Ireland manager Vera Pauw will represent the entire Women’s National Football Team as Grand Marshal of this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade.

She will be joined at the head of the parade by Ireland defender Diane Caldwell and former international Paula Gorham.

Organisers said the team, who qualified for their first-ever World Cup last year, “reflects the very best of Ireland’s strength, perseverance and sporting achievement and acts as an inspiration for fans young and old across Ireland”.

Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw celebrates at the final whistle of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Finland at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin, 01-09-2022. Image: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Pauw said she feels “extremely lucky” to be able to represent the team on the day.

“What a year 2023 will be for women’s football in Ireland but also for the country as a whole because we celebrate our success together," she said.

Manager @VeraPauw will represent the Ireland Women’s National Football Team as Grand Marshal of this year’s #StPatricksDay Parade. pic.twitter.com/SV18TavDRj

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) March 6, 2023

“The achievement of this team is incredible but we know that we wouldn’t have made it without the fantastic support of the Irish people, from all around the world.

“So it is a huge honour for the team to be named as Grand Marshal for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade before we fly to Australia this summer to do the nation proud at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I feel extremely lucky to represent the squad and will be especially looking forward to seeing all the smiling faces on March 17th.”

Children watch the Limerick St Patrick’s Day Parade, 17-03-2015. Image: Alan Place/FusionShooters

This year’s parade will kick off at 12 noon, winding its way from Parnell Square to Kevin Street Junction.

Organisers say it will be the “most ambitious ever, featuring breath-taking new artistic, interactive and aerial elements”.

Meanwhile, a major new opening pageant will feature a collaboration of St. Patrick’s Festival Community Arts pageant with Macnas, Junk Kouture, Discovery Gospel Choir, and a host of community groups.

The Festival Quarter is also returning, with the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks playing host to a “magical day-to-night urban Festival for all” form March 16th to 19th.

Festival Quarter will also host the Food & Drinks Village, a daily showcase of Ireland’s incredible produce, arts and crafts and a space for all to relax and connect.

For full programme details, tickets and more see stpatricksfestival.ie.