THE INTERVIEW

 THE INTERVIEW

 

Liam arrived at the Irish Times office at 10 AM sharp. He was there in response to an advertisement for a “leprechaun collector,” a job description that had intrigued, excited and puzzled him.

 

He was ushered into a large conference room with a vast oval mahogany table and several chairs surrounding it. The room walls were filled with drawings and general information about the rich Irish folklore. On the walls, there were some depictions of leprechauns, too. A distinguished-looking man with a grey French beard sat at one end of the mahogany table. “Good morning, Maeve Boyle, Head of Internal Mythical Legends. Have a seat.”

 

LIAM: “Thank you, Sir”.

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “Well, Liam, your resume suggests you attended a prestigious Irish Catholic Missionary School. So, I’m sure you must know about Irish culture, its folklore, and especially leprechauns. So, first of all, tell me, what do you understand about leprechauns that made you apply for this job?”

 

LIAM: “Well, Sir, the leprechaun is a naughty elf, a magical creature of our Irish folklore. They are a little bearded old man who likes to cause trouble but will reveal where the treasure is hidden if caught.”

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “So, tell me, what does happen if you capture one of them?”

 

LIAM: “Well, Sir, capturing one of these tiny creatures will secure us luck and grant us three wishes. So, these creatures are associated with what we call the “luck of the Irish”.

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “Suppose a hypothetical situation where you have caught one of these creatures. What are the three wishes you’d wish for?”

 

LIAM: “Well, to be honest, Sir, I’d wish for good health free from diseases, peace of mind and success.”

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “Very well, can you tell me what the real profession of a leprechaun is, though it is associated with wealth?”

 

LIAM: “Yes indeed, Sir, though leprechauns are associated with wealth, they are cobblers by profession.”

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “Who is the troublesome cousin of leprechaun?”

 

LIAM: “Churichaun is the troublesome cousin of the leprechauns.”

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “How would you build a leprechaun trap, Liam?”

 

LIAM: “Well, Sir, I know the leprechauns are drawn to green spaces. So, I’d paint my trap green. Then I’d decorate it with shiny embellishments, like stickers, stars, glitters and bits of gold.”

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “Now tell me, Liam, if you manage to capture a leprechaun, would you hurt him or barter his freedom?”

 

LIAM: “I’d not harm him but would rather barter his freedom in exchange for treasure.”

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “Well, Liam, your Irish folklore and mythology knowledge is impressive. You have the right temperament for this line of work, too. I presume you’d use your equipment?”

 

LIAM: “Thank you, Sir. I am keenly interested in Irish mythology and would be using my own equipment.”

 

MR. MAEVE BOYLE: “That will be all, Liam; you’ll hear from us soon.”

 

LIAM: “Thank you, Sir. Have a good day.”

 

As Liam left the Irish Times office that day, he was excited at the prospect of being a “leprechaun collector.” He left the Irish Times building with a spring in his step, hoping to hear some good news soon.