Patrick Kielty has been announced as the St. Patrick’s Day parade Grand Marshal.
The Late Late Show host will take to the streets of the capital in the parade on March 17.
He said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be this year’s Grand Marshal and can’t thank the Festival enough for asking me to be part of our biggest day.”
“It’s such a honour to be asked and I was genuinely gobsmacked when the call came in.”
“When you’re lucky enough to be called Patrick, St Patrick’s Day always feels like an extra birthday and I can’t wait to get the world’s biggest party started on March 17.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste said he’s “delighted” the Co. Down native has been chosen for the job.
He said: “The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of our most special occasions, celebrating the Spréach of the people of Ireland, which unites us all both here in Dublin and across the globe.
“As my first St. Patrick’s Festival as Lord Mayor of Dublin, I am so looking forward to watching the many pageants and marching bands that make up this spectacular event.
“It’s also Patrick Kielty’s first year in his role as host of the iconic Late Late Show, and so I’m delighted to see him selected as our Grand Marshal for this year’s Parade.”
Wherever you are in the world, come join us at St. Patrick’s Festival 2024 for a global celebration of all things Irish, 15th-18th March. ✨☘️🧡🐍
One city.
One celebration.
Be part of it.See more about the programme on https://t.co/wgjiZXQ23I ✨
🎥: @wearebearfoot pic.twitter.com/Qcp1xCA5u3— St. Patrick’s Festival 🇮🇪🐍☘️💚 (@stpatricksfest) February 3, 2024
The theme of this year’s Festival and Parade is Spréach, the Irish word for Spark, which represents the unique essence of Ireland and of Irish people.
Organisers said: “It’s what sets us apart and what brings us together, and oftentimes it’s the reason that people from all over the world have a special place in their hearts for Irish people, place and culture.
“Spréach is about celebrating that uniquely Irish spark of life.”
