FAMED MUSICIAN and Ruan native Sharon Shannon is the Grand Marshal for the St Patrick’s Day parade in Galway City.
A national treasure hailing from Co Clare, Sharon was chosen by Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane (FF) to be the Grand Marshal.
He said, “We are thrilled to have Sharon Shannon as our Grand Marshal. Her immense talent, passion for Irish music, and dedication to preserving and sharing our culture worldwide make her the perfect representative for St. Patrick’s Day. We can’t wait to see her lead the parade and share in the festivities”.
Celebrated for her exceptional talent as an accordionist and her incredible contributions to Irish music, Sharon has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds and is one of Ireland’s most beloved musicians. Her 1991 debut album, Sharon Shannon, is the best-selling album of traditional Irish music ever released in Ireland.
This year’s parade in Galway City will see fifty community groups and over 3,000 participants take to the streets of Galway showcasing the city’s heritage, music, dance and different cultural backgrounds. The parade will platform Galway’s shared sense of community, pride and that special atmosphere that makes Galway unique in what is shaping up to be the largest ever St Patrick’s Day Parade in the city.
The parade commences at 11:30 on Monday 17 March and will depart from the University of Galway onto University Road, cross the Salmon Weir Bridge, onto Eglinton Street and continue through Eyre Square, to Bóther na mBan and finish at the Dyke Road Car Park. Road closures will be in place from 11:00 until approximately 14:00
