Jadyn Christie Crowned as 2026 Grand Colleen
More than 350 guests filled the Log Cabin on Saturday evening for the annual Grand Colleen Coronation Ball and Awards Night, a signature celebration marking the start of Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s season. The event honored several distinguished community members and culminated in the crowning of Jadyn Lois Christie as the 2026 Grand Colleen.
This year’s award recipients included:
Citizenship Award: The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts
Thomas F. Rohan Award: Tessa Murphy‑Romboletti
George E. O’Connell Award: DJ O’Connor
Daniel J. Gallivan Award: James Menard
Each honoree received their award and delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting their commitment to the Holyoke community.
The 2026 Colleen Contestants, presented in order of appearance, were:
Olivia Rose Royland, 20 (Holyoke); Bridie Bowler, 22 (Holyoke); Jadyn Lois Christie, 19 (South Hadley); Paige Brady Leahy, 19 (Holyoke); and Anna Mary Evans, 22 (Holyoke).
All contestants answered the judges’ question: “Resilience, faith, family, and community have long defined Irish heritage in Holyoke. Which of these values would you carry forward most strongly as Grand Colleen and why?”
Parade President Jim Wildman, 2026 Grand Marshal Michael J. Moriarty, and 2025 Grand Colleen Moira Reardon had the honor of crowning Jadyn Christie as the 2026 Grand Colleen.
Upcoming Events Featuring the Colleens
February 20: Battle of the Bars, Holyoke Knights of Columbus, 6:00–10:00 p.m.
March 1: Irish Flag Raising, JFK Memorial, Holyoke, 2:15 p.m.
March 7: Tartan Party for Dobbin, Holyoke Merry‑Go‑Round, 2:00 p.m.
March 7: Marshal Mania, The Log Cabin, 6:30–11:00 p.m.
March 8: Annual Colleen Gathering, Wyckoff Country Club, 2:00–5:00 p.m.
March 21: 49th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race, 1:00 p.m.
March 21: JFK National Award Dinner, The Log Cabin, 5:30 p.m.
March 22: Ambassador’s Breakfast, Wyckoff Country Club, 8:00 a.m.
March 22: 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, 11:00 a.m.
