Bailey O'Connell Named South Side Irish Parade Queen

CHICAGO (MT. GREENWOOD) — Bailey O'Connell, a 22-year-old Mount Greenwood woman, is the 2020 South Side Irish Parade Queen. O'Connell was selected as queen during the Pre-Parade Fundraiser held at 115 Bourbon Street on Saturday, Feb. 22.

O'Connell grew up in Mount Greenwood, graduated from Mount Greenwood Elementary School and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School and is a current senior at Eastern Illinois University majoring in recreation administration, according to the South Side Irish Parade Committee. She will intern at the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.

“I believe in celebrating my Irish heritage and sharing traditions of the rich culture with the next generation,” O’Connell said. “Coming together to celebrate as family, friends and neighbors has been such an amazing part of my childhood, and I am honored to play such a significant role in this year's celebration,” she said.

O’Connell was selected among 10 candidates. She will now be prominently featured in the March 15 South Side Irish Parade down Western Avenue as queen and will also ride in the downtown Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade.

As the South Side Irish Parade Queen, O'Connell will also receive sponsorship from the South Side Irish Parade Committee to compete in the 2020 Chicago Rose of Tralee selection as the South Side Irish Rose.