The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty has said that he is "gobsmacked and that it is a dream come true to be the grand marshal of Dublin City's parade.
Speaking ahead of the big event, the emotional comedian explained that: "back then growing up.. the idea of a parade celebrating, this was not a thing!"
The Co Down broadcaster on hearing of his appointment in February, said: "It's such a honour to be asked and I was genuinely gobsmacked when the call came in.
"When you're lucky enough to be called Patrick, St Patrick’s Day always feels like an extra birthday and I can’t wait to get the world’s biggest party started on March 17th."
The theme of this year's festival and parade is spréach - the Irish word for spark.
Half a million spectators are expected to line this year’s route and the parade will feature 18 pageants and performance showpieces, 14 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and France and over 4,000 participants.
The parade will be broadcast live on RTÉ One television and around the world on the RTÉ Player.
