The Republic of Ireland Women's National Football Team has been announced as the Grand Marshal for this years St Patrick's Day parade.
Team manager Vera Pauw, defender Diane Caldwell, and former international Paula Gorham will represent the team and lead out the national parade on the streets of Dublin.
Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy says the team has been an inspiration, and the country will be following their progress at the World Cup closely.Organisers say: "The efforts, skill and determination of the Women’s National Football Team has seen them reach their first ever FIFA World Cup Finals taking place later this year in Australia and New Zealand. The entire squad reflects the very best of Ireland’s strength, perseverance and sporting achievement and acts as an inspiration for fans young and old across Ireland."
"Inspiration"Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy says: "The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of Dublin’s most memorable occasions and I am really looking forward to having the chance to enjoy it from the beautiful Lord Mayor’s carriage.
"I think it’s particularly fitting that this year’s Grand Marshal is the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team, represented by their Manager Vera Pauw. They have been an inspiration to us all and we’ll be following their progress closely at the World Cup later this year."Republic of Ireland National Women’s Team Manager, Vera Pauw says: "What a year 2023 will be for women’s football in Ireland but also for the country as a whole because we celebrate our success together.
"The achievement of this team is incredible but we know that we wouldn’t have made it without the fantastic support of the Irish people, from all around the world.
"So it is a huge honour for the team to be named as Grand Marshal for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade before we fly to Australia this summer to do the nation proud at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. I feel extremely lucky to represent the squad and will be especially looking forward to seeing all the smiling faces on March 17th."The parade returns to the streets of Dublin city from 12 noon on Friday March 17th, winding its way from Parnell Square to Kevin St Junction.
