Community
Ava Crean hopes to “inspire our community” as 2026 Limerick City St Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal
Ava Crean named as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Limerick City St Patrick’s Day Parade. Ava Crean of Back 2 Boston Running Club A.C., Limerick, crosses the finish line to win the women’s national title at the 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Marathon Champion Ava Crean named as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Limerick City St Patrick’s Day Parade
Limerick’s own Ava Crean has been announced as the 2026 St Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, an honour the young Limerick athlete hopes will ” inspire our community to chase their own goals with passion and pride”.
Ireland’s national women’s marathon champion, Ava, will lead the parade, which has the theme of ‘Legends of Limerick’; honouring remarkable figures from across the city and county’s rich heritage, past and present.
Ava’s rise in athletics has captured national attention. At just 19 years old, she became the youngest ever Irish women’s marathon champion at the 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon, clocking a personal best of 2:34:12 and finishing sixth overall.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
Since only beginning competitive marathon running in April 2025, Ava has also claimed notable victories at the Regeneron Great Limerick Run and the Charleville International Half Marathon.
The Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will once again wind through the heart of the city in a colourful celebration of community spirit and culture on 17 March. Ava will be joined on the parade route by other athletes from the Back 2 Boston Running Club in Limerick.
Ava Crean was delighted to accept the invitation, saying, “I am honoured to be named Grand Marshal of the Limerick City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Representing Limerick in this year’s Legends of Limerick festival feels incredibly special – especially after such an unforgettable season. I hope to inspire our community to chase their own goals with passion and pride.”
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, says Ava is an ideal choice for Grand Marshal and is “a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, talent, and community support”.
He added, “She embodies the very spirit of Limerick’s legends – not only for her extraordinary performances on the road but for the way she is already inspiring young people across our region.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery described Ava Crean as a ‘living legend’ and said, “Ava’s journey from local runner to national champion brings that theme to life, and we are thrilled to welcome her as this year’s Parade Grand Marshal.”
Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, says Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival 2026 is shaping up to be another great community celebration, saying her role as Grand Marshal “adds even more excitement” to the festive celebrations.
He said, “I look forward to the unveiling the full programme of events later this month, including the return of the International Band Parade Championship, vibrant community activities, and a special St. Patrick’s Eve event, all of which will make Limerick a truly desirable destination.”
Paudie Moloney stepping into the Dancing with the Stars grand finale this Sunday, March 15
UL’s Professor Dónal Palcic appointed Vice President of the Irish Economic Association
Róisín Ní Riain representing Ireland at Para Swimming World Series Barcelona
Walls of Limerick mural project seeks interest from property owners
Maria Gleeson appointed as new Limerick Chamber President
5 events in Limerick this weekend, March 6 – March 8
Volunteer tradespeople unite to deliver home renovation project for 11-year-old Alex
‘DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland’ rallying the troops for Westbury visit from March 23 to April 1
Patrick ‘Mul’ Moloney remembered as a kind-hearted man with a love for his family and music
