Rachel to be Grand Marshal of Cork’s St Patrick’s Day parade

CHEF Rachel Allen has been announced as the Grand Marshal of the 2017 Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Organised by Cork City Council, the Parade which will be attended by 50,000 people and will take place at 1pm on Friday, March 17.

Allen teaches at Ballymaloe Cookery School, and her popular television series have been broadcast in more than 30 different countries.

She is the author of 14 bestselling cookery books, selling over two million copies worldwide.

Later this month, she will open her first restaurant called Rachel’s on Washington Street in Cork.

“Cork is renowned internationally as the Food Capital of Ireland and we are delighted that Rachel Allen who is a fantastic ambassador for Cork and for Ireland is this year’s Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal,” the Lord Mayor, Cllr Des Cahill said.

On the announcement, Rachel Allen said: “As an adopted Corkonian, I am hugely honoured to be the Grand Marshal of the Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade. I am really looking forward to the day and I would encourage as many people as possible to come to the Parade which will be a wonderful, fun and colourful spectacle.” 

Beginning at 1pm on Friday, March 17 on the South Mall, more than 3,000 participants will take part in the Parade.

The theme of this year’s parade is Cork – A City of Community, Culture, & Commerce, and the Parade will celebrate the strength of community, diversity of culture and entrepreneurship.

To celebrate 100 years of Ford in Cork, a special fleet of vintage Ford Cars including the Model T, Fordson Tractor, Cortina and Mustang will also take part in the Parade.

See www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie for further details of the Parade and Road Closures.