Holyoke honors Jeff Walsh for parade contributions

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Tuesday night was filled with pride for the city of Holyoke as the St. Patrick's Committee named its 62nd George E. O'Connell Award recipient.

Past recipients of the award gathered at the Elks Lodge in Holyoke to bestow that honor on Jeff Walsh.

Walsh has been a committee member since 2017—and is being recognized for his great contributions to the parade's fundraising efforts. Walsh's passion for music is what inspired him to create and bring before the committee in 2019 an entirely new event, known as "Marshal Mania."

"I'm shocked—I didn't expect this—for raising funds to put the parade on the road—its been a lot of fun," Walsh told 22News. The countdown begins for the 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade on Sunday, March 23rd, which will be aired live in its entirety on 22News and right here on WWLP.com.

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