The finalists are: Eileen Barrett, 21; Meghan Sullivan, 18; Mariah M. McNamara, 18; Nora M. Garrity, 18; and Martha M. Crowley, 17. All are from Springfield except Barrett, who is from Ludlow.
The five finalists for Springfield colleen chosen Saturday at the John Boyle O'Reilly Club in Springfield are, from left, Meghan Sullivan, of Springfield; Eileen Barrett, of Ludlow; Martha Crowley, of Springfield; Nora Garrity, of Springfield, and Mariah McNamara, of Springfield. SPRINGFIELD – Five young women were chosen on Saturday night to serve in the colleen’s court during the March 18 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, and one of them next month will earn the distinction of being named the Springfield colleen.
The finalists, picked from a group of 22 during the event at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, are: Eileen Barrett, 21; Meghan Sullivan, 18; Mariah M. McNamara, 18; Nora M. Garrity, 18; and Martha M. Crowley, 17. All are from Springfield except Barrett, who is from Ludlow.
They said they were happy to have been selected, and are looking forward to representing the city.
Barrett, a senior at Lasell College in Newton, said she had wanted to compete last year, but was sidelined by ankle surgery.
“I’m in shock of it, a little bit,” Barrett said, shortly after her name was announced.
Sullivan, an Elms College freshman, said she was elated to be able to represent her heritage, her family and her community. She said she met the Springfield colleen when she was in first grade and the experience left a lasting impression on her.
“I’ve always wanted to do this,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan also was the recipient of the scholarship award.
McNamara, a senior at Central High School, said her parents, William and Kathleen, are very proud of their Irish heritage, and this is a way to make them proud. Her father, who was nearby during her interview, piped up, “We are proud.”
Garrity and Crowley, both seniors at Cathedral High School, said they are excited about being named finalists. Crowley said the competition has been a tradition in her family, and she donned the same dress that her cousin wore for the occasion.
Mollie M. Bresnahan, who is part of the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee and a former member of the colleen’s court herself, said all the young women have to go through an application process to compete, and are interviewed by a panel of judges.
The finalists chosen based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, involvement in the community, and knowledge of their Irish heritage, she said.
The contest is open to young women of Irish descent who are 17 to 22 years of age and at least a high school senior. The Springfield colleen will be chosen on Feb. 11 at Cedars Banquet Hall, and the remaining finalists will comprise her court.