Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington and Paralympian Ellen Keane have been named this year’s St Patrick’s Day Grand Marshals.
Pals Ellen and Kellie will lead out the national parade together in Dublin on Thursday March 17.
The pair were chosen to fly the flag once again for Ireland because their achievements represent the very best of Ireland - strength, perseverance and generosity of spirit.
Organisers said the two sportswomen “represent all who wear their Irishness with pride, uplifting our people, connecting us as a nation.”
“Ellen and Kellie reflect more than sporting achievement, they represent all our people whose talent and commitment to excellence brings pride to Ireland - sportspeople, artists, makers, creators, thinkers, dreamers, innovators, entrepreneurs and many more, from all realms of life.”
Speaking about being a Grand Marshall, Ellen said: “I am so excited to be a Grand Marshal alongside Kellie for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade.
“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.”
Kellie added: “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.”
The theme for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Festival will be ‘Connections’.
Tourism Minister Catherine Martin said: “ The theme of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival is “Connections” and, with the announcement of these two inspirational international athletes as Grand Marshals for the parade, 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!”
The national parade will make its triumphant return to the streets of Dublin City from 12 noon on Thursday March 17th, winding its way from Parnell Square to St. Stephen’s Green, spreading joy and delight along the way. For those who cannot attend in person, the Parade will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and globally available on the RTÉ Player.
Parade 2022 promises to be the most ambitious yet, offering an exciting new look and feel for millions of viewers in Ireland and across the world.
A fresh, ambitious, bold new vision for both makers and audiences alike, with new pageant participants and bigger creative builds, featuring audience interaction and breathtaking new artistic elements, and many world-class marching bands.
The St. Patrick’s Festival Parade will be a spectacular global celebration of Irish arts, culture and heritage, as the Festival invites Ireland and the world to reconnect in Dublin after the unparalleled challenges of recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Brand new to the 2022 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 16th to 20th 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 Irish Food & Craft Village, a daily showcase of Ireland’s incredible produce, arts and crafts and a space for all to relax and connect.
For full programme details, tickets and more see www.stpatricksfestival.ie
