I’ve officially registered for re-election as Ward 1 Councillor in #Markham for the October 26, 2026 municipal election. Thank you to the 60 residents from all corners of #Thornhill — and every neighbourhood in between — who stepped forward as nominators. Your broad support means a great deal. I’m proud to serve this community and remain focused on delivering for residents. Our important work continues. Engaged citizens working together can accomplish extraordinary things and there’s much more to do. keithirish.ca

This week, I was pleased to represent Mayor Scarpitti and my Council colleagues as we joined residents, community organizations, partners and City of Markham employees to mark Pride Month and raise the Pride flag at the Civic Centre. Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, recognize progress, and reaffirm our commitment to building communities where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. A few days after the event, an attendee shared these words with me: “I want to personally thank you Councillor Irish for your remarks. I felt seen and heard for the first time by what you said.” Thank you to everyone who helped organize this year's event and to the many volunteers, advocates, and community leaders who continue to make Markham a stronger and more inclusive community. #Markham #Thornhill #PrideMonth

It was an honour to attend the 2026 Toronto Sport Hall of Honour induction ceremony and celebrate the induction of long-time Thornhill resident David Grossman in the Builder category. When I nominated David, I described him as a mentor, storyteller, advocate, and ambassador for Canadian athletics. For more than 50 years, he has used his platform to shine a spotlight on athletes, coaches, and sporting achievements that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Through his writing, broadcasting, and long-running recognition of young Athletes of the Year, David helped thousands of competitors gain confidence, visibility, and encouragement at pivotal moments in their development. Many went on to compete and excel at the provincial, national, and international levels, proudly representing their communities and our country on the world stage. David's influence extends far beyond the stories he told. His belief in young athletes helped inspire future champions, while his dedication to amateur and professional sport strengthened Canada's sporting culture for generations. His impact can be measured not only in articles written or broadcasts delivered, but in the lives he touched and the successes he helped make possible. Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved honour. Thornhill is proud of you, and so am I. #TorontoSportHallOfHonour #DavidGrossman #Thornhill #Markham #CanadianSport #SportsJournalism #Builder #CommunityLeadership #ProudCanadian

On June 6, 1944, the Battle of Normandy, code-named Operation OVERLORD, began with one of the largest seaborne operations in history: D-Day. 1/4

A 24-year-old Polish tennis player arrived in Paris last week ranked 114th in the world, with no sponsors, no guaranteed income, and no certainty she could even pay for her hotel room. She had to win three qualifying matches just to enter the French Open main draw. Prize money is only paid at the end of the tournament, so a Polish sports drink brand quietly stepped in and covered her hotel bill. Her name is Maja Chwalinska. And today, she plays in the French Open final. Before this tournament, she had won exactly one Grand Slam main draw match in her entire career. She had battled depression so severe that in 2021 she couldn't get out of bed. She underwent knee surgery in 2022. She spent years grinding through small tournaments across Europe just to stay afloat. Then she arrived in Paris, won three qualifiers, and kept winning. Zheng Qinwen. Elise Mertens. Maria Sakkari. Diana Shnaider. Nine straight matches. One set dropped. She is now the first qualifier in French Open history to reach the final. The last time a qualifier reached a Grand Slam final, it was Emma Raducanu at the 2021 US Open. Raducanu won. By simply making the final, Chwalinska has earned more prize money than her entire career combined. The runner-up cheque alone is $1.6 million. If she wins today, she takes home $3.25 million. One week ago she couldn't pay for her hotel room.

I was delighted to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Woodhill Garden Centre and help recognize an outstanding local business that has spent five decades beautifying homes and gardens throughout our community. 🌿 The event brought together residents, families, community partners, and gardening enthusiasts for a day of learning, fun, and celebration. Congratulations to the entire Woodhill team on reaching this remarkable milestone and on the positive impact you have made over the past 50 years. Thank you for your commitment to excellence, community involvement, and helping make our neighbourhoods greener and more beautiful. Happy 50th Anniversary, Woodhill Garden Centre! 🎉🌱 #Woodhill50 #CommunityLeadership #SupportLocalBusiness #Thornhill #Markham #YorkRegion #GardeningLife #CommunityCelebration #LocalSuccessStory

We have lost a wonderful public servant, volunteer, philanthropist, and a great, amiable, and welcoming friend. Every time I saw former Ward 7 #Markham Councillor Khalid Usman (as recently as May 14), I would ask, “How are you?” and he would enthusiastically reply: “Fan-TASTIC, sir!” Followed by a very firm handshake. I’d then say, “How can that always be the case?” and he’d respond: “It’s true — and besides, what’s the point in being anything else?!” My thoughts and condolences are with his family, loved ones, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. I will miss him. Rest peacefully. Vita brevis.

An appropriate birthday present on my uncle's birthday today. A federal judge ruled that President Trump and the Kennedy Center Board acted unlawfully in renaming the Kennedy Center. The judge held that only Congress can change the Center's name and blocked the planned two-year closure. I know they'll probably appeal and the story isn't over, but for today let’s celebrate a great birthday gift.

I am grateful to Thornhill resident Vilma N. for inviting me to a recital by Marialena Fernandes – an internationally recognized classical pianist, educator, and cultural curator – at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. Originally from Mumbai, she has spent much of her professional life in Vienna. She is especially known for combining European classical traditions with Indian cultural and musical themes. Stylistically, Marialena is described as highly expressive, intellectually curious, and deeply communicative as a performer and teacher.  I can attest that she is indeed someone who treats concerts as a dialogue with audiences rather than simply formal recitals.  Those in attendance are richer for the experience. It was a wonderful evening which also gave me an opportunity to connect/re-connect with many friends and neighbours across #Thornhill.

Somewhere beneath white crosses & marble Stars of David are young men who never got the chance to grow old. 🪖 Memorial Day is for them. 🇺🇸

Celebrating 50 years of faith, education and community at St. Michael Catholic Academy 🎉 It was wonderful to join students, alumni, staff, clergy and local leaders in recognizing this important milestone and the lasting impact SMCA has had on generations of families in our community. And, I see that Mayor @frankscarpitti attended the school’s 25th Anniversary in 2002 — proof that Markham traditions are timeless! I’m proud as the Ward 1 Councillor to help keep the tradition alive by celebrating Thornhill milestones like this alongside students, alumni and families year after year. Congratulations on 50 incredible years of inspiring students to dream big, believe in themselves and achieve their goals. Wishing the entire SMCA community continued success for many years to come! ✨ #SMCA50 #StMichaelCatholicAcademy #Markham #Thornhill #YorkRegion #CatholicEducation #Community #Education #AnniversaryCelebration #YCDSB

I am very pleased to share that St. Robert Catholic High School student Aidan Mao has been recognized as a 2026 Ingenious Regional Award Winner for GalleryBox — a youth-led public art initiative creating outdoor exhibition spaces for artists under 18. Inspired by the accessibility of little free libraries, GalleryBox transforms parks and schools into public spaces where young artists can share their work with the community. “Thank you again Councillor Irish for your support of GalleryBox in its early stages… your support played an important role in helping open the door for the project. I remain very grateful for that.” — Aidan Mao GalleryBox is a youth-led public art initiative that creates outdoor exhibition spaces for artists under 18. By placing curated gallery boxes in accessible public locations, the project helps make youth artwork visible, valued, and part of everyday community life. The first GalleryBox is in place in #Markham at artsindustrial.com, 200 Steelcase Road East. Be sure to check it out! Learn more at GalleryBox: gallerybox.ca

I had the pleasure of attending the 2026 Recruit Graduation for @MarkhamFire & Emergency Services. Our city proudly welcomed 17 new graduates who will help fulfil the department’s mission of providing the highest level of life safety and property protection to residents, while serving the community in a sensitive and caring manner each and every day. #Markham is exceptionally well-served by the dedicated women and men of the department. Congratulations to the graduating class, and thank you for choosing a career of public service.

I was pleased to accept an invitation from Mr. Matsunaga Takeshi, Consul-General of Japan, to attend a reception in honour of a delegation of teachers and students from Tokyo Metropolitan Hachioji Higashi Senior High School. As part of their visit, the delegation spent time with staff and students at #Thornhill’s St. Robert Catholic High School, strengthening ties and fostering meaningful cultural exchange. Student exchanges such as this broaden perspectives, build lasting friendships, and underscore the importance of international understanding and cooperation — especially among young people. I also welcomed the opportunity to speak with @PaulCalandra, Ontario’s Minister of Education. Thank you to everyone involved in making this visit such a memorable experience.

The numbers say it all! Another successful Heintzman House Art Show & Sale is in the books. I’m grateful to the dedicated volunteer Board, Art Show Committee, talented artists, generous sponsors, and everyone who visited and supported this wonderful community event. Community engagement at its very best. #Thornhill #Markham

This morning I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local @McDonaldsCanada for McHappy Day — and it was wonderful to see our community come together for such an important cause. ❤️ McHappy Day helps support Ronald McDonald House Charities and the families who rely on their programs during difficult times. A big thank you to the staff, volunteers, and everyone who came out to show their support today. Community is strongest when we show up for one another. 🍟☕ #McHappyDay #CommunityStrong #Markham #Thornhill #Volunteer #LocalLeadership

This #EarthDay2026, I joined friends and neighbours across #Thornhill to clean up Windy Hill, Pomona Mills & Royal Orchard parks. A great reminder: small actions make a real difference — and every day should be Earth Day. 🌱 I’m proud of our community.

Everything was good until I realized this man has an IQ of 178 and a master degree in electrical engineering from Oxford University