Ellen Keane and Kellie Harrington have been announced as Grand Marshals for Dublin's St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Organisers say Ellen and Kellie’s achievements at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and Olympics represent the very best of Ireland - strength, perseverance and generosity of spirit.
The parade will return to the streets of Dublin City from 12 noon on Thursday March 17th.
Ellen says taking part is a childhood dream come true: "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.”
Announcing the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals 2022!
We are proud to announce two of Ireland’s most inspiring sports stars, Ellen Keane & Kellie Harrington, as Grand Marshals for St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2022https://t.co/AIawjx4TQ0 #SPF22 #StPatricksFestival pic.twitter.com/cwhXXADtAs— St. Patrick's Festival 🇮🇪🐍☘️💚 (@stpatricksfest) March 2, 2022
Kellie Harrington says: "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!"
Catherine Martin T.D, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media says: "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."
Two of Ireland's most inspirational athletes @keane_ellen and @Kelly64kg just announced as Grand Marshals for the St Patrick's Day Parade 2022 🙌
Honoured to meet Ellen today
With so much lined up for @stpatricksfest
start planning now: https://t.co/hh8Fk1cow4 pic.twitter.com/JT8Hsi1wuF— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) March 2, 2022
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.
