Colin Loughrin attempting to catch a hammer while changing the city sign to “New Dublin”
The New Dublin Leprechauns were busy getting Irish Fest week kicked off as they normally do, but this year was a little different.
Having been established for 33 years now, this year marked the first year a second-generation leprechaun participated in the events.
“It’s been a part of my life for 24 years now,” said second-generation leprechaun Colin Loughrin. “It feels cool to kind of take over the reigns from my dad and keep on the leprechaun legacy. He asked me if I wanted to be a part of it this year and it was really cool he asked me to do it.”
Colin will be replacing his father Pup Loughrin, owner of Pup’s Irish Pub in New London. Colin has watched Pup for many years, and said he is ready to take over what is now becoming a family tradition.
“I always figured I would do it and I figured it was just a responsibility, being the oldest son of my dad,” Colin joked. “I’m happy to finally make it happen.”
For Colin, being the youngest in the group comes with its special tasks, such as being the one hanging off of signs, changing the New London signs to New Dublin, and at times becoming the victim of jokes made by the other leprechauns.
With the all joking aside, Robert Leahy says having the tradition drop to the second generation for the first time means the group is doing something right.
“It’s great that we’re passing it down to the second generation and to make sure that this continues on into the future,” Leahy said. “Colin is a great representative.”
All the fun in New Dublin is in preparation for Irish Fest this Weekend.