Irish Olympians Kellie Harrington and Ellen Keane to lead Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day parade

The parade is returning from 12 noon on Thursday, March 17, and will travel from Parnell Square to St Stephen’s Green. It will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.

The organisers said the 2022 parade promises to be “the most ambitious yet”, offering an exciting new look and feel for millions of viewers in Ireland and across the world.

Paralympic gold medal winner Keane is known for her prowess in the swimming pool and more recently as a competitor on Dancing with the Stars.

She won her first Paralympic medal at the 2016 games, taking bronze before claiming the coveted Gold in Tokyo 2020.

Boxer Harrington took home an Olympic Gold last year. A trailblazer in her sport, she is well known for being a great supporter of both her own community and local Irish boxing clubs.

Festival organisers said Keane and Harrington “represent the very best of Ireland – strength, perseverance and generosity of spirit”.

Ahead of the festival Keane said she is “so excited” to be a grand marshal alongside Harrington.

“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,” she said.

Harrington added: “Everyone knows how much I love my country and my beloved city. 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.”

Tourism Minister Catherine Martin said the “proud Dubliners” are the best in the world at what they do.

The St Patrick’s Festival runs from March 16 to 20. New to the 2022 festivities is the Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, which will host a day-to-night urban festival.

Details, tickets and more is available at stpatricksfestival.ie.