A star of the iconic TV soap opera Dallas is set to lead the St Patrick's Day parade as the festival's international guest of honour.
Patrick Duffy, who played Miss Ellie's youngest son Bobby Ewing, was announced as the special guest. John C Reilly was the guest of honour last year.
Patrick's grandfather emigrated from Ireland to America in the 1920s and visited Ireland in the summer of 2022, with his partner Linda Purl, to trace his own Irish roots in Kilmovee, Co. Mayo. Patrick was born on St Patrick's Day and has pride in his Irish heritage.
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The son of tavern owners Marie and Terence Duffy, Patrick got his big break in ‘Man From Atlantis’ before achieving global success playing Bobby Ewing in the much-loved CBS prime time American soap opera ‘Dallas’.
Speaking of his role as International Guest of Honour, Patrick Duffy said: “Nothing gives me more pride than being asked to be guest of honour at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin. I can feel my grandfather’s joy in my returning to his homeland to represent the Duffy’s and express our gratitude for all this great country has given us.
He added: "I feel like I am returning home and want to meet my extended family."
CEO of the St. Patrick’s Festival Richard Tierney said: "We are so delighted to welcome Patrick Duffy to Ireland and to our national St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Patrick is a bona fide legend of the screen and holds a special place in the hearts of so many Irish households, so it’s a real pleasure to be able to bring him centre stage for the Festival and the Parade.
"He is one of the many sons and daughters of Irish descent who will be making the pilgrimage home to Ireland this coming March, and we can’t wait to give him the welcome that he so richly deserves."
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