The ESCC upheld its lovely tradition of partaking in the St. Patrick’s Society of Montreal’s Annual Luncheon. The privilege of having Pauline Grunberg (Cummings Centre), Diane Lemay, Clifford Lincoln, Martin Murphy, and Dale Weil (Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence -Montreal Institute for Palliative Care) as guests was felt by all (as the photos reveal, Suzanne Brown, Paula Celani, Maria G. Centoni, Helen Pellerin, and Cris Tinmouth were graced with representing the ESCC this year)!
After a warm welcome and informal networking opportunities, all were invited to settle at their designated tables. With her beautiful voice, Samara O’Gorman rallied participants into reverence if not silence! The national anthems were followed by heartfelt toasts to Ireland, Canada, and Montreal. Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, the ESCC’s Honorary Chairperson then co-led Grace with Reverend Dr. Glen Chestnutt. Eoin Ó hÓgáin, the guest speaker, captivated everyone’s attention on sharing his passionate advocacy for the protection and promotion of Irish culture and language, as well as his praise for Concordia University’s School of Irish Studies (associated with its Faculty of Arts and Science and the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation). Amongst many things, Mr. Ó hÓgáin pointed out that the School is recognized as a model the world over. Joseph Quinn was celebrated as the 2024 Recipient of the St. Patrick’s Society of Montreal’s Community Award. The closing remarks had us all expressing gratitude for the privilege of partaking together in a memorable charity luncheon.