Connect with us

News

Maeve’s dreams come though as she’s crowned Queen of Puck 

Published

on

DREAM COME THROUGH: Maeve McCarthy from Cromane Lower in Killorglin has been crowned as Queen of Puck Fair for 2019. Photo: Michelle Crean

Since she was a little girl she imagined being Queen of Puck - and this week Maeve McCarthy from Cromane Lower in Killorglin saw her dreams come through - as she was crowned Queen for 2019.

The 12-year-old impressed judges with her application letter and she was selected as Queen for the August 10 to 12 fair - the oldest festival in Ireland.

An independent judging panel trawled through all the entry letters from Sixth Class pupils across the region, before interviewing each hopeful and hearing them read aloud the famous Puck Fair welcome speech, which is recited during the Coronation Ceremony on the festival’s opening day.

Adding to the excitement her friend Sian Corkery was selected as her Lady in Waiting, the first time that two Cromane girls were selected to perform two leading roles at the same time.

“I could not believe it when I was selected, I was very surprised,” Meave, who is a pupil at Scoil Réalt na Mara in Cromane, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It is something I always wanted to do. Every girl from the area wants to be Queen of Puck, and I can’t believe they selected me. Puck is a big part of our lives, we go every year. My cousins can’t wait to come from Cork to see me.”

The festival’s ancient traditions date back to 1613, but over four centuries later the popularity of this unique event shows no sign of waning, with visitors from all over the globe flocking to Killorglin every August to witness the royal festivities with their own eyes.

 

Queen of Puck 2019 (Maeve’s Letter)

My name is Maeve McCarthy. I am 12 years old and a 6th class pupil in Scoil Réalt na Mara, Cromane. I live in Cromane Lower with my mom and dad, my two brothers Aidan and James, my sister Orla and my dog Bubbles. I love music and I can play the tin whistle, the violin and I am learning the banjo. One of the reasons I love Puck is all the lovely music available for free on the streets of Killorglin. This year, I would love to be the Queen of Puck because I would do a great job. I am a confident speaker and I love meeting new people. I love everything about Puck, from the Horse Fair on the first day to the fireworks on the last. The food is always unbelievable and with all the stalls you are never bored. And that’s why I would love to be the Queen of Puck.

Yours hopefully,

Maeve McCarthy.

 

Advertisement

News

Musical Society announces production team for 2027 show ‘Sister Act’

Killarney Musical Society has officially unveiled its star-studded production team for its highly anticipated spring 2027 staging of the hit musical Sister Act. The production will run from March 20 […]

Published

on

Killarney Musical Society has officially unveiled its star-studded production team for its highly anticipated spring 2027 staging of the hit musical Sister Act.

The production will run from March 20 to 4 next year at the Gleneagle Arena, with details regarding upcoming auditions and ticket sales expected to be announced shortly.
Award-winning director Oliver Hurley, owner of the Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre, returns to take the helm for what will be his 16th production with the society.
Joining the team for the first time is choreographer Barbara Meany, who was recently awarded Best Choreographer (Gilbert Section) at the prestigious Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards.
Returning to lead the musical department is Jimmy Brockie, marking his fourth show as Musical Director for the society. Brockie will collaborate with a full live orchestra every night. Working alongside him is Sorcha O’Connor, who returns as Choral Mistress to rehearse and develop the vocal performances of the cast.
Newly appointed Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Killarney Musical Society, Lisa Campbell said:
“With such a talented production team secured, everyone at Killarney Musical Society is incredibly excited to begin work on Sister Act. We are looking forward to bringing this uplifting, hilarious, and high-energy show to local audiences at the Gleneagle Arena in March 2027.”

Continue Reading

News

Rewild Festival organisers reveal expanded line-up for 2026 event

Published

on

By

Organisers of the Rewild Festival have unveiled the official details for the 2026 event, which returns to the old Dunloe Golf Course on July 11.

Building on the success of previous years, the festival has expanded its schedule to include early Friday camping on 10 July, transforming the event into a multi-day experience.

The weekend begins on Friday evening with storytelling, candlelit tales, fireside sessions, and two on-site saunas.

The event will also feature an Irish festival first, offering attendees the opportunity to experience being buried in mycelium.

Saturday features 15 live acts across the main stages, all-day DJ sets, and over 20 wellness workshops covering sound baths and breathwork.

The day’s activities also include a céilí on the hill, market stalls, educational talks, children’s entertainment, fire shows, and art installations.

Live music performances will continue through Sunday, 12 July until lunchtime.

A wide selection of regional food and drink vendors will be available on-site, featuring local businesses such as Muckross Ice Cream, The Black Sheep, and Pigs Lane.

The festival bar will serve draught beers from Killarney’s newest brewery, Loinnir Brewing.

Additionally, organisers have confirmed that if the Kerry GAA team plays during the weekend, the match will be broadcast live on a big screen.

Festival co-founder Kevin Leahy noted that the crew has thoroughly enjoyed watching the community grow.

“We’ve sold over 70% of tickets and expect to sell out, so we won’t be selling tickets on the gate,” Leahy stated.

Information and remaining tickets are available on the official website at www.rewildfestival.ie, and physical tickets can be purchased directly at the Black Sheep Hostel.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport