Sligo hopes to create a Leprechaun record!
SLIGO’S St. Patrick’s Day Paradecommittee is hoping to set a world record on March 17 th by having the largest number of people dressed as Leprechauns.
Currently, the title is held by the people of Bandon, County Cork, when they managed to bring together 1,263 people dressed as Leprechauns in 2012. This year, Sligo plans to take a shot at the title during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Local volunteers, led by Trish Kelly, thinks it’s time for a new World Champion Town of Leprechauns.
They are now calling on everyone attending the parade this year to come dressed in a leprechaun costume and help support two worthy causes.
Anyone thinking of participating needs to wear a green/ black waistcoat, white shirt/tshirt, black trousers, hat and a beard but the latter is optional.
The event will also raise money for Sligo University Hospital’s paediatric ward which has 23 beds. This year, volunteers hope to raise funds to buy buddy beds for the wards. These are special chairs that convert to a very comfortable bed so that parents or guardians staying overnight can have a more restful night. Each bed costs €1,500 – a small donation on the day will do a lot of good to local families. The other charity being assisted is the Friends of Aengus. On the 16 th of February 2014, Aengus Lyons was playing indoor soccer and slipped and hit his head. Aengus was left a quadriplegic and has spent most of his time since 2014 in hospitals.
The aim is to raise much-needed funds to support Aengus’ dream of returning home.
The Leprechaun count take place immediately after the parade ends make their way over to the front of Andersons on Bridge Street where the official count and photographs will take place.