Right Now Downtown

INTERVIEW WITH A LEPRECHAUN

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re proud to bring you an interview with a real live leprechaun.

Stop smirking.   This isn’t some delusional loon.  This isn’t someone who takes those silly Facebook games too seriously.  This is Brian Byrne.  He’s not just a leprechaun; he’s the son of a leprechaun too.

This story starts back in the 1970’s in the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  A man named Murt Byrne decided to dress up like a leprechaun for the march.  His son Brian tells the story, “All it took was one parade and it characterized my dad from then on.  I joined up with him in 1977 when I was five years old.  I remember how I mimicked everything he did as I followed a couple steps behind through the streets of downtown.”

Nothing gold can stay, even for leprechauns.

“As years went by, especially during adolescence, I did not think it was so cool.”  He continues, “My dad developed mouth cancer in 1988, but he never missed a step.  In 1994, my dad did march – but not as the leprechaun; he let three of his sons pay him tribute and we marched as leprechauns.  In 1995 my father passed away, and I took on the full role of leprechaun.  I have deep pride in the title I have.  There is not a moment when I am marching in the parade that I don’t think of the Old Man.”

Although Byrne is proud to fill his father’s shoes, he’s acquired a new costume.  The original was good at first… “Until one year at Broad and High: I did my standard leprechaun stance, when me knickers ripped right where you-know-where.”

Brian Byrne’s ma-in-law crafted the new suit, and two more for his young sons.  It’s a beautiful downtown tradition, for the Byrne family and for all of us.  As the man-in-green comments, “It automatically prompts the Irish spirit of good will, faith and humor that is in each and every one of us, regardless of ethnic background.”

St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Columbus: it’s something we can all celebrate.  This Wednesday and every year.