President's Message

 

2010 Parade President
 
James M. Leahy
 

We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams,
Arthur W. O’Shaughnessy (1884-1881)
  
The streets of Holyoke will be filled with new and old friends coming together March 21, 2010, to celebrate their Irish heritage, civic pride, family, faith, friendship, and tradition. Parade weekend holds a special meaning for everyone. However, the common bond is a celebration of Holyoke and all the qualities that make our city such a special place.
One of the many honors, but the easiest duty I have had during my presidency, was choosing the cover for the Parade Program Book. The decision was simple--a picture of my Mother, Mary Ellen McGinty Leahy, Grand Colleen in 1965, riding on the Colleen float. What better way to say thank you to one of the most inspirational individuals in my life.
 
The entire Parade Weekend is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication by the members of the Committee who work year round to bring us the best presentation. Thank you to each and every one of you! I would also like to thank Her Honor, Mayor Elaine Pluta, the Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Public Works who work so diligently with Committee members to make the entire weekend a phenomenal success.
 
The 300-plus members of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Committee are truly the music makers and dreamers of dreams. For the past 59 years these dedicated men and women have worked tirelessly to organize and assemble the finest exhibition in honor of St. Patrick. This year will be no different.
 
I look forward to walking down the streets of Holyoke with my family and what an honor it will be for us to march with our 2010 John F. Kennedy National Awardee, Daniel M. Rooney, Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland; Ambassador Awardee. John L. Lahey, President of Quinnipiac College; Grand Marshal Joseph M. McGiverin, President of the Holyoke City Council; Citizenship Awardee, The Republican Columnist, Barbara Bernard; O’Connell Awardee, Old Faithful Volunteer Extraordinaire,  Marion Tierney; Rohan Awardee Past President, John T. Pharmacy Jack O’Neill; and Gallivan Awardee, our Secretary, Jackie Reardon. All are exemplary individuals who have personified what it means to be a Holyoker.
 
A heart-filled thank you to my wife Eileen, and children, Brendan, Caroline, and Paige, for their love and support. I am forever grateful to all of them.
 
Cead Mile Failte! ­A thousand Welcomes! & Enjoy the Parade!
 
 
James M. Leahy, 2010 President
St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke