Dallas star Patrick Duffy, who played Bobby Ewing in the US soap, will celebrate his birthday this year as the guest of honour at the St Patrick's Day Parade.
Duffy, who was born on 17 March 1949, said: "Nothing gives me more pride than being asked to be guest of honour at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin.
"I can feel my grandfather’s joy in my returning to his homeland to represent the Duffy’s and express our gratitude for all this great country has given us. I feel like I am returning home and want to meet my extended family".
Duffy, whose grandfather emigrated from Ireland to America in the 1920s, most recently visited the Emerald Isle in the summer of 2022, with his partner Linda Purl, to trace his own Irish roots in Kilmovee, Co Mayo.
Richard Tierney, CEO at St. Patrick’s Festival said: 'We are so delighted to welcome Patrick Duffy to Ireland and to our national St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Patrick is a bona fide legend of the screen and holds a special place in the hearts of so many Irish households, so it’s a real pleasure to be able to bring him centre stage for the Festival and the Parade."
The Parade in Dublin kicks off at midday on St Patrick’s Day and runs from Parnell Square to Cuffe St/Kevin St junction, for approximately two hours.
With over 4,000 participants and an expected 500,000 people lining the streets, this year’s Parade 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 RTÉ Player.
