St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke Names Jeff Walsh 2025 O’Connell Award Recipient
Holyoke, Massachusetts – The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced tonight that Jeff Walsh is the 61st recipient of the George E. O’Connell Award.
The O’Connell Award is given to a member of the Parade Committee who has made significant contributions to fundraising efforts for the Parade. The announcement was made at the Parade Committee’s monthly meeting.
Since joining the St. Patrick’s Committee, Walsh has been instrumental in raising essential funds for the Parade. He has served as co-chair of the Mike Ahearn Golf Tournament and has been a constant presence at other fundraising events. Walsh is known for lending a hand wherever needed on both Road Race and Parade Day, year after year.
Walsh’s passion for music led him to create “Marshal Mania,” a concert event introduced to the Committee in 2019. Held annually on the first weekend in March, this event has become an essential kick-off to Holyoke’s Homecoming Weekend, establishing itself as one of the Committee’s key fundraisers for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
Walsh’s involvement with the Committee dates back to 2017, when his daughter, Margaret Walsh, was named the Grand Colleen. Since then, both Jeff and his family have been steadfast supporters of the Committee’s efforts.
“Jeff Walsh is one of our most hard-working and dedicated members,” said John Beaulieu, Parade President. “Fundraising is essential for putting on Parade weekend, and without the support of our sponsors and members like Jeff Walsh, the Parade would not be possible. I’m so grateful to him, and I look forward to seeing his family march in the Parade on March 22, 2025.”
Jeff lives in Holyoke with his wife Dianne and is the father of Amanda, Margaret, and Ryan, as well as the grandfather to Camden and Reilly. A graduate of South Hadley High School and Westfield State University, Jeff is currently the president of Everett & Associates in Springfield. He will be honored at the Coronation Ball and Awards Dinner in February 2025.
Tickets and more information are available at www.holyokestpatricksparade.com.
The 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, and the 48th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
