St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon 2026
On Friday, 6 March 2026, The Ireland Funds Canada St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon returned to Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York for another memorable gathering of community, culture and connection. As the flagship annual event for The Ireland Funds Canada, the Luncheon brought together leaders from across Irish and Canadian public life, business and the arts for the sold-out event – this year in partnership with I/CAN (The Eamonn O’Loghlin Irish Canadian Immigration Centre) and the Canada Ireland Foundation.
The afternoon featured a distinguished roster of guests. Mayor Olivia Chow spoke about the forthcoming revitalisation of Queen’s Park North, made possible through the generosity of the Weston Foundation, remarks made all the more meaningful by a tribute paid during the event to the late Hilary M. Weston, whose legacy endures across both Canada and Ireland. Premier Doug Ford reflected on the close and enduring relationship between the two countries, and Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board of Ontario and Minister of Francophone Affairs, was also in attendance.
The Luncheon was honoured by the presence of Ambassador John Concannon and Mary Concannon, Consul General Claire Fitzgibbon, and Deputy Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau Chayanne Holmes, whose participation underscored the strength of diplomatic ties across the island of Ireland and Canada.
Leaders from partner organisations were warmly recognised, including I/CAN board chair Diarmuid Muir and executive director Cathy Murphy, and Canada Ireland Foundation founding director Mark Purdy, executive director Will Peat, and founder Robert Kearns. Ireland Funds Canada board members in attendance included outgoing Chair Oliver Murray, Vice Chair Eithne Heffernan and incoming Chair Cormac Mac Lochlainn.
Notable guests also included Irish Person of the Year Tommy C. Donnelly and former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane, with Brianne Kilbane.
The 2026 Luncheon once again celebrated the vibrancy of the Irish community in Canada and the deep bonds between both nations.
Photography and Videography by Adam Bloemink.
Contact
Incoming Chair – Cormac Mac Lochlainn
E – ifcluncheon@gmail.com