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THE AMOUNT OF time spent by the wild mountain goat on a raised platform at Killorglin’s Puck Fair is to be significantly reduced this year.
The Puck Fair is an annual gathering event held in Killorglin in south Kerry.
Tradition dictates that during the fair a goat, crowned the King Puck, is put on a 50 foot tall platform for 48 hours before being taken down and set free or ‘de-throned’ at 6pm on the festival’s final day.
The King Puck has been crowned during the festival for over 400 years.
However, last year concerns over the goat’s welfare dominated the coverage of the festival, after it had to be taken down a number of times from the platform due to concerns over its welfare.
The festival took place during a heatwave, with a high of 30 degrees recorded in Killorglin during the event. The Department of Agriculture received close to 200 contacts to its Animal Welfare Helpline in relation to the event.
This year, in a significant break from tradition, the King Puck will be coronated and raised for a short period on the opening evening of the fair.
He will then leave the stand before making a brief reappearance for the dethroning ceremony on the final day of the fair.
As with previous years, the goat will continue to be overseen and checked by a veterinary surgeon before, during and after his involvement with the fair.
Commenting on the launch of the festival, chairperson of the organising committee, Declan Falvey, said the this year the role of goat “has evolved”.
“It’s special few days for Killorglin and its diaspora to come together and celebrate the town’s history and traditions, and we look forward to welcoming people from across the globe back to Killorglin this August,” Falvey said.
“We are a festival steeped in longstanding traditions, but equally, we acknowledge that traditions can and should evolve where there is good reason to do so.
While King Puck will still be a major part of the festival, this year his role has evolved. The goat’s welfare has always been and remains of paramount importance to the committee and all of those that love Puck Fair.
The event will run from 11, 12 and 13 August this year and features a range of family activities, children’s entertainment and musical acts.
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Another family destroyed by the curse of suicide. RIP.
A what?? This is will go down as a suicide stat. In Ireland they are covered up. I know of 7 suicides that have been classed as accidents . I know I’m going to get red thumped for time and a place etc. but we need to be doing more as a society to help stop tragedies like this and avoid other families having to suffer a similar horror.
Sorry for what his loved ones have suffered and my thoughts are very much with them.
* This is will NOT go down as a suicide stat
Yes majority of suicides go down as death by drowning, asphyxiation ect. I don’t think we’ll ever be able to count them properly.
Ditto single person car accidents
Dave meagher youre right this is so sad. but what you say is true so not true reflection of how many pooor people
So sad, we were there on Monday and the first thing my husband had mentioned was how many people had gone over on those cliffs. Very tragic, god love his family and friends.
My son went fishing one day and his line snagged. He went further than he should have and went into the water. His clothes got really heavy and he was getting pulled under. He fought as hard as he could and managed to get back out. He lost his fishing gear in the struggle. When he pulled up to my door he was completely soaked freezing and shaking violently. He couldn’t stop shaking for hours. All he kept saying was” if I couldn’t have gotten out everyone would have thought I killed myself. “
Oh Catherine what an horrific experience for him and you. glad he’s ok.
So tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. R.I.P
Agree with James! What a stupid ignorant comment. You clearly have no insight in to suicide. As stated above the man probably didn’t have the ability to see or think outside the pain he was in. Or as happens with many suicide victims – he thought about those he was leaving behind and felt they were better off without him.
Stupid comment. And for those suffering with suicidal thoughts, reading that comment – it only serves to heighten their sense of worthlessness.
Sorry original comment was removed. Mine is null now.
May the man Rest in Peace
two young girls one only 18 a couple of wks ago so tragic
Terrible tragedy, my thoughts with the family , rip
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/derry-clarke-opens-up-for-the-first-time-about-his-sons-tragic-death-29481465.html same advice I would give to someone with suicidal thoughts.
have your say