‘Puck has always been resilient’

THE pavements of Killorglin are eerily quiet this week and there’s sadness in the air – for the first time in over four centuries Puck Fair is not taking place.

Though it was a difficult decision to make, it really was the only outcome possible in light of the global Covid-19 pandemic with the health and safety of a county – and all those who visit – paramount.

Instead of thousands walking the streets of Killorglin, at 6pm on Monday there was no music, there were no crowds and no Puck goat rising above the town.

Traditionally the horse fair would have taken place on Monday morning, Gathering Day, but the Fair Field remained empty, devoid of its customary haggling.

“At 7am this morning I walked down to the horse fair field, there were no traders but in The Square

I got nice surprise with a miniature Puck stand erected,” said Puck Fair Committee Chairperson Declan Falvey.

And while there is, of course, sadness, he promised Puck will be back.

“We have to be realistic there are worse things happening ... Puck has been resilient in the past and it will be in the future,” said Declan.

This is, in fact, the first time Declan has been off for the fair in 68 years and, though upset at the loss of the Puck, he is enjoying his new-found freedom this year.

Although the event is cancelled, in keeping with tradition the Puck Fair committee crowned the goat on Monday evening and the coronation can be seen online on the event’s Facebook page along with past photos.

Meanwhile, here are some memories of past Pucks taken by photographer Michelle Cooper Galvin.