Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, soon-to-be Chief of staff Bill Baker, and forthcoming Communications Director Molly Shea joined with out-going Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood, incoming Police Superintendent Larry Akers, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi and the Springfield Police and Fire Department contingents to march in the 71st annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade which was held on Sunday, March 17th, 2024.
Mayor Sarno states, “It was a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day and Parade Day in Holyoke! I am always honored and proud to march with our Springfield Police Department. This was a special one as it was Police Superintendent Clapprood’s last St. Patrick’s parade as she is getting ready to retire next month. I appreciated hearing all the kind words of support and well wishes from the crowd for Cheryl who has served our SPD for 45 dedicated years. I cannot express it enough: Thank you, Superintendent Clapprood! And thank you to all who joined to march, spectate, support, and especially those behind the scenes who make the events of the day happen. The entire Springfield contingent did us proud – special shout out to the Libertas Academy drum team – did you see the drummer performing upside down and blindfolded? Everyone brought out their best and did an excellent job. Until we meet again, my friends, good health and God Bless.”
Congressman Richard Neal marched alongside the Attorney General from the Republic of Ireland Rossa Fanning. Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and marching unit, Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, Sate Senators John Velis, Adam Gomez, and Jake Oliveira, and State Representatives Carlos Gonzalez, Orlando Ramos, along with Springfield City Councilors Tim Allen and Jose Delgado also marched.
The Springfield parade contingent was led by our 2024 Springfield Parade Marshal Stephen McGirr. The 2024 Springfield Colleen Emma Feeley and her court rode atop the Springfield float which won second prize for Irish Theme and featured giant knitting needles and balls of yarn. The Libertas Academy Charter School drumline, Springfield Youth Cheerleading, our friends from Western Mass News, the Springfield Thunderbirds Foundation and mascot Boomer, Irish step dancers from both the Claddagh School of Irish Dance and the Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance, the Springfield Lodge of Elks including the Irish Elk of the Year Cindy Miller, the John Boyle O’Reilly Club with Irish Person of the Year George Podmore, and the Springfield Parade Committee’s 2024 Award Winners Maureen Olds, Bridget Barcomb, and Iron Duke Brewing all participated in marching through Holyoke on Sunday.
