Dundalk sporting heroes to be grand marshals of St Patrick’s Day parade

Local sporting heroes, 2022 IBA Light Welterweight Champion Amy Broadhurst and Irish pentathlon record holder Kate O’Connor were unveiled as Grand Marshals for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dundalk.

The St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee said it was “delighted” to announce on Monday that local sports champions would be officiating the March 17 event in Dundalk.

Amy, fresh from her weekend gold medal win at the 74th Stranja Memorial Tournament, is joined at the head of the parade by Kate, who broke the Irish pentathlon record last month.

Kate, who has competed in several events as an athlete, is a Commonwealth Games silver medalist and has been named to the 16-man Ireland team for next month’s European Indoor Championships in Istanbul.

Amy’s welterweight victory over German opponent Leonie Muller has secured her place in Ireland’s squad for June’s European Games, which is an Olympic qualifier. She was also named the 2023 Her Sports Athlete of the Year for 2023 last week after winning the Irish Times Sports Woman of the Year title in 2023.

The Dundalk St Patrick’s Day Parade Volunteer Committee, made up of councilors Conor Keelan and Maeve Yore, along with deputies Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Maria O’Toole and Anne Campbell, said they were “thrilled” . the announcement about the joint Grand Marshals.

Cllr spoke on behalf of the committee. Keelan said: “We are absolutely thrilled that these two sporting superstars have agreed to lead the parade at Dundalk this year.

“We are aware of how busy they both are with their training and competition schedules, but we are delighted that they are taking the time to be the Grand Marshals at this year’s parade and we know they are being walked by the crowds.” be enthusiastically received along the way.”

The parade, which begins at 1pm, follows the traditional route along Clanbrassil Street, around Crowe Street, Francis Street and Park Street, ending at Tesco on Dublin Street.

The parade is sponsored by Louth County Council and also has funding from PayPal, Dundalk Credit Union, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Oriel Windfarm, Digiweb, SEO Solutions, Dundalk BIDS, BK Forklifts, Print Express, Pelican Promotions, Digital Screen Displays and receive stage and lighting.

This year there will be a number of new features including a ‘quiet’ part of the parade, from Utopia on Dublin Street to the finish line at Tesco, to allow people with sensory issues to enjoy the parade too.

There will also be a special viewing platform for wheelchair users, those wishing to use it will need to register via the links section of the website at stpatricksdaydundalk.ie.

There is still time to register your group to take part in the parade, which can also be done via the website. The closing date for entries is Monday, March 8, 12 noon.