Limerick marathon champion Ava Crean has been named Grand Marshal of this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade.
The 19-year-old became the youngest Irish Women’s Marathon Champion at the 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon, where she also finished sixth overall.
Crean also won the Great Limerick Run and the Charleville Half Marathon during a standout season.
Director General of Limerick City and County Council Pat Daly said the city was “delighted to have Ava at the centre of Limerick’s largest St Patrick’s Day parade”.
This year’s festival theme is Legends of Limerick, which honours influential figures from the city’s past and present.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran said Crean “embodies the spirit of Limerick legends not only for her performances on the road but for the way she is inspiring young people across the region”.
Crean said she was “honoured” to lead the parade.
“Representing Limerick in this year’s Legends of Limerick festival feels incredibly special,” she said.
The festival runs from March 13 to March 17. Events include the 54th International Band Parade Championship on March 15, with the St Patrick’s Day parade taking place on March 17.