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Puck Fair was officially launched on Saturday. Photo: MacMonagle
WITH just four weeks to go until thousands of revelers descend on Killorglin for one of the biggest events on Ireland’s annual social calendar – Puck Fair – excitement was building at the festival’s official launch last weekend.
The launch, which took place on Saturday last at Kingston’s Bar, kick-started what is set to be a busy month for all involved, with preparations already underway for a mammoth three-day event.
Guests in attendance were treated to live music from B’Fheidir, while the launch saw the welcome return of the ‘Barman’s Race’, with a number of publicans from the town putting forward a staff member whose job it was to get three prized pints over the finish line with little or no spillages.
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Special guests on the night included the newly crowned Queen of Puck Fair, Maeve McCarthy from Cromane Lower in Killorglin, who was joined by her Lady in Waiting, Sian Corkery.
The launch marked the first official event for the new royals, who will be put through their paces over the coming weeks as they prepare for the arrival of King Puck.
In a break from convention this year, the Cattle Fair – typically held on day two of Puck Fair – will now take place on Monday 12th August. This change in schedule is to facilitate an old Charter, which outlines that when the 11th August falls on a Sunday, the Cattle Fair will instead be held on the following day.
The three-day schedule includes dance workshops, fancy dress competitions, a fun fair, food stalls, street markets and live music throughout the town – not to mention the famous Horse Fair, which takes place on ‘Gathering Day’ and kicks off the popular festival each year.
The Coronation Parade and Ceremony on day one will bring people to the town’s centre in their droves, while the stage in Killorglin’s main square will play host each night to well-known national acts, such as Celtic Knights (10th August), Johnny Brady (11th August) and The Papa Zitas (12th August), who will entertain the crowds well into the night.
For information and updates on Puck Fair 2019, visit www.puckfair.ie or follow @puckfair on Facebook and @puck_fair on Twitter.
