Róisín Ní Ríain announced as Limerick St Patrick’s Parade 2025 Grand Marshal

Róisín Ní Riain has been announced as the Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal for 2025. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Paralympian medallist, Róisín Ní Riain unveiled as Parade Grand Marshal for Limerick St Patrick’s Festival 2025

Paralympic silver medallist swimmer, Róisín Ní Ríain, has been announced as the 2025 Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, a moment the athlete says “is very special” for her and her family.

Hailing from Drombanna in County Limerick, Róisín took home the silver medal in the 100m backstroke and the bronze medal in the 200m individual medley at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris in the S13 classification.

Róisín Ní Ríain, Paralympic Silver Medalist and 2025 Limerick Saint Patrick’s Festival Parade Grand Marshal, commented, “I’m really honoured to have been asked to lead Limerick city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. I grew up attending the parades and to be asked to lead this one is very special for me and my family. The day is a celebration of everything that is Irish and it will be wonderful to be waving the tricolour proudly once again in my home city.

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“I carry Limerick with me no matter where I am and what competition I’m in, and I can’t wait to be able to share more memories and magical moments with all of those who’ve supported me at home throughout my career. Let’s make Limerick a sea of green once again this St Patrick’s Day!”

The 19 year old won two gold medals at the 2024 World Para Swimming European Open Championships in Madeira, Portugal, while taking home a further two silver and two bronze medals from that event. Róisín also struck gold at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championship in Manchester, again in her specialist 100m backstroke S13 category.

Róisín is also balancing her academic pursuits with her successful sporting career, currently studying for a science degree at the University of Limerick.

The theme of this year’s Limerick St. Patrick’s Festival is “A More Fun Limerick”, which aims to highlight the vibrant and playful spirit of Limerick, promising a festival filled with joy, creativity, and community engagement.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, is delighted to have Róisín on board for this year’s festivities, “The whole of Limerick followed Róisín’s exploits in Paris last summer. I was delighted to recognise her achievements at a Mayoral Reception in January and it’s only right for Limerick to be able to collectively celebrate her successes this St Patrick’s Day. She embodies the spirit of Limerick – strong, proud, and always pushing forward. I look forward to meeting Róisín again on the parade route on March 17th.”

Róisín is a remarkable young woman and an outstanding athlete. She has not only brought glory to our city and county but has also inspired countless individuals with her determination and spirit. Her dedication to her sport and her commitment to excellence serve as a shining example to us all. It is an honour to have her lead our St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The 53rd Limerick International Band Championship will take place on Sunday, 16 March at 12 noon while the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Limerick City will take place on Monday, 17 March at 12 noon.   

Enjoy enchanting performances for children, mesmerising Irish folk music, and international bands battling it out on the streets of Limerick with the 53rd International Band Championship on Sunday, 16th March, the only event of its kind in Ireland.

The public are invited to enjoy a musical Jamboree at Arthur’s Quay Park following the International Band Championship parade on the Sunday.   

The vibrant and colourful St. Patrick’s Day parade will follow the same route as 2024, making its way down O’Connell Street before moving on to Henry Street and ending at Arthur’s Quay Park.    

The International Band Championship will also follow the same route as last year but the start point has moved to the Junction of O’Connell Street and Barrington Street.  

The Universal access area for both parades is at The Crescent, O’Connell Street

Other festivities include lively street shows, engaging storytelling sessions, and, of course, vibrant parades across the county.