Patrick Kielty to Lead St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024
The announcement that Patrick Kielty, the adored face of Irish Friday night television, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024 Parade has everyone in Ireland buzzing. Hailing from Dundrum, Co Down, Kielty brings his infectious humour and charm to this esteemed role, marking his incredible six-month tenure as the host of RTÉ’s The Late Late Show.
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“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,” Kielty said in an exclusive statement expressing his thanks and excitement.
A Celebration of Spréach – Theme for St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024
This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade holds a special significance as it embraces the theme of ‘Spréach,’ the Irish word for Spark. Reflecting the essence of Ireland and its people, this theme embodies joy, community, diversity, and sustainability. The Festival aims to showcase the multifaceted aspects of Spréach, from the glint of craic in Irish eyes to the flame of creativity celebrated by Irish artists worldwide. With Patrick Kielty at the helm, the Parade promises to be an extravagant display of this unique Irish spirit, uniting people from all walks of life in celebration.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kielty has exemplified these core values, whether through his hosting duties, radio talk shows, or award-winning documentaries. His commitment to storytelling and celebrating the essence of Irish culture resonates deeply with the theme of this year’s Parade, making him the perfect choice as Grand Marshal.
This year’s Parade is the biggest in history with over 4,000 performers, 14 marching bands, and 18 enthralling pageants, estimated to draw in half a million people along the route. Notable collaborations with community organisations like the North-East Inner-City Partnership further emphasise the Parade’s connection to Dublin’s inner city, highlighting the inclusivity and diversity of Irish culture.
As Parade Grandstand Seats and Hospitality Packages are sold out, the event will be broadcast live on RTÉ One for national viewership, ensuring that the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day reaches audiences far and wide. With Patrick Kielty leading the festivities, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2024 promises to be a joyous celebration of Irish heritage and community spirit.
