“Miss Smiling Irish Eyes” is one of the highest honors awarded by the Pittsburgh Irish community. A tradition for more than 65 years, the title recognizes a young woman who exemplifies outstanding representation of the Irish in Pittsburgh through strong moral character, ethical ideals and poise.
This year, the honor was awarded to 21-year-old Molly McKenna of Arden Road. McKenna is a lifelong Irish dancer, dedicated volunteer and proud ambassador of Pittsburgh’s Irish American community.
As Miss Smiling Irish Eyes, McKenna helped lead the 2026 Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“I remember dancing in the parade and seeing the queen and her court and always looking up to them,” McKenna said. “Being able to represent the Pittsburgh Irish community and all of my Irish ancestors who came to Pittsburgh years ago is really a dream come true for me.”
McKenna first embraced her love for her Irish heritage at age 3, when her parents took her to the Pittsburgh Irish Festival. She remembers watching the Shovlin Academy Irish Dancers, moving her feet along with the music and telling her parents, “I want to do that!”
For more than 15 years, she performed with the Shovlin Academy at parades, festivals, senior centers and community events. McKenna has competed at the highest levels of Irish dance, including the Mid-America Oireachtas and the 2023 All Irelands in Killarney, Ireland.
McKenna is currently a junior at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, majoring in biology and chemistry while dancing with the Notre Dame Irish Dance Team.
Service has also played a major role in McKenna’s life. She attended St. Bernard Catholic School and volunteered hundreds of hours through her parish community and youth group mission trips. She also helped teach Catholicism through the Adaptive Religious Education Program for children with special needs.
“Whether it’s helping those in need or teaching CCD to some amazing kids, the most rewarding part of volunteering through the church is helping others see God’s love,” McKenna said.
To further promote her heritage and faith, McKenna joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), a Catholic Irish American fraternal organization whose mission is to promote Irish culture. She served as president of Junior Ladies LAOH Division 23 and is now working with national leadership to launch the first collegiate LAOH club at Saint Mary’s College.
Her commitment to service has earned several honors, including the Medallion Ball Award and the Junior Women of Achievement Award.
McKenna plans to continue expanding collegiate LAOH membership, compete with her céilí Irish dance team at Collegiate Nationals, pursue medical school and remain rooted in Pittsburgh — celebrating her heritage through dance, service and community leadership.
“I keep thinking to myself that this isn’t just an accomplishment for me, but something my whole family, friends and community can be proud of,” McKenna said.
There may be something in the water in Mt. Lebanon. The 2025 recipient of the honor was Melanie Grace Rayl, a 2022 Mt. Lebanon High School graduate.
Keep smiling, Molly and Melanie — you have certainly made the Mt. Lebanon Irish community proud.
