John C. Reilly named as St. Patrick’s Parade International Guest of Honour

Very exciting news!

St. Patrick’s Festival is delighted to announce American Irish actor, musician and producer John C. Reilly as International Guest of Honour at the national St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Thursday March 17th. John C. Reilly is a proud American Irish actor who has taken part in other Irish festivals such as the Galway Film Fleadh. The fifth of six children, John grew up in an Irish-Lithuanian household in Southwest Chicago, in a predominantly Irish neighbourhood. John’s paternal great grandfather, along with various other family members, emigrated in the early 1900s from Ireland and set about building a life in Chicago. Speaking of his role as International Guest of Honour, John C. Reilly said

"I am so excited to have been chosen as the International Guest of Honour for Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year! It’s been a long time since we have all been able to celebrate life together and I can’t think of a better place to do it than Ireland. I’m honoured to be part of the celebration of the rich history of Ireland with all of the good people in Dublin. A great day for hope and a great day for the Irish and the Irish at heart. See you there!"

John will appear in the national St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin on March 17th, alongside Grand Marshal’s Paralympic gold medal swimmer Ellen Keane and Olympic gold medal boxer Kellie Harrington. The Parade commences at 12 midday and runs from Parnell Square to Cuffe St/Kevin St junction, for approximately two hours, and promises to be the biggest, most spectacular parade ever produced on the streets of Dublin. For those who cannot attend in person, the Parade will be broadcast on RTÉ One and can be watched across the world on the RTÉ Player.