Queen of Puck Fair ready to take part in one of Ireland’s oldest festivals

PUCK Fair may be one of the country’s oldest festivals, but it still draws the crowds and is worth an estimated €6 million to Killorglin, Co Kerry.

Nowadays largely a tourist event, it will be attended by upwards of 100,000 people according to the organisers. It is held on the same dates each year — August 10, 11 and 12.

Queen of Puck Fair 2006 is 12-year-old Kelly Moriarty, from Sunhill, Killorglin, whose aunt, Áine Moriarty, is a former fair queen.

Kelly has just finished primary school in Scoil Mhuire, Killorglin.

Her duties during Puck Fair include welcoming the crowds and taking part in the opening parade, led by a wild mountain goat, which will be crowned King Puck.

This year’s fair was officially launched by Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue last night.

Highlights will include a free outdoor concert by Frances Black on August 11.

On August 12, the final night, the Booze Brothers will top the bill before a massive fireworks display — in association with Fujisawa Ireland — brings the curtain down on the festival.

Nobody knows the exact origins of the fair, but it is said to date to medieval times.

At one time, it was a notorious drinking festival, with the pubs open round-the-clock for three days and nights.

And, while copious amounts of alcohol are still consumed there, there’s a much bigger emphasis now on musical entertainment and fun on the streets.