Róisín Ní Riain Announced as Grand Marshal for Limerick’s St Patrick’s Day Parade

Double Paralympic medallist Róisín Ní Riain has been named the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Limerick St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This year’s theme, “A More Fun Limerick,” will celebrate the city’s vibrant spirit with a festival full of joy, creativity, and community fun.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, expressed his excitement to have Róisín spearhead this year’s celebrations: “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.”

A native of Drombanna, County Limerick, Róisín claimed silver in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the 200m individual medley at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris last summer.

At just 19 years old, Róisín Ní Ríain showcased her exceptional talent at the 2024 World Para Swimming European Open Championships in Madeira, Portugal, securing two gold medals along with two silver and two bronze. This success followed an impressive showing at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester, where she also won a gold and silver medal.

Alongside her achievements in swimming, Róisín is also pursuing a science degree at the University of Limerick where she is a Sports Scholarship recipient, successfully managing both academic and athletic careers.

2024 was a year to remember for the young swimmer who picked up various accolades based off her European and Paralympic Success. She was nominated in two categories at the 2024 RTÉ Sports Awards, Young Sportsperson of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year. The Limerick swimmer was named Young Sportsperson of the Year for 2024.

Ní Riain received the Irish Times Sportswoman of the Month Award for April and with it a nomination for the overall title of Sportswoman of the Year following her amazing performance at the European Para Swimming Championships in Portugal.

She was also awarded Young Athlete of the Year at the HerSport awards.

Speaking about the announcement Ní Ríain said: “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.

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 parade will take place on Monday 17th March. Starting at 12pm, it will make it’s way down O’Connell Street before moving on to Henry Street and ending at Arthur’s Quay Park.

Find out more about the Limerick St. Patrick’s Day Parade here.

Quotes via: ILoveLimerick.ie.