2002 Saint Patrick's Day Queen

Megan Eileen Connelly New Parade Queen

Megan Eileen Connelly of Western Springs was crowned queen of Chicago's St. Patrick's parade on Sunday, February 17th, 2002 at Plumber's Hall in Chicago. She won out over 130 other contestants. Megan is a college student majoring in early childhood education. She is also a paraprofessional at Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association for Special Education. In college she competes in soccer and is also a cheerleader. She participated in gymnastics and soccer at Lyons Township High School which she graduated from in 1998.

Queen and her Court

Joining her in the queen's court this year are; Jamie Dineen from Arlington Heights, Eileen Theresa Malloy from the South Side of Chicago, Jennifer Farell from the North Side of the city and Kathryn Anne Killackey of Downers Grove. The queen and her court represent the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee at many public functions. Led by the pipes and drums of the Shannon Rovers, the queen and her court hand deliver invitations to the dignitaries who march at the front of the parade. The queen rides in an authentic Irish jaunting cart in the parade. She is followed in the parade by her court riding in convertable cars. After the parade the queen and her court continue to make appearances on behalf of the parade.

Megan Connelly of Western Springs takes the place of Megan Murphy of LaGrange who was the previous years St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen for 2001. Among the many gifts for this year's queen are round trip tickets for two to Paris with a stop in Ireland. The parade will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2002 at 12:00 noon in Chicago along Columbus Drive.

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.

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