Popular RTÉ presenter to front Kilkenny’s St Patrick’s Festival celebrations

One of Kilkenny’s favourite daughters will host this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city and county, which will be first ever virtual March 17 event.

RTÉ sports and news presenter Evanne Ní Chuilinn said she is “honoured” to be the face of Kilkenny’s Lá le Pádraig.

Kilkenny city’s traditional weekend of music and it parade through our winding history-laden streets will instead snake along the virtual highway, featuring feature concerts, arts events, environmental projects and presentations.

There will be a virtual parade featuring Kilkenny’s citizens and diaspora, as well as a celebration of the current stars of animation, the Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated Cartoon Saloon.

Folk music legends Kila will perform an exclusive one-hour show, a vibrant celebration of the artistic and historic tapestry of Cill Chainnigh-ancient and contemporary.

Speaking about the event, Evanne said: “I am delighted to be presenting this wonderful day’s activities. Kilkenny always pulls out the stops on St. Patrick’s Day, but what they have achieved this year is stunning, given the circumstances.

“I am honoured to be bringing the work of Cartoon Saloon, Kila and so many local artists, musicians and community groups to Kilkenny people, home and abroad and to anybody who tunes in to see what’s happening in the Marble City.

“Hopefully we’ll attract them back in the future,” she added.

Evanne will be joined by Kilkenny Hurling legend and RTÉ sports pundit Jackie Tyrell and Graiguenamanagh’s celebrity chef Edward Hayden in a St Patrick’s Festival knitting challenge for local charity, Cois Nore.

The three Kilkenny personalities will each make a scarf for the “Big Green Knit” challenge, all to be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Cois Nore.

To see the full schedule of events planned for Kilkenny’s St Patrick’s Fesitval, visit: http://www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com