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Pictured launching Puck Fair 2017, at ‘The Diaspora Lady’ statue on Iveragh Road, Killorglin, were 2016 World Coastal Rowing Champion, Monika Dukarska, (who is aspiring to qualify for the Olympics), Caitlin Horgan, Puck Fair Queen and Pupil in Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin and Declan Mangan, Chair of Puck Fair. Picture: Don MacMonagle
KILLORGLIN is already preparing for the influx of tens of thousands of visitors in just over a month for the annual Puck Fair.
Thousands of Irish emigrants are planning a visit home this summer to coincide with the 3-day festival, which takes place from August 10-12.
The 2017 festivities will kick off on Friday next with a launch event at The Forge in Killorglin, with guests keen to get a taster of the exciting line-up in store for this year’s festivities.
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One of the VIP guests on the evening will be this year’s Queen of Puck Fair, Caitlin Horgan of Scoil Mhuire in Killorglin.
Caitlin will be joined on the night by her Lady-in-Waiting, Lily-Sue Eyers, a pupil of Douglas National School on the outskirts of Killorglin and John Bowe of Diageo, one of the festival’s key sponsors.
Monika Dukarska, 2009 and 2016 World Coastal Rowing Champion, this year’s festival ambassador, a Polish native who moved to Co. Kerry at the age of 16, will be competing in Switzerland during the launch proceedings, but will be present on the night with the help of a special video message.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Monika explained the unusual connection that she has to legendary goat tales.
Referring to a historical story from her hometown on Poznań, she said: “The story goes that in the late 1500s, thunder hit the town and the tower was destroyed along with the town clock. To celebrate the refurbishment of the town hall, the mayor organised a gathering. A young cook unfortunately burnt the celebratory roast dinner and instead of admitting his incompetence, he found two wild goats in a nearby field.
“However, he didn’t manage to roast them as they fled the scene and climbed on top of the town hall and the clock. Although the goats were not as heroic as Puck, they provided great entertainment for those gathered in Poznań that day!”
While Monika has a busy summer of competition ahead of her, she is quick to point out one important fact: “The good news is that the month of August is quieter than the rest of the summer, meaning I’ll be back for Puck!”
Long-running Chairman of Puck Fair Declan Mangan, having worked as Chairman of the voluntary committee for 30 years, was quick to point out why he is hugely proud of his important role, saying: “There’s a reason I keep returning to this post year in, year out – it’s a hugely important part of Killorglin’s past and present and it is a great deal of fun. I get such a thrill out of seeing visitors flock to the town each August to witness the crowning of King Puck and to see what our beautiful town has to offer. It brings locals and tourists together and highlights Killorglin as an important focal point within the Irish tourism industry.”
Commenting on what visitors can expect, Mr. Mangan added; “Highlights of this year’s Puck Fair festival include musical entertainment on the town square stage to be provided by Brass & Co (Thursday 10th August), The Elvis Spectacular Show (Friday 11th August) and The Ultimate Garth Brooks Experience (Saturday 12th August).
There will also be a wide range of children’s entertainment taking place in the town across the three days of the festival as well as market stalls, street performances and a host of activities for all the family.
Information and updates on this can be found at www.puckfair.ie in the lead up to the festival and we look forward to having you all there.”
For pictures and live updates, follow the conversation with #BackForPuck, check out www.facebook.com/puckfair or twitter @puck_fair and visit YouTube to view puckfairofficial videos.
