Every year St. Patrick leads out the creative performance section of the Parade. His Bishop’s mitre and gold crozier are instantly recognisable. In 2023 we’re giving his outfit a little makeover! This year St. Patrick will be joined by Genevieve Keane and her amazing Acantha.

Keane, a student at the Ursuline Convent, Thurles, created Acantha, an enchanting Celtic creation inspired by St Patrick and the coming of Christianity. The acanthus leaf is a motif commonly associated with St Patrick.

Genevieve sourced wool from a neighbouring farmer’s sheep and an old potato sack, curtains, discarded donegal yarn wool, old staircase carpet, her mums wedding dress pearls, old dresses and costume jewellery to create a standout costume, eventually winning the Award for best Cultural Kouture Award at the 2022 Junk Kouture World Final in Abu Dhabi.