Flatley to lead Cork’s St Patrick’s Day Parade this year

Star of Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, Michael Flatley, has been announced as this year's grand marshal for Cork's St Patrick's Day Parade.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Catherine Clancy confirmed today the Irish-American dancer has accepted an invitation to join her in leading the St Patrick's Day Parade through the city.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our national holiday with Michael Flatley,” said Cllr Clancy, as she confirmed the Chicago-born dancer who owns Castlehyde House near Fermoy would lead the parade.

"He was chosen for his outstanding contribution to entertainment in Ireland and Cork, and for promoting Irish culture internationally.

“ The theme for this year’s parade is ‘Legends’ and Mr Flatley certainly fits the bill. He is a true ambassador for our city,” said Cllr Clancy.

Mr Flatley spoke of his delight at being chosen to lead the Cork parade, which will follow the traditional route down St Patrick’s Street, the Grand Parade and South Mall.

"I am truly honoured to be chosen as grand marshal of the Cork St Patrick's Day Parade., a county my family and I now call home," he said.

“The parade is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Irish culture, and I’m looking forward to meeting musicians, Irish dancers and artistic groups from all over Cork and Ireland.

“I am really proud of Cork - it’s a thriving city with so much to offer residents and tourists alike.”

Cllr Clancy promised that this year’s St Patrick’s Festival built around the national holiday will be “bigger, better and greener than ever before”.

“We are looking forward to people coming from all over the world and are expecting over 100,000 people to descend on Cork to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with us in style.”

The Cork St Patrick's Festival, presented by Cork City Council, runs from March 15th to 17th and features artisan food markets, on-street entertainment and live music.

The three days of family fun will culminate with the St Patrick’s Day Parade, featuring street art inspired by legendary tales, pageantry, carnivals and up to 3,000 community participants.

The festival which is supported by Cork Airport Authority and Barry's Tea, will be streamed live on corkstpatricksfestival.ie