This is huge!

Star Wars icon Mark Hamill will be the International Guest of Honour at this year's St. Patrick’s Festival. The new honourary role of International Guest of Honour has been created to celebrate the achievements of an individual from the worlds of business, arts and media, who has a special connection or significant affinity with Ireland. Mark recently filmed the scenes for Star Wars in Ireland and has often spoken about his love for the country. He has also got connections to Ireland through his family which date back to his great-grandmother Elizabeth Keating was born in Kilkenny on 6th December 1873. The role will be an opportunity to recognise and celebrate his relationship with and contribution to our country. As part of the festival, Mark will be a special guest in the Presidential stand to view the National Festival Parade on March 17th. Susan Kirby, St. Patrick’s Festival CEO said:

“The role of International Guest of Honour is something we have been considering for a few years. There are so many examples of Irish people and the diaspora achieving eminence across many different art forms and disciplines worldwide. Many of these have a special connection with Ireland and we want to celebrate and recognise this. Mark has a special affinity to Ireland through his filming of Star Wars and family history and has done much for our film industry. We’re looking forward to welcoming him back ‘home’ to celebrate our national holiday and St. Patrick’s Festival with us.”

Audiences were introduced to the savage beauty of Skellig Michael, the legendary island off the coast of Kerry, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, when Rey tracked down the long-lost Luke Skywalker, portrayed by Mark Hamill. Since the opening of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way has been catapulted to global fame, having been filmed in some of the most spectacular spots on Ireland’s western coastline, from the northern-most point in County Donegal to the magnificent cliffs and headlands of Counties Clare, Cork and Kerry. What better way to honour this than by welcoming Mark as part of the celebrations this weekend.