Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Thursday 13°CFriday 13°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Derry CityEntertainmentNewsSoccerSport

Derry man Conal Fagan working as leprechaun mascot for Notre Dame football team

written by John September 21, 2020
ShareTweet

Conal Fagan, also known as LepreConal, is the 2020 leprechaun mascot for the football team at Notre Dame University

AN Irishman working as a leprechaun mascot for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team in the USA has said that being part of the heritage is “pretty special”.

Derry native Conal Fagan, also known as LepreConal, is the 2020 mascot for the football team at Notre Dame University in South Bend in Indiana.

Now going into his final year at the university, he spoke to ABC 57 as to what it is like working as the team’s official mascot.

“The leprechaun is such a prestigious position, so having that culture and that heritage and knowing I’m part of that is something pretty special,” he said.

He has been the team’s leprechaun since 2018 and his job involves wearing a green suit and hat, cheer on the crowd at games and supposedly bring magical powers and good luck to the Notre Dame team.

Mr Fagan admitted that trying out for the position was daunting.

The path to the Golden Dome and the Notre Dame sidelines has been anything but a smooth one for Conal. He has spoken of the heartache he has endured and how he stays positive.

“Sometimes I reflect upon and think about all the people who have been on this campus and walked on the same ground that I walked on. Every morning I wake up and see the Golden Dome out my window. It strikes me at times knowing that I’m in America and not Ireland,” said Conal.

The dome is now home for Fagan. It’s over 3,600 miles away from his native Derry.

“I come from a working-class family. Two brothers and a sister and they’re all back at home.

“My parents didn’t go to the university so I am first generation student so it’s pretty amazing being here and being surrounded by this incredible place.”

Back in the North of Ireland, Conal had teachers that pushed him academically and it ultimately led to his acceptance at Notre Dame.

“I was part of an academic program back home to help kids apply to America. There’s 150 people from across the UK that were applying so it’s pretty awesome to be part of that group and see kids all across the US. But I definitely picked the right college.”

While he has enjoyed and cherished his time on campus, there have been tough times.

“It’s been difficult at times as well. When my father passed away and stuff so having to deal with that, as well, was something extremely difficult,” recalls Conal.

Just three months after settling in South Bend, on November 18, 2017, his father passed away. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for seven years.

“Coming to America I knew it was going to happen at some point. It was a prolonged illness so I had that in the back of my mind,” says Conal.

“But at the same time it was what would he want me to do. I sort of see this as my legacy. Living my life through him. He constantly in the back of my mind.

“I know he would be proud of me doing what I am today. Probably wouldn’t expect me to be in this position yeah but definitely would be proud of me.”

Conal is also a gifted athlete.

“I played soccer growing up. I played on the national team under 16 level. I made the practice varsity squad here but I decided to take a step back from it here and take on a new challenge. I was ready to come across the Atlantic Ocean and embrace something new.”

In the spring of 2018 and in the spirit of his Irish heritage, Conal decided to try out to be a Notre Dame Leprechaun.

He jogged to center court, did his best jig and started on a journey to leave his legacy on the university he loves.

April 12, 2019; Conal Fagan hypes up the audience. Each Leprechaun contestant was asked to lead a pep rally. The other contestants were sequestered in the dressing room as each took his or her turn. (Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame)

“It was tough. In a sense I was going into the unknown, coming to a different culture. Although we speak the same language, eat the same food – it’s still a different culture.

“That was difficult to adjust to at the start. But like anything else you become accustomed to it and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else in life.”

Part of the trinity of leprechauns for two straight seasons, there was just one more goal to complete: leading the Irish out of the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium on football Saturdays.

It’s a goal he has accomplished.

This season hasn’t been ideal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He would have been the leprechaun for the Notre Dame game against Navy in Ireland.

And there are just 15,000 fans in the stands instead of 65,000.

But Fagan knows that through heartbreak comes healing, through adversity comes action.

And dreams that started 3,600 miles away, can come true.

“The leprechaun is such a prestigious position, so having that culture and that heritage and knowing I’m part of that is something pretty special,” says Conal.

Not only is Conal the leprechaun and a full time student in his senior year, he works with Catholic charity organizations in South Africa and Ireland.

Derry man Conal Fagan working as leprechaun mascot for Notre Dame football team was last modified: September 22nd, 2020 by John

Tags:
Derry man Conal Fagan working as leprechaun mascot for Notre Dame football teamIndianaLepreConalNORTH OF IRELANDNotre Dame UniversitySouth BendUSA
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Major investment in Capital Projects approved by...

12 hours ago

Mayor looking forward to All Ireland Pipe-Band...

12 hours ago

Mayor hosts Guardian of the Sperrins event

18 hours ago

Durkan calls for urgent traffic calming measures...

19 hours ago

Harkin: Stormont Executive must act now to...

19 hours ago

Harkin: MPs must vote down punitive welfare...

2 days ago

Mayor welcomes first cohort of Medical School...

2 days ago

Eastwood to oppose British Government’s disability cuts

2 days ago

Mayor announces charities of the year and...

2 days ago

Two males arrested over vehicle crime incidents...

2 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Former Derry coach Rory Gallagher launches High Court action against GAA

    July 1, 2025
  • Derry man jailed over house burglary offences

    June 26, 2025
  • Woman charged to Derry court over shop robbery

    June 25, 2025
  • Killer Hazel Stewart loses appeal over ‘cruel’ double Co Derry murders

    June 25, 2025
  • Dosey Derry rally fan to donate €275 to hospice after THIRD street sleep

    June 25, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy