SPRINGFIELD, MA (November 5, 2022) - The Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee held their annual Springfield Colleen Preliminary Contest Saturday evening at the Carriage House at the Barney Estate in Springfield. The young women from Springfield and surrounding towns were interviewed by a panel of judges. The five finalists are Caitlyn Feeley, 22 years old from Palmer, who also was the recipient of an academic scholarship, Meghan Curley, 18 from Springfield, Ayden-Maeve Bradley, 19 from East Longmeadow, Nora Doyle, 17 from Wilbraham and Kiley Arsenault, 20 from Wilbraham.
The 2023 Springfield Parade Marshal is Michael Fenton. The Springfield Parade Marshal is someone who has distinguished themself in their chosen profession and who has contributed greatly to the Irish community of Springfield.
The John and Agnes Burke award winners are Eammon Burke and Michael Ireland. The John & Agnes Burke Award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the Irish people of the city of Springfield.
The Paul G. Caron award winner is Siobhan Cullen. The Paul G. Caron Award is presented each year to a past or present committee member who has contributed greatly to the Greater Springfield community.
The Mary B. Troy award winner is Nathan Bill's Bar and Restaurant. The Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award is given to a person or business that has given outstanding service to the committee.
“We would like to congratulate our 2023 Parade Marshal and Award Winners. They have certainly distinguished themselves in their chosen professions and have contributed greatly to the Irish and Western Mass community,” said Alesia Barbaro, President of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.
At the Coronation Ball and Awards Ceremony, to be held on Saturday, February 11 at Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place, one of the finalists will be crowned Springfield Colleen. The Springfield Colleen and her Court will ride atop a themed float in the Holyoke St. Patrick's parade and attend several events, parties and fundraisers throughout the year. All members of the court receive a genuine Irish wool sweater, scarf, sash, jewelry and more. In addition, the colleen receives a tiara and a free trip to Ireland.
More information on the 2023 Coronation Ball and Awards Ceremony here: https://www.springfieldstpatricksparade.org/coronationballawards
About: The Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade committee is a non-profit organization committed to promoting and celebrating Irish heritage in Greater Springfield, including Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Hampden, Ludlow, Monson and Palmer. The committee is made up of a talented group of individuals who work tirelessly to promote and preserve the Irish heritage, culturally and socially to the best of their abilities. Annually, the committee organizes the Springfield Colleen and Court Contest and, also the Springfield contingents that participate in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade.