IT may be a speedy St Patrick’s Day parade in Limerick this year, with news that Irish national women’s marathon champion and Mungret native Ava Crean has been announced at this year’s grand marshal.
Ava was announced as the 2026 St Patrick’s Day parade grand marshal this Monday by Limerick City and County Council, in keeping with the theme of this year’s Limerick St Patrick’s Festival, Legends of Limerick.
The Mungret lady captured the nation’s attention last October when she became the youngest person ever – at just 19 years old – to win the national women’s title at the Dublin Marathon – not to mention taking the top spot in last year’s Great Limerick Run.
In January, she set a new Irish under-23 10k road record of 32.45 in Valencia, Spain. And all this less than a year, having made her marathon debut in Manchester last April.
This St Patrick’s Day, she will weave her way through the Treaty City once again, setting a hopefully more recreational pace at the head of the parade.
Ava said she was “honoured to be named grand marshal of the Limerick City St Patrick’s Day Parade”.
“Representing Limerick in this year’s Legends of Limerick festival feels incredibly special – especially after such an unforgettable season. I hope to inspire our community to chase their own goals with passion and pride.”
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said Ava is an “ideal” choice for grand marshal, and a
“shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, talent, and community support”.
“She embodies the very spirit of Limerick’s legends – not only for her extraordinary performances on the road but for the way she is already inspiring young people across our region.”
Council Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, added: “This year’s theme, Legends of Limerick, celebrates extraordinary stories from our past and present. Ava’s journey from local runner to national champion brings that theme to life, and we are thrilled to welcome her as this year’s parade grand marshal.”
This year’s St Patrick Parade takes place on Tuesday March 17. The annual International Band Championship, back for its 54th instalment, will see thousands of musicians descend on the Treaty Streets on Sunday March 15.
This year, with details due soon, will also see a special St Patrick’s Festival ‘nighttime event’ on St Patrick’s eve (March 16), according to Limerick Council, with the hopes of boosting Limerick City’s nighttime economy.