Laois Operation Transformation star set to lead the way on St Patrick's Day

The St Patrick’s Day Parade Rathdowney is shaping up to be the best yet and its going to be led by one of the Operation Transformation Leaders who did her fair share of walking in 2023!

The organisers say the are honoured to have Andrea Daly of Operation Transformation as their Grand Marshal leading the community celebration.

She'll lead the way with pride alongside St Patrick himself, aka, Kieran O’Loughlin. The Rathdowney St Patrick's Day parade explained with Andrea is the perfect fit for their parade this year which as as its theme 'Stronger Together'.

"Andrea’s story, hard work and dedication has touched the hearts of many and won the support of not only all in Rathdowney, but in the entire county and indeed the nation. Her journey and inspiration epitomises this year’s parade theme Stronger Together and we look forward to uniting on this day to celebrate our community," the said.

While Andrea hails from Wicklow, she lives in Portlaoise with her children and husband Joe who is a Rathdowney native.

The parade itself gets underway at 12.05 pm after a blessing by Fr Delaney and Rev Seymour Whitley.

Apart from the parade the organisers have a big day of festivities lined up for Friday, March 17. The day features music on the bandstand from 11am featuring The Finns, Campion Irish Dancer Darragh Kelly, Johnny and Jackie, Fiachra, The Dooley Brothers. The MC is Michael Cleare.

Laois St Patrick's Day parade to go back to the future with Grand Marshall choice

There'll be lots of fun for the family on the day including face painting, art, photobomb, try an instrument and life-size games.

Come celebrate St Patrick's Day in Laois community in the scenic Slieve Blooms

There'll also be a prize for the best most fun dressed.