Westlife singer and son-in-law of former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Nicky Byrne, has been named as the grand marshal of this year’s St Patrick’s festival parade.
A native of Baldoyle in Dublin, Byrne was chosen by festival organisers for his “outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry” and will have a lead role in the parade on Sunday, March 17th.
Each year the St Patrick’s festival board honours one or more persons for their achievements and contribution to Irish life with the title of grand marshal.
Previous grand marshals include Katie Taylor, Johnny Giles, Ronnie Drew and Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. Byrne said he was honoured to be chosen for the role.
Nicky Byrne is married to Ahern’s daughter Georgina. The couple have twin five-year-old sons Jay and Rocco.
"I love my city", the festival's culture programme, includes 16 free headline events staged in Dublin over the five days of the festival.See stpatricksfestival.ie.