Charlie to wear Puck crown
Experienced goat catcher Frank Joy, who is caring for the goat named Charlie at his farm near Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, also assured the public that Charlie will not be subject to any form of cruelty.
The grey and brown 10-year-old goat, with a three-foot horn span, was captured on a hill behind the Ross Inn, Glenbeigh, at the weekend, and will ‘preside’ over Puck Fair from the top of a 50ft platform in Killorglin.
“The goat is being dosed and fully checked for diseases and any other ailments by local vet, Teddy Clifford. He’ll be returned to the mountains in an even healthier state,” said Mr Joy, who has been chief goat catcher for the past 15 years.
“We found it more difficult than ever this year to capture a decent puck. We look for an animal with a healthy coat, a big horn span and good feet. Sometimes, the goat needs to get its toes clipped.
“Good pucks are getting scarce and it took us from Wednesday until Sunday to get a suitable specimen. We’re lucky to have got this fella. About eight of us were involved and we caught him by flinging a lasso around his horns. He was with four other pucks,” Mr Joy added.
In preparation for Puck Fair, which starts on Wednesday, the goat is feasting on a varied menu including ash and willow tree branches and hay.
He will be confined to a cage overlooking the town square in Killorglin during the three-day fair, and his diet will include cabbage leaves, grass and plenty of water.
“We’ll be kind of lonely when he’s gone,” Mr Joy said.
