The Taoiseach has insisted he was unaware that Mixed Martial Arts star Conor McGregor would be joining him at the Chicago St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Leo Varadkar completed his US tour yesterday by leading the parade and taking a boat trip down the Chicago River – died emerald green as it has been ever year for more than half a century.
Mr Varadkar took part in the parade alongside junior minister Michael Ring, but said he was unaware that McGregor had also been invited.
"I imagine the parade organisers invited him, but that’s it really."
"I think that is up to the organisers of the parade to decide who they want to march in the parade.
"I don’t think he was representing the country, that’s kind of what I was doing and Minister Ring quite frankly.
“That is why we were here.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during the St Patrick's Day Parade taking place in Chicago, 16-03-2019. Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA ImagesIn an interview with ABC7 Chicago Mr McGregor said he was “very grateful to the people of Chicago” for the invitation to march in the parade.
He said he was convinced to join the parade by Chicago’s plumbers unions, pointing out that he worked in the trade before his MMA career took off.
“That’s what I did before I started fighting so the plumbers are the ones that got me here,” he said.
Irish mixed martial artist Conor McGregor joins the St Patrick's Day Parade in Chicago, 16-03-2019. Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA ImagesIn an Instagram post, the 30-year-old said: “Thank you so much for the hospitality. What a city. What a parade. What an honour.”
I am one proud Irishman today, and every day; thank you all so much.”
Mr McGregor hit the headlines last week after he was charged with "strong-arm robbery and criminal mischief" in Florida over an altercation with a fan.
He is accused of smashing a phone during the incident.
On Newstalk Breakfast this week, his lawyer Sam Rabin said he believes "we will successfully defend this case" and noted, "I certainly don't see him going to jail over something like this."
