The Kerryman (North Kerry)

Ian launches Puck ‘18

- By STEPHEN FERNANE

AS sure as the River Laune flows to the sea, the annual Puck Fair Festival is guaranteed to come around each year - a promise looking good for 2018 already following the official launch by Killarney’s Ian O’Connell this week.

Ian’s positivity has captured the attention of a nation since his appearance on The Late Late Show, and the Puck Fair committee were delighted have him launch the famous festival, which runs from August 1012. It was a busy Saturday for Ian as earlier that day he was at the finish line of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle where cyclists raised money for the Ian O’Connell Trust.

King Puck also made an impromptu appearance ahead of schedule, thanks to the creativity and vision of artist Dan Leo who painted a mural of the famous folklore figure on the wall of the CYMS Hall in the town centre.

Newly appointed Chairman of Puck Fair, Declan Falvey, said he is looking forward to taking up what is a daunting task, but also an exciting one:

“The festival is part of my DNA and I couldn’t be prouder. Preparatio­ns are well underway and I can’t wait for visitors to the festival to reap the benefits of the committee’s hard work and dedication,” Declan said.

President of the Puck Fair committee, Declan Mangan, is also excited and he praised the fabulous mural which adds a new vibrancy to the town.

“We’re delighted to welcome Ian this year as our special guest.

“This inspiratio­nal young man represents exactly what Puck Fair is all about; individual­ity, a strong sense of identity and most importantl­y, resilience. We may be another year older, but Puck Fair continues to keep us young at heart,” Declan said.

The 2018 festival features live music from the likes of Jake Carter, The Swing Cats, The Cosmic Funk Band, as well as a host of street entertainm­ent for children and adults alike.

Check out the Puck Fair Facebook page for regular updates.

 ??  ?? Ian O’Connell launching Puck Fair 2018 in Killorglin on Saturday with Queen of Puck Ella Foley and Aoife O’Shea.
Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin
Ian O’Connell launching Puck Fair 2018 in Killorglin on Saturday with Queen of Puck Ella Foley and Aoife O’Shea. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin

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