Game Of Thrones star Liam Cunningham is to lead Dublin’s 2018 St Patrick’s Day parade.
The Irish actor has been named by council officials as Grand Marshal of the city’s St Patrick’s Festival and will lead crowds in the parade on 17 March (18).
Liam was chosen for the honor due for his contribution to acting. In addition to playing Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones, he starred in Steve McQueen’s acclaimed 2008 drama Hunger, about the 1981 hunger strike led by Irish republican prisoner Bobby Sands.
“I have always been a proud Irishman and Dubliner and do my best to represent my country and city when I am abroad working,” the 56-year-old said in a statement. “It’s a huge honor to be invited back to lead the parade on our national holiday. I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.”
This year’s event will bring together Irish community groups and pageant companies from around the world.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Micheal Mac Donncha, also congratulated the actor on the honor.
“He is a fantastic ambassador for Irish acting who I’m sure many young people here look up to and hope to emulate his success,” he added.
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the festival celebrating Ireland’s patron saint. Previous Grand Marshals include Olympic gold medal-winning boxer Katie Taylor and soccer star Patrick ‘Packie’ Bonner.
