QUEEN OF PUCK: Maeve McCarthy, who is Queen of Puck Fair, at the launch of this year's event which takes place on August 10, 11 and 12. Photo: Don MacMonagle

By Michelle Crean

Puck Fair organisers are appealing to members of the public to support a GoFundMe to ensure the continuation of Ireland’s most legendary festival. The move was made in a bid to tackle soaring insurance prices and the overall running costs of three-day event which begins on Monday, August 12. However, a month since the page went live, just under €900 has been raised by 21 people.

The festival was launched on Saturday in Kingston’s Bar with the newly crowned Queen of Puck Fair, Maeve McCarthy from Cromane Lower in Killorglin, who was joined by her Lady in Waiting, Sian Corkery.

Guests in attendance were treated to live music from B’Fheidir, while the launch saw the welcome return of the ‘Barman’s Race’, with a number of publicans from the town putting forward a staff member whose job it was to get three prized pints over the finish line with little or no spillages!

A 22-strong committee of volunteers will ensure that Puck Fair is the pride of Killorglin - but for the first time since its inception - organisers have felt the need to reach out to the general public for their assistance in making sure the yearly festival takes place as planned.

The GoFundMe campaign officially kicked off at Saturday’s launch event, with organisers hopeful that funds raised over the coming month will cover this year’s mounting expenses.

“It got to a point this year where we had to reevaluate our plan of action in terms of funding such a large-scale event with a very modest budget,” Declan Falvey, Chairman of the Puck Fair committee, said.

“We pride ourselves on providing the public with an event that is free of charge; free entry, free entertainment – you name it. But with running costs rising across the board, we had to come up with a plan B. When the idea of a GoFundMe campaign was suggested it seemed like a no brainer. Puck is an event that is 100 percent for the people, so we’re giving those that enjoy it most the opportunity to invest in its legacy. If everyone who has enjoyed the festival over the years gave just a few euros towards keeping this cherished tradition going, you can be sure Puck Fair’s story will continue for years to come.”

In another break from convention this year, the Cattle Fair – typically held on day two of Puck Fair – will now take place on Monday, August 12. This change in schedule is to facilitate an old Charter, which outlines that when August 11 falls on a Sunday, the Cattle Fair will instead be held on the following day. Aside from this, festival goers can expect the usual excitement and eccentricity that only Puck Fair can offer!

The three-day schedule includes dance workshops, fancy dress competitions, a fun fair, food stalls, street markets and live music throughout the town – not to mention the famous Horse Fair, which takes place on ‘Gathering Day’ and kicks off the popular festival each year. The Coronation Parade and Ceremony on day one will bring people to the town’s centre in their droves, while the stage in Killorglin’s main square will play host each night to well-known national acts, such as Celtic Knights (August 10), Johnny Brady (August 11) and The Papa Zitas (August 12), who will entertain the crowds well into the night.

To make a donation to the Puck Fair GoFundMe campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/puck-fair-2019. For information and updates on Puck Fair 2019, visit www.puckfair.ie or follow @puckfair on Facebook and @puck_fair on Twitter.