Châteauguay, but it's ultimately Samara O’Gorman who has been elected among the six finalists for the title.

Maurene O’Farrell becomes the junior princess, while Kiara Burnett is the senior princess. Kaylea Burke, Keely Burnett, and Ira-Lyne Morton remained at the foot of the podium but should consider running again with the Irish Heritage Association of Châteauguay and Valley since they did very well.

Her Majesty Samara O’Gorman, an author and actress, will therefore ensure to take over from Madison Chandler, the outgoing young queen, in the parade scheduled for March 24th in Châteauguay.

A lavish coronation

The coronation evening took place on Sunday and allowed Samara to set a precedent. She becomes the first to be named Queen in the three sister societies of the Irish associations of Montreal, Soulanges, and Châteauguay.

It was also an opportunity to pay tribute to Tim Furlong by awarding him the humanitarian prize that now bears his name. "Unfortunately, he passed away last year. His wife Kim and his sons Derek and Brad received the awards in his honor, in the presence of our sister societies, the Irish Association of Montreal, the Irish Association of Soulanges, as well as Erin Sports and the Liam Foundation. Our members and their families were also present," said Nancy Martineau of the Châteauguay organization.

Events leading up to March 17th

The Association's upcoming events include an Irish breakfast on March 2nd at 9 a.m. at Ye Olde Orchard in Châteauguay, a meet-up evening at BLVD Bar & Grill in Châteauguay on March 9th at 7 p.m., and an anticipatory mass on March 10th at 10:30 a.m. at OLPH Church in Châteauguay.

As for the parade on March 24th starting at 1 p.m., it will end at the Agora with the very first Irish festival.