TRADITION UPHELD IN KENMARE

BARTERING IS KEY ON THE FAIR DAY IN KENMARE

The traditon of the August 15 fair day has been long-held in the town of Kenmare, and this year, once again, this tradition was upheld.

With everything from puppies to ponies on sale, farmers had plenty to barter on, and more than a few deals were sealed by the close of business on Wednesday last.

Cattle, horses and even sheep were traded on the day, and for many farmers it is an opportunity for a day out and a chat with neighbours and friends not seen since last year.

Like all fairs the traditional stalls lined the streets, and shoppers browsed the tools, toys, bags and clothes on offer, and there were a few deals made here too.

The August 15 fair follows on from Puck Fair and is another key Kerry event that marks the month of August.

Like Puck, the Kenmare fair day is also a great opportunity to meet for up with old friends for a chat and craic in the town of Kenmare.

Though rain threatened the event in the early morning, this didn’t stop the traditional fair dealings, and by the afternoon the weather had dried up, bringing even more visitors to the town.

A new traffic flow system, which pedestrianised the town, was put in place for this year’s fair, and this helped traffic movement. By Thursday morning the streets were cleared and back to normal – until next year’s big fair day again.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan No Deal: Joe Daly, a dairy farmer from Valentia Island, not willing to take anything less than €700 for his prized pony at the Annual Kenmare Fair Day.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Full Set: Tommy ‘Johnny Boy’ Driscoll, from Bandon, checks out Valentia Island’s Joe Daly’s stock at the Annual Kenmare Fair Day.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Dan O’Sullivan and Dinny Howard, Rathmore, at the Annual Kenmare Fair Day.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Oliver Sullivan from Bere Island at the Annual Kenmare Fair Day.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Jerry O’Callaghan, KIllorglin; Tommy Kissane and Paudie O’Sullivan, Sneem.