Dublin wants residents to help pick the next Grand Leprechaun.
The City of Dublin is accepting nominations for the community leader who will preside over the 2027 St. Patrick's Day Parade, according to the city's community events honoree nominations page. The deadline is Friday, Nov. 20, at 5 p.m.
The Grand Leprechaun serves as a media spokesperson, presides over the parade, attends a luncheon after the march and participates in the opening parade at the Dublin Irish Festival.
Who qualifies
The city lists several requirements. Nominees must be active volunteer leaders who have made significant contributions to the Dublin community outside of work in the last three years. They must be available to attend the St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Current elected officials and anyone running for office are not eligible. Anyone recognized by the City of Dublin in the last five years is also excluded. Nominees may live outside Dublin. Anonymous nominations will not be accepted.
How to nominate
Residents can submit nominations through the city's online form before the 5 p.m. deadline on Nov. 20. For questions, the city's parade page lists Trish Lackey, events administrator, as the contact at [email protected].
2026 Grand Leprechaun
Joe Fox held the title in 2026. Former grand leprechauns selected Fox in recognition of his commitment to the Dublin community and his leadership of the Miracle League of Central Ohio, a baseball league for children and young adults with special needs at Darree Fields in Dublin, according to a city announcement in January. Fox spent 17 years with the league and served as its director for 15 of those years, helping grow it from eight teams to 22.
Irish Festival chair nominations also open
A separate nomination is open for the 2027 Dublin Irish Festival Honorary Chair, with a deadline of Thursday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. Requirements include being a financial supporter of the festival, of Irish heritage or a supporter of Irish culture, and a recognized community leader in Dublin or Central Ohio, among other criteria listed on the city's nomination page.
The 2027 festival will mark the event's 40th year.
