The Ireland Funds Canada St Patrick’s Day Luncheon returned for its 2025 edition in Toronto on March 7 at the prestigious Fairmont Royal York, cementing its place as one of the signature events of Irish Heritage Month in Canada.
This year, our luncheon was again in support of the Celtic Studies program at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto: a renowned, interdisciplinary program that includes a focus on Ireland’s rich history, mythology, literature, politics, language and culture.
Our luncheon was, as always, a vibrant celebration of traditional Irish music and art. It included a beautiful display of artwork from our local Irish artists Pat Rogan and Ed O’Connor; a wonderful performance from the O’Donnell School of Traditional Irish Dance; and even some Irish songs from our inimitable Master of Ceremonies, Hugo Straney. Our guests were welcomed by Paul Noonan on the piano, as well as Loretto Reid’s talented group of traditional Irish musicians. The O’Deadlys entertained our guests for the post-luncheon party, continuing the festivities into the afternoon.
Our guests were welcomed by our Luncheon Committee Chair, Cormac Mac Lochlainn of Stonebridge Financial, and Eithne Heffernan, The Ireland Funds Canada Vice Chair. Special guests included James Maloney MP, who introduced the motion to designate March as Irish Heritage Month in Canada in 2021; the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, John Concannon; and the Consul General of Ireland in Toronto, Janice McGann. Jack Hanratty, the head coach of Canada’s Olympic silver medal winning Women’s Sevens rugby team, recorded a special message of support for the work of The Ireland Funds Canada in advance of the day’s events.
We were also joined on the day by Reverend Dr. Bill Shaw OBE, whose tireless work with The 174 Trust has helped build bridges across Northern Ireland for decades, multi Juno award winner Belfast native, Mark Kelso, and Irish Person of the Year, Barry Columb.
The Ireland Funds Canada Chair, Oliver Murray, CEO of Brandes Investment Partners LP, announced that he will step down as chair after 18 years, and received a warm round of applause for his dedication and stewardship.
We sadly remembered former chair of The Ireland Funds Canada, Thomas Hixon Savage CBE, who passed away earlier in 2025. Thomas was a Belfast native who will be fondly remembered for his commitment to the Northern Ireland Partnership in Canada among his many accomplishments.
From St Michael’s College, we also heard from Professor Mark McGowan, Assistant Professor Pa Sheehan as well as President and Vice-Chancellor David Sylvester, about what the support of The Ireland Funds Canada means to the Celtic Studies program.
Finally, we were also joined on the day by Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who spoke to our guests about his pride in his Irish heritage and the valuable contributions that the Irish have made, and continue to make, to Canadian society.
Special thanks are due to our sponsors and all who came along on the day and supported the event; our dedicated organising committee; and our hardworking volunteers. We hope that our St Patrick’s Day luncheon will continue to be a central event for the celebration of Irish culture in Canada as part of the Irish Heritage Month initiative, for many years to come.
Event Committee
Cormac Mac Lochlainn, Stonebridge Financial
Eithne Heffernan, former Honorary Consul of Ireland Toronto
Seána Glennon, University of Ottawa
Clare Horan, Scotiabank
Philip Allen, MidStar Capital
Tracey Lyng, MEP Services Group
Marie Foley, INTECH Risk Management
Lisa Gleva, University of St. Michael’s College
Lisa Webb, University of St. Michael’s College
Sophia Poulimenakos, University of St. Michael’s College
Peter Sweeney, Kinterra Capital
Katie Haberlin
