American actor John C Reilly says he can't wait to be the guest of honour at tomorrow's St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.
Over 400,000 people are expected to attend the first in-person celebration in three years.
Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists Kellie Harrington and Ellen Keane will be the grand marshals.
John grew up in an Irish-Lithuanian household in Southwest Chicago, and his paternal great grandfather, along with various other family members, emigrated in the early 1900s from Ireland and set about building a life in Chicago.
John C. Reilly says: "I am so excited to have been chosen as the International Guest of Honour for Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year! It’s been a long time since we have all been able to celebrate life together and I can’t think of a better place to do it than Ireland.
"I’m honoured to be part of the celebration of the rich history of Ireland with all of the good people in Dublin. A great day for hope and a great day for the Irish and the Irish at heart. See you there!"
☘️ Irish-American actor John C. Reilly says it’s a joy to be in Ireland!
He’s going to be the guest of honour for tomorrow’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin pic.twitter.com/val0G8AtOn— Stephen Murphy (@StephenMNews) March 16, 2022
John will appear in the national St. Patrick’s Day Parade , alongside Grand Marshal’s Paralympic gold medal swimmer Ellen Keane and Olympic gold medal boxer Kellie Harrington.
The Parade commences at 12 midday and runs from Parnell Square to Cuffe St/Kevin St junction, for approximately two hours.
Anna McGowan, Interim Director at St. Patrick’s Festival says: "We are incredibly excited that John C. Reilly can make the journey to Dublin to take part in the national St. Patrick’s Day Parade. John has proudly and consistently worn his Irish roots with pride on the world stage. His family story is that of millions of our diaspora across the world and we look forward to welcoming him home."
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