IRELAND’s ONLY monarch ascended his throne last night as the 2011 Puck Fair began in Killorglin, Co Kerry.
The three-day festival got off to a rainy start at 7am with the traditional horse fair, with the day culminating in the crowning of King Puck at 6pm in the square.
The coronation parade is widely regarded as the highlight of the festival and the wild mountain goat was led through the streets followed by his adoring fans, before being officially crowned by local schoolgirl Muireann Arthurs (13), the 2011 Queen of Puck.
With a regal crown on his head, King Puck was raised to his lofty temporary home, overlooking the festivities, where he will stay for three days and three nights before being released once more to the mountains above the town.
There was some rain yesterday but it failed to put a dampener on things. “The first day of Puck comes with a sense of anticipation. It is something that you have been waiting a long time for and getting it up and running gives a great sense of achievement,” festival chairman Declan Mangan said.
“The rain here does spoil it a little, but only for a little while. Here in Killorglin rain only dampens the body, not the spirit, especially during Puck.”
Up to 60,000 people will pass through Killorglin during the fair, with organisers dubbing it the “recession-proof” festival. It is worth an estimated €5 million to the local economy.
It is a bumper time in particular for local bars, with exemptions in place across the town until 3am for the three days of the festival.
Hours of free street entertainment, a huge draw for families, also take place.
Highlights today will include performances on the stage truck by Hot Tramp and The Joshua Tree. Another crowd pleaser this year is the return of the local outfit, the Laune Pipe Band, after an absence of almost half a century.