Sept. 25, 2013

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The Notre Dame Athletic Department will add a new sculpture to its ranks this Friday, Sept. 27. The Leprechaun sculpture will be unveiled in Gate 10 of Purcell Pavilion from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

The Leprechaun has played an important role for students, alumni, and friends at Notre Dame for generations. The student organization dedicated to pumping up the atmosphere of Notre Dame athletics, for example, is called the Leprechaun Legion. Since it was officially announced in 1965 and even for years before that, the mascot of the Leprechaun has symbolized the joy, determination and fighting spirit of Notre Dame.

The Leprechaun sculpture will serve as a lasting reminder of those important Irish qualities. The donation that made the monument possible came from Tim, Beth, Jon (’09) and Katherine (’12) Merck, a family native to Spokane, Wash. and longtime Irish supporters.

Senior deputy athletic director Missy Conboy will emcee the dedication ceremony on Friday, with words spoken by vice president and director of athletics Jack Swarbrick and Leprechaun Legion president Matthew Cunningham.