Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, our Irish community, the 2024 Springfield Parade Marshal Stephen McGirr, the Springfield Colleen Court, and all the 2024 award winners for the 2024 Colleen Coronation and Awards Presentation Ball on Saturday at the Cedars Banquet Hall on Island Pond Road in Springfield. The Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee honored the 2024 award winners and the 2024 Springfield Colleen was selected by a panel of judges at this event. Bill Egan and the Rising provided live music. The Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance performed.
Mayor Sarno stated, “It was wonderful to be back with the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee to see our Springfield Colleen Coronation and Awards Presentation. This is one of the city’s longest running traditions to honor the Irish community and it is always a fun event with Irish music, dancing, and cultural traditions being passed down and preserved. Saturday’s ceremony was a beautiful event with so much to proud of.”
“A big congratulations to Springfield’s own Emma Feeley on being selected as the 2024 Springfield Colleen and to Hannah Ailis Willetts, Bridget Mary Laviolette, Caitlin Grace Dowd, and Madelyn Johnson for being selected to the Court. Each and every one of the Colleen finalists gave eloquent and meaningful answers. You represented yourselves, your families, and your city so well and have made us all proud.”
“Congrats also to Stephen McGirr, Maureen Olds, Bridget Barcomb, and the team at Iron Duke Brewing on this tremendous recognition. I am always grateful to the Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee for welcoming me. Thank you to President Siobhan Cullen, Director Kerri Sullivan, and the whole Committee team for your dedication and making these festivities possible. I am looking forward to being with our Irish community once again this March with more celebrations to come.”
2024 Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Awardees:
2024 Parade Marshal: Stephen McGirr
The Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Marshall is someone who has distinguished himself or herself in their chosen profession and who has contributed greatly to the Irish community of Springfield.
Colleen and Court: Emma Feeley, Hannah Ailis Willetts, Bridget Mary Laviolette, Caitlin Grace Dowd, and Madelyn Johnson
Springfield Colleen and her Court Young women of Irish Decent, who are 17 to 22 years of age and at least a High School senior. Residents of Springfield, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow or Wilbraham are eligible. Residents of other towns may be eligible.
Mossie and Kathleen Murphy Scholarship: Bridget Mary Laviolette
This scholarship contribution is made in the memory of Maurice and Kathleen Murphy to recognize the extraordinary sacrifices they made on behalf of all their five children. Their parents, like thousand of other, left Ireland on a boat to pursue a life in America.
Paul G. Caron Award: Maureen Olds
The Paul G. Caron Award is presented each year in memory of the founder of the Springfield Colleen Contest to a past or present Committee member, or someone who has contributed greatly to the Greater Springfield Community. The Committee gives this award in memory each year. Paul founded the Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Colleen Contest in 1968.
John and Agnes Burke Award: Bridget Barcomb
The John & Agnes Burke Award is presented annually in memory of both John and Agnes Burke for their lifelong commitment and support to their Irish heritage. John and Agnes Burke were active members of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee. This award is presented in their honor annually, to an individual(s) who have made outstanding contributions to the Irish people of the City of Springfield.
Mary B. Troy Award: Iron Duke Brewing
The Mary b. Troy Award is given to a person or business that is not a member of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee that has given outstanding service to the committee. The award honors the late Mary Brigid Troy, who was a longtime member of the Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee and contributed many hours of her time selflessly to the committee.
