Both their ancestors have connections with Castlebar dating back to the early 1700's. Now the organisers of the March 16 celebrations in the town want to cash in on the celebrity status of the royal and the missing peer.

Princess Di's roots are firmly planted in the town where a street and a park are named after her family the Spencers.

Lord Lucan's connections with Castlebar are still very real where hundreds of householders still paying ground rent to the Lucan estate. Lucan has been missing for since the brital of his children's nanny in November 1974.

Mr. Johnny Mee, chairman of the Castlebar St. Patrick's Day Parade committee, said both figures were closely associated with the history of the town.

"We have decided to stage a look-alike contest and we will be inviting entries from all over the country.

"This is meant to be a fun event and it is being organised as a side attraction to the parade proper. We expect several entries."

The Castlebar parade is being staged on Sunday March 16, a day ahead of the national holiday. This is to facilitate the attendance of the famed Artane Boys Band.

Mr Mee added: "We are delighted to have the Artane Band in our parade this year. They are renowned worldwide for their recitals at the All-Ireland finals."