The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
FINANCIALLY THIS WILL RUIN US, SAY JARVEYS
THE current COVID-19 pandemic could destroy the traditional jarvey business in Killarney as hundreds are now out of work as tourists cancellations flow in.
The trip on the jaunting cart in Killarney is part and parcel of the local tourism product, but the future for many of the horse-and-cart owners is in jeopardy as the tourism industry faces crisis.
“Financially this will ruin us,” said Michael Grady, who has been working as a jarvey since he was 10 years old – more than 35 years.
He is a member of the Killarney Horse and Carriages group, which has a membership of about 15.
The jarveys traditionally go back to work on St Patrick’s Day and are a familiar site on the streets of Killarney throughout the summer season. This year, their future is unknown.
Though it is hoped that the tourist season will get up and running this summer, particularly with people holidaying at home, jarveys fear that it will be July at the earliest before they get back to work.
“The earliest we will be back now is July or August. We [Ireland] are doing a good job slowing down the virus, but the US and the UK are not, so that will mean visitors from those countries will not be coming here this summer. If is not done right on the tourist’s side, they won’t come,” said Michael Grady.
“Every single trip has been cancelled for the coming months, and tour groups have said that they will review the situation in May, but it is likely that it will be July or August before any tour comes to Ireland again.”
For the jarveys, this is even worse economically as they have just had a winter of unemployment and were hoping to start the summer season last week. The costs of running their business, including stabling and feeding horses, remains the same and is resulting in a huge financial burden.
“It is extra hard for us as we are after four to five months being laid off, and now we are going from a lay-off to a lay-off,” said Michael.
“This could financially destroy us. We are like a farmer with the costs like grazing and diesel but with no income this year.
“We are in dire straits here in Killarney.”