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A County Louth couple want volunteers prepared to get in touch with their inner Leprechaun for a world record attempt on St Patrick’s Day.

Carol and Derek Ward want to set a new world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as leprechauns on Ireland’s national holiday.

They need at least 200 ‘Little People’ to secure a place in the 2012 Guinness Book of Records at their Leprechaun gathering in the town of Ardee.

The record attempt will also raise funds for St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin.

“We need to get in touch with our inner leprechaun and in these times anything that makes people smile is good,” Carol Ward told the Irish Independent newspaper.

The Wards, who raised funds for charity every St Patrick’s Day, want families to dress-up and create a sea of green before joining the Ardee parade.

“We have registered with the Guinness people and to qualify, our leprechauns must have the leprechaun hat, beard and green T- shirt and waistcoat and wear black or green trousers,” said Derek Ward.

Local schools, groups and organizations have already signed up for the Leprechaun-aton. Registration costs $6 for adults and $10 for families.

Having survived a breast cancer scare herself, Carol Ward is keen to raise as much money as possible on the day. 

“I am a friend of St Luke’s in Rathgar, Dublin, and the staff are just wonderful,” she added.

“Everyone is so nice and as a friend, I help fundraise and come up with ideas for the hospital and patients. Even if it is just giving someone a pillow or a magazine as they go through their treatment, it all helps.”

The Wards hope to attract over 300 Leprechauns to Ardee for their Guinness Book of Records attempt when a head count will be undertaken by independent observers.

All leprechauns must stay in the one place for 10 minutes to qualify.

Visit our special St. Patrick's Day section