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Local leprechaun brings St. Patrick’s Day cheer

Ron Dale assumes his alter ego as Sheamus O’Shamrock every St. Patrick’s Day
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Sheamus O’Shamrock stopped by the Ladysmith Chronicle office to spread some festive cheer. (Cole Schisler photo)

Every St. Patrick’s Day for the last five years, Ladysmith has been lucky enough to get a visit from Sheamus O’Shamrock, the local leprechaun.

For the other 364 days of the year, Sheamus O’Shamrock is better known as Ron Dale. Dale has been dressing up as the character and walking the streets of Ladysmith and Chemainus to spread joy on St. Patrick’s Day.

“I’ve had so much fun. People are always smiling and happy,” Dale said. “I’m a big believer in random acts of kindness. If I can put a smile on someone’s face it makes me happy.”

RELATED: Ladysmith families celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Shamrock Hunt

Dale stops by local businesses and parks to share leprechaun facts and limricks with people. One such fact is that the largest leprechauns are three feet three inches tall.

“Leprechauns are shoemakers, and they’re very successful shoemakers,” Dale said. “They get rich and fill pots of gold. Then they put they away and hide them at the end of the rainbow.”

Dale gives out small chocolate gold coins to kids and their parents. He tells them that the coins each contain three wishes. Before he disappears, he shares his famed limerick.

“364 days I am Ron, March 17 I’m a leprechaun. I’ll brighten your scene with these shamrocks of green. Today I’m Irish, tomorrow I’m gone.”





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