Comedians Deirdre O'Kane and Jason Byrne have been announced as this year's Grand Marshals for the St Patrick's Day Parade.
Attended by more than 500,000 people and watched by millions across Ireland and around the world, the parade will weave its way through the streets of the capital from 12.00pm on Sunday March 17th.
With 'storytelling' the theme of this year's festival, O'Kane and Byrne were chosen as Grand Marshals in recognition of "their outstanding contribution to Irish comedy and acting, both at home and internationally."
"Comedy is an integral part of Ireland's storytelling heritage, our warm humour and sharp wit appreciated the world over", organisers have said.
On being a Grand Marshal, O'Kane said: "Getting to be a Grand Marshal in this year's parade has absolutely made my 2019.
"I can't believe I have to share the lovely car with that other eejit but I'm putting a brave face on it", she joked.
"I'm a huge parade fan and experiencing it from the heart of the spectacle will be an incredible honour."
While Byrne added: "As a child of 1980's Dublin who went to the parade every year, I'm amazed to be one of this year's Grand Marshals.
"I'm also amazed that the parade is now actually incredibly good, and whilst I'll miss the floats of my era - a truck carrying freezing Americans followed by a fire brigade and a dog - I can't wait to see this year's mega floats as myself and Dee get to wave at our billions and billions of adoring fans".
Making the announcement at Dublin's Clarence Hotel, St Patrick's Festival CEO Susan Kirby said: "As we celebrate a nation of storytellers, we recognise Deirdre and Jason as two of our best, both incredibly articulate and engaging comedic raconteurs.
"The Irish sense of humour and warmth is renowned internationally and we feel that as this year's Grand Marshals they will represent our country wonderfully. "
Fantastic news as #GrandMarshalls revealed for #StPatricksFest - two of Ireland's best loved comedic storytellers @DeirdreOKane1 & @thejasonbyrne will lead out the 2019 #StPatricksFest Parade. #LoveDublin https://t.co/1SVbGVUp1g
— Fáilte Ireland (@Failte_Ireland) March 7, 2019
Dublin Lord Mayor Nial Ring added: "Storytelling is part of what we are, and it is so fitting to have Jason and Deirdre as our Grand Marshals for this year's Parade. They are both outgoing entertainers who bring life, fun and our unique Irishness to their vast repertoire of stories".
As well as an accomplished stand-up comedian, O'Kane is an award-winning actress.
She is a six times Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA) nominee, and was awarded Best Lead Actress (Film) in 2015 for her role as Christina Noble in 'Noble'.
Her TV credits include 'Paths to Freedom', 'The Clinic' and 'Moone Boy'.
The biggest selling comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Byrne is a winner of the highly coveted Perrier Newcomer Award Nomination and the Perrier Award Nomination.
His television credits include 'Live at the Apollo' (BBC One), 'Dave's One Night Stand' (Dave) and 'The Channel 4 Comedy Gala'.
He is also currently a judge on the second series of Virgin Media One's 'Ireland's Got Talent'.
