Cork woman Joanne O'Riordan will be the Grand Marshall at this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade. 

O'Riordan, was born with Tetra-amelia syndrome (a rare condition where the individual is born without all four limbs). At 19 she will be the youngest person ever to lead the St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

O'Riordan has been a leading voice for people with disability since the 2011 General Election when she challenged Enda Kenny on his plans for disability funding. Since then she has travelled the world to tell her story and has also challenged the technology world to find ways to help those living with disabilities become more independent. 

Commenting on the honour, O'Riordan said "To be able to come home and be the Grand Marshall in this parade, it helps the people of Ireland see it's not the disability it's the ability. I am proud to be in the St Patrick's Day Festival and I'm incredibly proud to be a voice for the voiceless."

Via Newstalk