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Date: 12/18/2023
SPRINGFIELD — In preparation for the 2024 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee announced its parade marshal and award winners during a Dec. 6 ceremony.
These individuals will lead the contingent in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 17, 2024.
Stephen McGirr of East Longmeadow was named the parade marshal. McGirr has been “taking Springfield down the street” of the parade since 1990, he said.
While McGirr is not a member of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, he is a coordinator for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. Because of this, he said he was “very shocked” to be named the parade marshal.
“I didn’t expect it. I was surprised and humbled at first and [I] didn’t know what to say,” he shared.
According to the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, the parade marshal is someone who has distinguished themself in their chosen profession and has “contributed greatly” to the Springfield Irish community.
McGirr added that it is an “honor” to be the first one out, leading in the cohort and representing Springfield.
“[I’m] thankful and looking forward to a bright sunny day that’s not too cold,” he said.
McGirr shared that he is especially excited for the 2024 parade, as it will take place on St. Patrick’s Day.
In addition to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, McGirr has been a lifetime member of the Springfield Elks Lodge 61 and the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, along with the Hampden County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the American Legion Post 293 in East Longmeadow.
McGirr is a third generation Irish American with roots that trace back to his great grandfathers of counties Tyrone and Leitrim, Ireland.
The next award recipient was Bridget Barcomb. Barcomb received the John and Agnes Burke Award, which is annually presented in honor of the Burkes for their lifelong commitment and support to their Irish heritage. The Burkes were active members of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.
Every year, an individual receives this award based on their own contributions to the Irish people of Springfield.
Maureen Olds received the Paul G. Caron Award. This award — in memory of the founder of the Springfield Colleen Contest — is presented to a past or present committee member, or someone who has “contributed greatly” to the Greater Springfield community, the committee explained.
Paul founded the Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Colleen Contest in 1968.
Olds has been an active committee member for five years and prior to that, a nonactive member for 20 years. She shared that she was selected because of her recent experience over the past five years.
Olds was the co-creator of the Springfield tartan, “a plaid that’s unique to unique to Springfield,” and is registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans, she said. Olds selected the five colors for the tartan that represent all the schools — past and present — in Springfield.
Additionally, Olds serves as a liaison for Springfield and attends the regular Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee meetings, stays up to date with parade planning and creates the line up for Springfield. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.
“It’s definitely an honor to receive the award and recognition,” she said. “It’s a great way to celebrate the parade committee,” as well as an “honor” for the work she has done.
Olds shared that she is most looking forward to parade day as she will be marching this year. “It’s a fun day for everyone,” she added.
Iron Duke Brewing Company received the Mary B. Troy Award. This award is given to a person or business that is not a member of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and has given “outstanding service” to the committee, they explained. The award honors Troy, who was a longtime member of the committee, “selflessly” devoting much of her time to it.
On Jan. 6, 2024, the colleen preliminaries will take place at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club. At press time, there were 14 applications which is the biggest in a few years, shared Kerri Sullivan, media liaison for the Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee.
The Springfield colleen and colleen court consists of young women of Irish descent, between the ages of 17-22 and at least a high school senior. Residents of Springfield, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow or Wilbraham are eligible, along with potential eligibility from other towns.
Reminder Publishing contacted Barcomb and a representative from Iron Duke, but did receive responses at press time.