Mayor Domenic J. Sarno kicked off the Springfield St. Patrick’s Day festivities with two events at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club this past weekend. On Friday evening, Mayor Sarno welcomed The Druids to Springfield as they performed their award winning folk Irish music. Mayor Sarno sponsored the Irish Band to perform at the Boyle. The celebration also included traditional Irish Dancing from the Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance and an opening performance from the Springfield Kiltie Band. The 2023 Springfield Colleen and her court were also in attendance.
Mayor Sarno states, “It was my distinct pleasure and honor to sponsor the Druids as they performed their award-winning Irish folk songs at our iconic John Boyle O’Reilly Club. As we kickoff all of the festivities towards St. Patrick’s Day, there is no better place to sing, dance and enjoy a good corned beef sandwich than at the JBO. The band was great and the atmosphere was even better. And, hey, I’ll take the Guinness to go! Slainte!”
On Sunday, March 12th, Mayor Sarno returned to the JBO along with President of the Springfield Parade Committee Siobhan Cullen, Master of Ceremonies Rich Devine, 2020-2022 Parade Marshal Sean Cahillane and other city and state officials for the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee’s Parade Marshall’s reception. Mayor Sarno brought greetings and presented proclamations to this year’s Parade Marshal, City Councilor Attorney Michael Fenton, as well as all the awardees: Irish Person of the Year Sue Forys, John and Agnes Burke Award winners Eamonn Burke and Michael Ireland, Paul G. Caron Award winner Siobhan Cullen, and the Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award winners Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant. He also issued proclamations to the Springfield Colleen Caitlyn Feeley and her court: Kiley McQuade Arsenault, Ayden-Maeve Bradley, Meghan Curley, and Norah Dolye.
Mayor ‘O’Sarno’ stated, “I want to thank our Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for keeping our city’s Irish heritage and traditions strong. Irish-Americans have truly enriched our city of Springfield, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and our nation. Congratulations to all the award winners and the Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Colleen and her court. You have all been doing a great job representing our city and your community. I am looking forward to the parade and more events this week including Mass at Sacred Heart Church and the raising of the Irish flag at City Hall on St. Patrick’s Day.”
