Edward Noonan of the multi-generation Noonan Energy in Springfield will lead the Springfield contingent as Parade Marshall for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The contingent has been busy over the past several weeks planning its upcoming events, while organizers try to get more past Springfield colleens involved in the traditional event. “We’re really trying to make an effort...
Edward Noonan
Edward Noonan of the multi-generation Noonan Energy in Springfield will lead the Springfield contingent as Parade Marshall for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The contingent has been busy over the past several weeks planning its upcoming events, while organizers try to get more past Springfield colleens involved in the traditional event.
“We’re really trying to make an effort to reach out to past colleens and her court, trying to get them to march,” said Springfield parade contingent Chair Thomas Sullivan. “It’s not something we’ve done in the past. After the girls win, we don’t often see them, and we appreciate the fact that they represented the Springfield Irish community.”
The selection of Noonan, a trustee at American International College, as Parade Marshall was an obvious choice, Sullivan said.
“He’s been instrumental in getting the scholarship to AIC for the colleen competition,” he said. “He’s a very successful businessman in the Springfield area, he’s proud of his Irish heritage and he’s always been supportive of all of our events we have.”
Noonan said he was surprised by the honor because he had received an award from the parade committee several years ago, and he felt that was more than enough recognition.
“I was delighted to accept it and humbled that they thought I was worthy of doing the job for them,” he said.
Noonan has been a longtime sponsor of “Irish Hours” on the radio, hosted for many years by Sullivan’s parents, Jim and the late Peg Sullivan.
The committee has chosen John Goonan as the Agnes Burke Award winner, which goes to those who go above and beyond in perpetuating the Irish heritage in the City of Springfield.
“He’s a member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club,” Sullivan said. “He’s one of the first people there to set up for our events. He’s always taking photos at various Irish events throughout the city, and he’s very supportive of the committee.”
The Appreciation Award has been renamed in honor of Mary Troy, a longtime member of the committee and a past co-chair of the committee. This year’s winners are Paula and Alan Siok. The Sioks have allowed the committee to use their barn to set up the parade float each year. They’ve also let the committee use their trailer as well.
There are two winners of this year’s Paul Caron Award. Alesia Barbaro and Ellie Longtin are both members of the parade committee.
“Alesia is a key part of the Colleen Committee, and the one that kind of chaperones the girls around throughout all the events during the St. Patrick’s season,” Sullivan said. “Ellie has been very involved in our fundraising events.”
MaryKate Sullivan is Springfield’s Colleen for 2013. The 17-year-old Cathedral High School senior, from Springfield, will lead the four remaining finalists in her court: Alexa de Villier of Springfield, Hannah McFarlin Epstein of Longmeadow, Darcy Ann Fortune of Palmer and Christina Zurah of East Longmeadow. Sullivan also won the $500 Mossie and Kathleen Murphy scholarship.
This year’s float will have an immigration theme.
“It’s about the immigration from Ireland to Ellis Island to the Hungry Hill area of Springfield,” Sullivan said. “It’s going to have a steamship on it, and it’s sponsored by MGM Casino.”
As is tradition, the Springfield contingent will host its “Marshall’s Reception” on Sunday, March 10 at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, to honor Marshall Ed Noonan. There will be food and music, and the celebration is free and open to the public.
On Friday, March 15, 9:00 a.m. mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Cathedral on State Street. That will be followed by a march from the MassMutual Center to City Hall, for a small ceremony.
Sullivan said the Springfield Parade Committee is always looking to add new members.
“We have a lot of dedicated people, and the last few years we’ve gotten some younger and new members,” he said. “Everyone seems to be working well together.”
Past colleens who would like to march in this year’s parade on Sunday, March 17 can contact Sullivan at 413-386-5575.