Molly McKenna Named 2026 Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Queen in Pittsburgh

McKenna will be joined by court maidens Kennedy Kuntz and Sidney Hoover in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Molly McKenna, a dean's list student at St. Mary's College, has been named the 2026 Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Queen in Pittsburgh. She will be joined by court maidens Kennedy Kuntz and Sidney Hoover in the city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Why it matters

The Miss Smiling Irish Eyes pageant is a longstanding tradition in Pittsburgh, celebrating the city's Irish heritage and community involvement. The selection of McKenna, Kuntz, and Hoover highlights the achievements of young women in the region and their commitment to service.

The details

McKenna, a biology and chemistry double major, graduated with high honors from Mt. Lebanon High School and has an extensive history of volunteering, including work at her local church's Lenten fish fry. Kuntz, a senior at Chartiers Valley High School, is the captain of the girls' soccer team and also volunteers teaching CCD classes for children with disabilities. Hoover, a sophomore at West Virginia University studying exercise physiology, was the president of the Best Buddies program at her high school in South Fayette.

  • The 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on March 14, 2026.

The players

Molly McKenna

The 2026 Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Queen, a dean's list student at St. Mary's College double majoring in biology and chemistry.

Kennedy Kuntz

A 2026 Miss Smiling Irish Eyes court maiden, a senior at Chartiers Valley High School and the captain of the girls' soccer team.

Sidney Hoover

A 2026 Miss Smiling Irish Eyes court maiden, a sophomore at West Virginia University studying exercise physiology and former president of the Best Buddies program at South Fayette High School.

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What they’re saying

“It is important to me to make our Catholic faith more inclusive and accessible to those who learn differently so they too can receive the sacraments and fully participate as part of the Church.”

— Molly McKenna (cbsnews.com)

The takeaway

The selection of Molly McKenna, Kennedy Kuntz, and Sidney Hoover as the 2026 Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Queen and court maidens showcases the achievements and community involvement of young women in the Pittsburgh region, continuing a longstanding tradition that celebrates the city's Irish heritage.