2001 Saint Patrick's Day Queen

Megan Mack Murphy New Parade Queen

25 year old Megan Mack Murphy of La Grange, Illinois will reign as the queen of Chicago's 2001 St. Patrick's Day Parade down Columbus Drive on March 17, 2001.

She was chosen from nearly 100 young women who participated in the queen contest Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001 in the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium of the Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago.

Queen and her Court

Runners up in the contest who will serve as the Queen's court are pictured above with Gerald M. Sullivan General Chairman of St. Patrick's Day Parade. From left to right they are; 22 year old Caroline Donovan of Chicago, 20 year old Megan Eileen Connelly of Western Springs, Gerald M. Sullivan General Chairman, Megan Murphy this years Queen, 24 year old Jennifer Farrell of Chicago, and 19 year old Sheila Gainer of Chicago

The queen will ride in an authentic Irish sidecar during the parade. The court will appear on one of the floats. Ms. Murphy is a fourth generation Irish-American whose descendants hail from County Cork in Ireland. This is her fifth attempt to become the Irish Queen. She has been a member of the queen's court for the past four years. Ms. Murphy is an account manager with the Chicago Sun-Times.

The judges of the queen contest include prominent Chicagoans of Irish heritage. The judges look for the qualities of grace, sincerity, beauty, sense of humor, poise, personality and wit in making their choices.

Traditionally the St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen and her court participate in Irish events around Chicago and receive many valuable prizes including a trip to Ireland and Waterford crystal. This year the queen will also receive a trip to Paris, France.

Photos of the Queen and her court can be obtained by calling the Plumbing Council office at 312-263-6612.