Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade Honors 2026 Grand Marshal Michael J. Moriarty

(January 16, 2026) – The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee honored 2026 Grand Marshal Michael J. Moriarty at its annual award dinner and reception at The Log Cabin in Holyoke.   The prestigious Grand Marshal award is given each year to a person of Irish ancestry who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty to the parade, community, career, family and heritage.

Moriarty, a respected community leader, attorney  and lifelong Holyoke resident,  was a member of the parade committee for 38 years, serving as parade president in 2017. He has held pivotal roles including chair of the Ambassador Award Selection Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, Music and Marketing subcommittees and Board of Directors. As committee liaison to the Consulate General of Ireland, he has strengthened Holyoke’s ties to the Republic of Ireland by welcoming dignitaries, fostering cultural exchange, and ensuring the Parade reflects the richness of both traditional and contemporary Irish life. 

In addition to his parade contributions, Moriarity has led OneHolyoke CDC since 2013, driving initiatives to revitalize distressed neighborhoods and expand access to dignified, affordable housing in the city’s most underserved areas. 

“Michael Moriarty embodies the spirit of service, education, and community pride that the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade honors each year,” said Parade President Jim Wildman. “His leadership at OneHolyoke CDC, his tireless advocacy for families and children, and his unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating Irish culture make him the perfect choice to lead us in 2026.”

Crediting his Irish heritage with shaping his values of community service, hospitality and perseverance., Moriarty said, “I am the grandson of a founding member of the Parade Committee, the son of a member and one -time Citizenship Award recipient, and have enjoyed being a member for decades. This is a wonderful honor from an organization that’s been important to my family for generations,  I couldn’t be more honored or grateful.”

Moriarty focused much of his career on early literacy and closing achievement gaps in Gateway Cities across the Commonwealth. A former Holyoke School Committee member, he has served on the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and as a state commissioner to the National Education Commission of the States. 

He is  past president of the Holyoke Rotary Club and a member of the Parish Council at St. Jerome Church in Holyoke. In 2014 he was awarded as a “Difference Maker” by BusinessWest.

Moriarty holds a B.A. from The Catholic University of America (’85) and a J.D. from Western New England University School of Law (’93).  He is married to Attorney Susan Turcotte Moriarty, and they are the parents of Aiden and Josie.

The 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade steps off on Sunday, March 22, 2026, following the 49th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race on Saturday, March 21, 2026.