Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and representatives from the Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee joined today on the City Hall steps to raise the Irish flag in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day following Mass at Sacred Heart Church.
Mayor Sarno states, “Such a beautiful weather day today – Irish eyes were smiling! Bishop Byrne gave a very heartfelt and humorous Homily, and we also received a joke from Monsignor Farland, too! Following COVID-19 public health guidelines, we had fantastic attendance at both events. Once we defeat this COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic – and we will; we will march together once again!”
Kerry Sullivan, the 2020/2021 John & Agnes Burke Award winner, emceed the event along with Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee President Alesia Barbaro. Mayor Sarno presented a proclamation for the occasion declaring Wednesday, March 17, 2021 as St. Patrick’s Day in the City of Springfield. Both the American and Irish National Anthems were performed, accompanied by bagpipe music from Captain David Kane of our Springfield Police Department, guitar by Jimmy McArdle, and accordion by Jerry Murphy.
Also in attendance for the celebration were 2020/2021 Parade Marshall Sean Cahillane, Bishop William Byrne and his dog Zelie, State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representative Jacob Oliveira, Hampden County Register of Deeds Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, Hampden County Register of Probate Rosemary Saccomani, Margaret Boyle representing Congressman Neal’s Office, City Councilor Michael Fenton, City Councilor Gumersindo Gomez, School Committee Vice Chair Christopher Collins, School Superintendent Daniel Warwick, Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Director Patrick Sullivan, and Representatives from the John Boyle O’Reilly Club in Springfield.
