For at least one young Killorglin girl, the dream of being picked as Queen of Puck Fair and crowning a wild mountain goat surpasses that of all other titles. Anne Lucey reports.
This year's queen of the annual Puck Fair, which takes place in the south Kerry town from August 10th to 12th, was named yesterday as 12-year-old Clodagh O'Shea.
In an essay penned as part of her entry for the title, Ms O'Shea wrote: "Some girls dream of being Miss Ireland, others dream of being Miss World, many come from far and wide to fulfil their dream of being the Rose of Tralee, but for me, since I was a little girl, my dream has always been to be Queen of Puck Fair."
Clodagh's lady-in-waiting is another Killorglin girl, Sarah Flynn, also 12. The queen's duties during Puck Fair will include welcoming the crowds to one of western Europe's most unique festivals.
Highlights of this year's event will include performances by songwriter Juliet Turner on the opening night; Gerry Fish and his Mudbug Club on the Wednesday; and Four Men and a Dog on the closing night, along with a fireworks display.
However hardy annuals such as the traditional horse fair and the singer Seán Ó Sé serenading the wild puck also draw the crowds.
The fair may have its origins in Cromwellian times. Many people believe it can be traced to a pre-Christian festival associated with the ancient Celtic god of arts and light, Lugh.
Puck has gone hi-tech this year and details of the fair are available on a newly designed website at www.puckfair.ie.
The puck itself will be selected by chief goat catchers before being chased downhill from his herd some time in the next 10 days.
Then he will be combed, fed and watered before being raised on high in a cage and crowned King Puck.