A limited-edition print of a Robert F. Morgan sketch titled “Happy Leprechaun” is for sale to support scholarships provided by the Helena Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The AOH is an international fraternity of Catholic men and women of Irish descent.

Well-known Montana artist Morgan is a Cathedral of St. Helena parishioner and a member of the Thomas Francis Meagher (Helena) Division of the AOH. He created the leprechaun sketch specifically for the Hibernians.

Morgan has contributed his time and talents to the AOH in Helena on many occasions, said Helena Hibernian Joe Calnan. Morgan’s contribution of the “Happy Leprechaun” came this fall when he and Hank Burgess, a longtime member and patriarch of the Helena AOH, discussed the possibility of creating art to use on shirts for the organization’s membership. As they talked, Morgan sketched a happy leprechaun design. Later, it was modified for AOH shirts.

More recently, Burgess and Morgan determined that the original sketch might be helpful in the Helena AOH’s efforts to raise funds for its Carroll College scholarship program. The result is 250, limitededition prints signed by Morgan.

An accompanying narrative about origin of the name “leprechaun” says that it “may have derived from the Irish `luchorpan,’ meaning `little body,’ since these rascals are thought to be around 2 feet tall and proportionately built.” The leprechaun’s preference for the company he keeps also is noted: “But Leprechauns don’t trust adults, so they appear half amused and half serious around them. In addition, they are mischievous and rascally in their presence. However, they love children, have a kinship with them and sing to them as well as tell them stories.”

The prints, $25, may be purchased by calling 406-295-9310 or 406-431-7424. All proceeds go to the AOH Scholarship Program and for needy families.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 12, December 17, 2010.