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Getting in the mood for Ireland’s oldest festival – Puck Fair, Killorglin at the launch on Rossbeigh Beach, were, front row, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae TD, Ruth Albrecht, Tweak,’Jess’ the dog. Back row from left, The Lady in Waiting – Bláthaid Carney, Killorglin, Declan Mangan, Chairman Puck Festival, Tim O’Shea and members of Afro Trad Ireland , Samuel Kiwanuka and Rosie Healy, Fionnuala O’Dwyer, Diageo, Queen of Puck Fair – Kerry Lynch, Caragh Lake, Sean Coffey, Puck Fair Committee. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan
IRELAND’S oldest festival is coming around again and the launch of Puck Fair’s packed programme took place recently at Rossbeigh Beach.
Families, day-trippers, weekend revellers and visitors from far and wide are called to Killorglin from August 10-12 to enjoy Ireland’s original and oldest ‘Gathering Festival’.
The pinnacle of the celebration surrounds the crowning of a wild mountain goat as the festival’s King which honours a tradition and heritage that is purported to be ancient, but can only officially be traced back to 1603 when King James I issued a charter granting legal status to the existing fair in Killorglin.
This coronation ceremony traditionally takes place on the first evening of the festivities in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland. This year’s King Puck is also to be crowned ‘The King of the Wild Atlantic Way.’
Local girls Kerry Lynch aged 12 from Glounaguillagh National School, Caragh Lake has been named as the Queen of Puck Fair and Bláthnaid Carney from Killorglin as her ‘lady in waiting’.
Prior to the coronation, the King and Queen will be paraded through the town in order to bestow the ‘Freedom of the Town’ upon all in attendance and the festival itself. This marks the beginning of three days of ceremony, merriment, celebration and music.
The 2016 parade promises to be a kaleidoscope of colourful floats and entertainers. The route, which was changed last year, is designed to allow greater viewing opportunities and will begin at the Bridge and follow up through Lower Bridge Street, on to The Square and Upper Bridge Street and finally onto Iveragh Road.
Another popular event on opening day or ‘Gathering Day’ as it is known is the eagerly anticipated Horse Fair—Ireland’s oldest continually running horse fair.
Following on from Wednesday’s commencement ceremonies, Thursday August 11th promises to be equally as fun filled and dynamic, chock-a-block with music and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
The evening will pick up pace with DJ Donal from VideodjKerry, followed by Monsieur Gusto—A Fine Balance Act and more music then from Two Mikes & Family Ties, and country music sensation Mike Denver gracing the main stage in a free open air concert which is sure to close the festivities for the night in a riveting fashion.
Friday, the Final day of Puck Fair for another year, and known as ‘Scattering Day ‘ is action packed and particularly suited to families until the always anticipated Firework display lights up the sky over Killorglin, a fitting way to bid farewell to Puck Fair, with a multi-coloured bang!
For a list of all to see and do at Puck Fair see www.puckfair.ie
