Actor and comedian Brendan O'Carroll has been announced as the 2015 Grand Marshal for St Patrick's Day.

The 'Mrs Brown's Boys' star will lead the parade in Dublin on March 17th.

The Finglas-born star was chosen for his outstanding contribution to entertainment in Ireland and abroad.

Mr O’Carroll writes and stars as Agnes Brown in the TV sitcom and stage productions of 'Mrs Brown's Boys', which has won numerous awards - including three National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards, a Scottish BAFTA, an IFTA award, a TV Times Award and a TV BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy.

O'Carroll at the announcement in Dublin

While 2014 also saw the release of a film, 'Mrs Brown's Boys D’Movie', which was the third highest grossing film of 2014 in the UK and the top grossing film in Ireland and Australia.

On receiving the Grand Marshal honour, Mr O’Carroll said: "I attended the Dublin Parade in all weathers for over 50 years. From sitting on my sisters’ shoulders to having my own children sitting on mine. I cannot now believe that I am going to get a moment to lead this wonderful gathering of floats, bands and organisations and shout…'Follow me I know a shortcut up Moore Street!'".

He says leading the parade in his home town is a special feeling.

O'Carroll at the announcement on Dublin's Moore Street

St Patrick’s Festival has created a three-year journey of ‘Past, Present and Future’ over the period 2014, 2015 and 2016.

This year, street theatre and pageant companies will have the parade theme to 'Celebrate Now' - drawing inspiration for their artistic creations from Ireland’s present, embracing 'nowness' and savouring the moment.

In 2016, the final installation will see the parade look to Ireland's future and the festival will pose the question,'who do we aspire to be in the next 100 years?'.