Ronnie Drew of the Dubliners will lead the St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin this year, it was announced this morning.
St Patrick's Festival chairwoman Mary Davis made Drew this year's Grand Marshall in recognition and appreciation of his "unique contribution to Dublin and Irish culture".
About 700,000 people are expected to attend this year's parade, and the worldwide television audience is likely to be over seven million.
"This is a great day for all the family. I'll be joined by my children and grandchildren on the parade route. See you there," Drew said.
More than 3,000 participants will take part in the parade, which has a theme of Wishful Thinking. The parade leaves Parnell Square North at noon before running down O'Connell Street and ending at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
The five-day St. Patrick's Festival runs from March 15th to 19th, 2006.