Olympic gold medallists Kellie Harrington and Ellen Keane will lead the St Patrick’s Day parade as Grand Marshals this year.
Boxer Harrington and swimmer Keane will be front and centre at the annual parade on March 17th, the first to take place in Dublin since 2019.
The Tokyo 2020 champions will co-marshal the parade, which will begin at 12 noon on Parnell Square West before carving a route down to Stephen’s Green.
Organisers have promised the 2022 parade will be “the most ambitious yet, offering an exciting new look and feel for millions of viewers in Ireland and across the world.”
And leading from the front will be two of Ireland’s most inspirational sportspeople following their heroics in Tokyo last summer.
Harrington delighted her local community in Portland Row and far beyond as she took gold in the lightweight boxing category last August.
And Clontarf native Keane followed her fellow Dubliner by taking one of four Irish golds at the Paralympics in the SB8 100m breaststroke category.
“Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love this city so I can’t wait to be leading the magic through the streets of Dublin and to see all of those faces smiling back at me, having the time of their lives,” said Harrington.
“I am so excited to be a Grand Marshal alongside Kellie for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” Keane added.
“When I was younger and watching the parade in Dublin, I always wanted to be one of the children taking part and now I cannot wait for my childhood dream to come true!
“I am so honoured and grateful for this opportunity and I know it is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Minister for Sport Catherine Martin added: “The theme of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival is ‘Connections.’
“With the announcement of these two inspirational international athletes, there is now a sporting connection for Festival, in addition to its ongoing artistic, cultural and tourism connections and synergies, which are all aspects of my Ministerial brief.
“With their Olympic and Paralympic successes as proof, proud Dubliners Kellie and Ellen are the very best in the world at what they do.
“This is why it is so fitting that they will lead out this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, with its world-class pageantry and packed programme of wider Festival events and experiences to celebrate our national day.
“Today, I join with our Grand Marshals in inviting a local, national and global audience to connect with us, join the festivities and experience for yourselves this multi-faceted celebration of our proud heritage, culture and creativity. Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir – beirigí bua!”
