2005 Saint Patrick's Day Queen

Bridget McLaughlin New Parade Queen

Congratulations to Bridget McLaughlin, a 27 year old from Chicago, IL, for being named Queen of the 50th Anniversary Saint Patrick's Day Parade!

Miss McLaughlin was selected from a large number of contestants on Sunday, February 20th at the Annual Queen Contest held in the Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers' Hall.

Mr. James T. Sullivan, General Chairman of the Parade Committee and Business Manager of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers', L.U. #130 U.A informs us that Bridget will lead the parade in a horse drawn carriage and has received numerous prizes. She will also visit Chicago's City Hall and personally meet with many of Chicago's prestigious political personas including the Honorable Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago.

Queens Court Selected

Bridget will be accompanied during the parade by her entourage, "The Queens Court". The Queens Court was also selected from among many contestants.

2005 Queen Court

Miss McLaughlin and her court are pictured above with Mr. James T. Sullivan. From left to right the Queens Court consists of; 24 year old Ann Marie Murphy from Oak Lawn, IL, 17 year old Brigid Ronan from Wilmette, IL, 27 year old Queen Bridget McLaughlin from Chicago, IL, 24 year old Kelly Green from Arlington Heights, IL and 20 year old Marie Heffernan from Antioch, IL. Congratulations to each of you!

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 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.

Passing the Crown

We would like to thank 2004 Parade Queen, Jennifer Callahan from Oak Lawn, IL for the tasteful and eloquent execution her office.

2004 Queen relinquishes her crown

Jennifer is shown above relinquishing her crown to the new 2005 Parade Queen, Miss Bridget McLaughlin.

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.

We would also like to thank the many hard working volunteers who continue to make this annual gala event a fantastic success!

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