It’ll be wall to wall Leprechauns on the streets of Sligo town on St. Patrick’s Day as they attempt to break the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Leprechauns World Record.
Currently the title is held by the people of Bandon in Co. Cork. They managed to bring together 1,263 people dressed as the wee folk in 2012. This year, Sligo plans to take a shot at that title.
Local volunteers, led by Trish Kelly thinks it’s time for a new World Champion Town of Leprechauns and is calling on everyone attending this year’s Sligo parade to come dressed in a leprechaun costume.
Glenties, Donegal Attempted The Record in March 2012.
Finbar Filan, The Chair of The Sligo St Patricks Day Committee told The Lift on iRadio that "it's always fun in Sligo"
He added that Sligo"has the longest running parade in the West of Ireland".
"It's 49 Years in existence ... we team up with a local charity every year to raise funds so we thought it was a great idea and it was something that would bring a bit of fun to the town".
Bandon in Cork holds the current record set in 2012 - 1263 LeprechaunsSligo's St. Patrick's Day parade will start at 12 Noon Sharp with the world record attempt happening immediately after the parade ends.
All Leprechauns will make their way over to the front of Andersons on Bridge St to be officially counted and photographed.
Helpers will be on hand to officially count them and then will have them photographed to officially record all Leprechauns in attendance.
What do you need to wear to qualify?
- Green/black waistcoat
- White shirt/t-shirt
- Black trousers
- Hat
- Beard – optional!
For more information, you can see the Sligo Parade website.
This gigantic green gathering will also help to generate some funds for these local causes:
Paeds buddy beds
Sligo University Hospital has a busy pediatric ward with 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 the parents or guardians are staying overnight they can have a more restful night. Each bed costs €1,500.
Friends of Aengus
On the 16th of February 2014, Aengus Lyons was playing indoor soccer and slipped and hit his head.
He was left a quadriplegic and has spent most of his time since 2014 in hospitals.
Whatever funds are raised will go towards his ongoing care and towards supporting Aengus, into the future.
Looking forward to seeing how World Record attempts go when it's Shligo Shtyle.
