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

Local sports heroes, 2022 IBA World Light-welterweight champion, Amy Broadhurst, and Irish indoor pentathlon record holder, Kate O'Connor, have been unveiled as grand marshals for this year's St Patrick's Day parade in Dundalk.

The St Patrick’s Day parade committee said they were “thrilled” to announce on Monday that the local sporting champions would be leading the March 17 event in Dundalk.

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

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

Amy’s win at welterweight over German opponent Leonie Muller, has secured her spot in Ireland’s squad for June’s European Games, which is an Olympic qualifier. She was also named as the 2023 Her Sports Athlete of the Year for 2023 last week, having picked up the Irish Times Sports Woman of the Year title in 2023.

The Dundalk St Patrick’s Day parade voluntary committee, which is made up of councillors Conor Keelan and Maeve Yore, along with Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú, Shane McBride, Dagan Fleming, Maria O’Toole and Anne Campbell, said they were ‘thrilled’ to make the announcement about the joint grand marshals.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Cllr. Keelan said: “We are absolutely thrilled that both these sports super stars have agreed to lead the parade in Dundalk this year.

“We are aware of how busy they both are with their training and competition schedules, but we are delighted they are taking time out to be the grand marshals at this year’s parade and we know they will receive a rapturous reception from the crowds along the route.”

The parade, which starts at 1pm, will follow the traditional route along Clanbrassil Street, around Crowe Street, Francis Street, Park Street and will finish at Tesco on Dublin Street.

The parade is sponsored by Louth County Council, and has also received 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 Stage and Lighting.

This year will see a number of new features, including a “quiet” part of the parade, from Utopia on Dublin Street to the end line at Tesco, so that those with sensory issues can enjoy the parade too.

In addition, there will be a special viewing platform for wheelchair users, those wishing to use it must register through the links section on the website at stpatricksdaydundalk.ie.

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