Georgia Tech Football’s David Shanahan Named as 2023 Grand Marshal

ATLANTA – March 2023 – On Saturday, March 11, residents and visitors will gather once again in Midtown for the 139th Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, presented by Irish Network Atlanta and sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, CRH and Star 94.

Started in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the parade holds the title as the longest running event in Atlanta history, continuing the tradition of celebrating the city’s Irish culture and history.

The parade will begin at noon sharp at the intersection of Peachtree Street and 15th Street and will continue down Peachtree to 5^th Street, concluding at 1:30 p.m.

RECORD NUMBER OF PARADE PARTICIPANTS FOR 2023

Annually, hundreds of attendees line the parade route to witness entertainment from across not only the state but the country. This year more than 80 units and 2,700+ individuals, the largest in recent history, will participate with units ranging from floats, bands, bagpipe and drum corps to childrens’ groups, Irish dancers, animal groups. A host of Irish and local dignitaries join in the parade as well, such as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Irish Consul General Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir, business leader Dave Fitzgerald and special guest this year from Ireland, Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

For local Atlanta parade participants with Irish roots, the parade is a much-anticipated annual tradition. Like the O’Riordan Clan, for example, who for more than five decades has made the St. Patrick’s Parade a family tradition.

“My grandfather actually entered the parade for the first time in 1971,” said Mike O’Riordan. “My dad continued the tradition and now my five siblings and I always participate. It’s become a rite of passage.”

According to O’Riordan, his family is one of the oldest Irish families with continual residence in Atlanta since 1866, with six generations of descendants residing here since the family immigrated through Ellis Island NY from County Cork Ireland.

Joining the O’Riordan Clan along the parade route will be returning parade favorites such as the John MacIntosh Pipe and Drums and the Seed and Feed Marching Band as well as Irish ensembles Carpenter School of Irish Dance, Drake School of Irish Dance, King O’Sullivan Dance School, Atlanta Irish Dance by Burke Connolly and Phoenix Irish Arts.

This year’s grand marshal is Georgia Tech Football kicker David Shanahan, a native of Castleisland, County Kerry, Ireland and the first from the country to be awarded a scholarship to play American college football.

PARADE CELEBRATES IRISH HERITAGE, IMPACT IN ATLANTA

The parade is presented by Irish Network Atlanta, the 20^th chapter of Irish Network USA, whose mission is to bolster business opportunities and economic development between the U.S. and Ireland; support and encourage the Irish arts, culture and sports in the state; and serve as a conduit between newly arrived Irish immigrants and their communities in member cities and states.

Each year Irish Network Atlanta also raises funds to support local Irish charities such as St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Phoenix Irish Arts of Atlanta, Bashor Men’s Homeless Shelter, Central Night Shelter and Atlanta GAA (Clan na nGael).

“It is a true honor to have been granted the opportunity to represent our growing Irish community in Atlanta with such a prestigious and longstanding event,” said Sinead Connaughton, president of the Irish Network Atlanta Board of Directors. “The St Patrick’s Parade is the perfect platform to help further our mission and we look forward, with great anticipation, to this year’s event and many more to come.”

The relationship between Ireland and Atlanta has been strong for decades and has only continued to grow in recent years. The level of Irish investment in Georgia is significant with over 20 Irish companies now operating in approximately 80 facilities across the state, employing approximately 6,800 Georgians.

Ireland’s established investors in Georgia include CRH Americas, the Kerry Group, Kingspan Insulation, Accenture, Actavo, Western Plastics, Altify, Sysnet Global Solutions and Keeper Solutions. A number of prominent Irish Fintech companies have set up offices in Atlanta since 2017 including FINEOS and Wayflyer.

According to the Consulate of Ireland in Atlanta, nine percent (9%) of Georgia residents claim Irish and Scots-Irish heritage, with approximately 60,000 in Fulton County.

“The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day parade is the highlight of our year in the city. We welcome all Atlantans to join our celebration of the strength of Ireland-Atlanta connections,” said Consul General Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir.

PARADE DETAILS

Parade attendees are encouraged to take MARTA. Both Arts Center and Midtown MARTA stops provide easy access to the parade route.

Those looking for additional Irish activities can visit the Colony Square Luck of the Square festival, which will begin at 1:00 p.m. just steps away from the beginning of the parade route. The festival will feature live music, beer, food and more.

And just before the parade steps off at noon, The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the official charitable partner of the parade, will host its “Brave the Shave” head-shaving challenge. Sponsored individuals will shave their heads for childhood cancer awareness, a tradition that began on St. Patrick’s Day 20 years ago.

For additional information and updates on the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, including the full parade route and preparation recommendations, visit www.atlantastpats.com. For more information on Irish Network Atlanta, visit www.irishnetworkatlanta.com. Irish Network Atlanta is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

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About Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade

The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade is a family-friendly Atlanta tradition. The annual parade is one of the oldest of its kind in the U.S. and is the longest running event in Atlanta’s history. Started in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the parade celebrates the city’s Irish culture and history. This year, 2023, marks the parade’s 139th presentation presented by Irish Network Atlanta. The parade features floats, animal groups, bands, bagpipe & drum Corps, children, clowns, dancers and drill teams as well as Irish and local dignitaries.

● Website: www.atlantastpats.com

● Facebook: @stpatricksatl

About Irish Network Atlanta

Irish Network Atlanta is the 20th chapter of Irish Network USA, the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish Networks that exist in various cities across the United States. Irish Network Atlanta was officially launched in March 2016. Its aim is to harness the energy and talents of the Irish Diaspora in the US, and provide a forum where individuals can network, connect, foster relationships and contribute to the Irish community in areas such as Irish heritage, culture, economics, sport and charitable organizations.

● Website: www.irishnetworkatlanta.com

● Facebook & Twitter: @IrishNetworkATL; Instagram: @Irish_Network_ATL

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Sigele Winbush, sigele@sigelewinbush.com, 404-86-2081

Barkley Russell, barkley@barkleyrussellagency.com, 770.235.3612