South Side Irish Parade Crowns 2023 Queen

CHICAGO — A St. Cajetan, Marist and College of St. Benedict alumna has been named the 2023 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day queen. Nora Doyle roots go deep into the neighborhood parade.

“I walked in the South Side Irish Parade with my Irish dance school until I was a senior in high school, but my first time continues to be my favorite childhood memory,” Doyle said. “My house backs up to the parade route, making coming together to celebrate community and my Irish heritage even more of a special tradition, and I am honored to be this year’s Parade Queen,” added Doyle.

In her free time, Doyle continues to teach Irish dance helping to share the skills and culture of Irish step dancing for generations to come.

Doyle was one of 15 candidates who took part in the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen selection process. The Parade Queen candidates were interviewed individually by a panel of independent judges including Margaret McGann, 2013 South Side Irish Parade Queen; Allison Kelly, 2016 South Side Irish Queen; Alison Kelly, Julia McSweeney parade committee member, Marianne Rowan Leslie, parade chair, Noreen Heron, president of the Heron Agency and Mary Jo Viero, executive director of the Beverly Area Planning Association.

“Nora is very dedicated to the South Side Irish community and holds the parade in a special place in her heart,” said Mary Kay Gavin-Marmo, executive director of the Professional Irish Women of Chicago and director of the South Side Irish Queen Contest. “We are thrilled to have her serve as this year’s Parade Queen.”

The South Side Irish Parade Queen is sponsored by the South Side Irish Parade Committee to compete in the Chicago Rose of Tralee selection as the South Side Irish Rose. This selection process will take place on May 7, 2023 at the Irish American Heritage Center.

The mission of the Chicago Rose of Tralee is to provide enrichment opportunities that will encourage young women of Irish descent to be exemplary role models for tomorrow’s youth and to make a positive difference in the world. The winner of the Chicago Rose of Tralee will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Ireland for an experience of a lifetime and represent Chicago in a 2-night televised event in Tralee, Ireland. Visit Chicago Rose of Tralee for more information or application.