The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for the 2023 National St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Team Manager Vera Pauw, experienced defender Diane Caldwell and former international Paula Gorham will represent the team and lead out the national parade on Friday, March 17.
The group reached their first ever FIFA World Cup Finals, taking place later this year in Australia and New Zealand.
READ MORE: Passport warning issued to Irish holidaymakers going to Spain over hotel check-in rule
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy said: “They have been an inspiration to us all and we’ll be following their progress closely at the World Cup later this year.”
Republic of Ireland National Women’s Team Manager, Vera Pauw said 2023 would be a fantastic year for women's football in Ireland.
She thanked the "fantastic support of the Irish people, from all around the world" saying it is a huge honour for the team to be named as Grand Marshal.
This year’s National St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to the streets of Dublin city from 12 noon on Friday March 17, paving its way from Parnell Square to Kevin St Junction.
In September 2022, Ireland secured a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs for the first time, beating Finland 1-0 with a goal from Lily Agg in front of a record crowd of 6,592.
This achievement was soon surpassed when Ireland won the play-off final 1–0 over Scotland in Glasgow the following month with a stunning goal from Amber Barrett securing qualification for the final tournament.
The National St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin runs from March 16 to 19.
Returning to the 2023 festivities is Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks which will be home to a magical day-to-night urban Festival for all, from March 16 to 19 on the grounds of one of Ireland’s most spectacular and historic heritage sites, in the heart of Dublin.
Festival Quarter will also host the Food and Drinks Village, a daily showcase of Ireland’s incredible produce, arts and crafts and a space for all to relax and connect.
St. Patrick’s Festival CEO, Richard Tierney said this year’s parade is shaping up to be the biggest and brightest ever and that the committee are honoured to have the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team as our Grand Marshal for this year’s parade.
"Their hard work and dedication to their game is reflective of the efforts of people up and down the country and beyond as they put the final touches to their performances and get ready to showcase their talents for us all to enjoy on March 17," he added.
READ NEXT:
Warning to Irish TK Maxx customers after product recalled due 'toxic chemical'
Social welfare Ireland: Call for pay-related benefits for workers due to 'exceptionally weak' system
Teen chicken farmer flabbergasted as hen lays Ireland's largest egg - 'I've never seen one so big'
Prince Harry says psychedelic drugs helped him 'deal with traumas and pains of the past'
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
