14/08/2008
We may have had wind and torrential rain but one thing we can be sure of is that Puck Fair 2008 was officially a success!
The Horse Fair on gathering day had a massive attendance, with over 1,000 horses, ponies and donkeys on parade. The street traders that come to Puck and make it such a colourful event were happy with the trade that they did during the three days and nights. Kids and adults alike at Birds Bazaar battled through the wind and rain on some of the most exciting amusements and attractions in the country. Onora, Kell, Mundy and the Camembert Quartet entertained the crowds by night and the colourful and comical antics of our street entertainers kept the spirits raised by day.
None of this would of happened though if it were not primarily for the people of Killorglin. The residents and businesses alike come together to support Puck Fair financially and otherwise, not only for the three days of Puck Fair during August, but also throughout the whole year. A big thank you from the Puck Fair Committee is given to Killorglin town and it’s people.
We would also like to thank our sponsors who give us the financial support to make the festival the internationally acclaimed festival that it is. First and foremost we would like to thank our major sponsor Guinness/Diageo. Guinness has been with us as our largest sponsor for many years now and we look forward to their continued sponsorship into the future.
Along with Guinness/Diageo we would also like to thank our other major sponsors Birds Bazaar, FEXCO, Astellas Pharma,Champs Eurospar and Splash Designs, Brian De Staic, Killorglin Credit Union.
We also extend a big thank you to visitors to the festival who contributed to our Puck Fair Bulk tank Collection. The cost of running the festival increases on a yearly basis and one of our main intentions is to provide 12 hours free entertainment daily during the festival. After a brain storming session it was decided to launch a nationwide search for a bulk tank with the aim of doing a voluntary collection during the 3 days to assist in the funding of the festival. This was a great success and a big thank you to all who contributed.
Nigel and Michelle from our PR Company, OMF Communications, exceeded all expectations and ensured that the festival got both national and international coverage. With film crews, radio interviews, newspapers/magazines from all over the world, and even Reuters taking an interest in Puck Fair, we have never had so much coverage.
A big thank you to Noel and Scott from Event Technology who provided our Public Address System. We appreciate the long hours that you put in to ensure everything could be heard loud and clear.
The Puck Fair Committee also acknowledge the support of many public bodies that have assisted us in the running of Puck Fair including the Garda Siochana, Kerry County Council, Cork Kerry Tourism, HSE, Civil Defence, Department of Agriculture & Food and the ESB.
Outside of the sponsors and established public bodies there are dozens of people all over Kerry and Ireland that have gone the extra mile for us. As a voluntary organisation we depend on our suppliers for their help and expertise and we are in a lucky position to say that we receive this in abundance. So for all those unsung heroes, we know who you are and we thank you especially.
At this stage the committee are recovering from three long but fun days and the trials and tribulations of running this great festival. In the coming weeks a review of Puck Fair 2008 will be held and planning for a bigger and better Puck Fair 2009 will begin.
So we say farewell to this years King Puck and to our beautiful Queen of Puck Fair (Aoife Johnston ), and the search begins for next year’s dignitaries to rule over Killorglin on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August 2009.
Looking forward to seeing you all next year at Puck Fair 2009.
Puck Fair Committee 2008
