The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team has been chosen as the Grand Marshal for the 2023 National St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Team Manager Vera Pauw, experienced defender Diane Caldwell and former international Paula Gorham will represent the team and lead out the national parade on Friday March 17th.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy: “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. 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: “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.”
This year’s National St. Patrick’s Day 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.
A major new opening pageant has been commissioned featuring a collaboration with St. Patrick’s Festival Community Arts pageant with Macnas, Junk Kouture, Discovery Gospel Choir, and a whole host of community groups.
The Parade will feature seven creative pageants, 10 transitional showpiece performances, 15 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and Canada, and over 4,000 participants.
In September 2022, Ireland secured a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs for the first time, beating Finland 1-0 with a goal from Lily Agg in front of a record crowd of 6,592.
This achievement was soon surpassed when Ireland won the play-off final 1–0 over Scotland in Glasgow the following month with a stunning goal from Amber Barrett securing qualification for the final tournament.
The National St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin runs from March 16 to 19, 2023 and is made possible through the continued support of the Government of Ireland, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council, and many generous partners and funders.
Returning to the 2023 festivities is Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks which will be home to a magical day-to-night urban Festival for all, from March 16th to 19th on the grounds of one of Ireland’s most spectacular and historic heritage sites, in the heart of Dublin.
Festival Quarter will also host the Food & Drinks Village, a daily showcase of Ireland’s incredible produce, arts and crafts and a space for all to relax and connect.
For full programme details, tickets and more see www.stpatricksfestival.ie
