SPRINGFIELD, MA (January 4, 2020) - The Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee held their annual Springfield Colleen Preliminary Contest Saturday night at the John Boyle O’ Reilly Club. The young women from Springfield and surrounding towns were interviewed by a panel of judges. The five finalists are 17 year old Ludlow resident Grace McCarthy, daughter of David & Laura McCarthy; 17 year old Ludlow resident Danielle Buoniconti, daughter of Michael and Barbara Buoniconti; 17 year old Longmeadow resident Maeve Shea, daughter of John and Christine Shea, 17 year old Ludlow resident Marah McDonnell, daughter of Michael Jr. and Patricia McDonnell and 17 year old Springfield resident Colleen Curley, daughter of Martin and Michele Curley.

The committee also awarded two scholarships in honor of the founder of the Colleen Contest, Paul G. Caron. The two recipients are 18 year old East Longmeadow resident Tralee Noonan, daughter of Carey Noonan and Lenora Murawski and 18 year old East Longmeadow resident Theresa Kervick, daughter of Kevin Kervick and Karen Siebert-Kervick.

At the Coronation Ball and Awards Ceremony, to be held on Saturday February 8 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. Each of the five colleen finalists will be eligible to apply for the Mossie and Kathleen Murphy Scholarship.

More information on the 2020 Coronation Ball and Awards Ceremony here: https://www.springfieldstpatricksparade.org/coronationballawards