Tommy Conlon: Turning keys to the Kingdom
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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Colm Keys: Ger Brennan never shies away from a challenge but he faces a more uncertain landscape than his Dublin predecessors
Four years ago Jack O'Connor was making plans for a third year in charge of the Kildare footballers. But within nine days of Kerry's defeat to Tyrone in the 2021 All-Ireland semi-final, O'Connor had decided not to press ahead with that third year. By then the official process to appoint the next Kerry manager – and the option was there to extend Peter Keane's time in charge after his initial three years – had not got under way.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Puck Goat is ready to reign in Kerry and is ‘in safe heads'
Gathering Day is Sunday, August 10, and the festival runs until Tuesday, August 12, continuing a tradition that is over 400 years in the making. One of the last tasks is the selection of the wild goat to be crowned King Puck, and he is now ready to reign according to festival organisers. While this tradition has often being criticised by animal rights groups, festival organisers are adamant the goat is well looked after – as he as always been. In recent years the tradition has changed and instead of what was once a full reign for three days high on the stand over Killorglin, the goat now spends a few hours on his perch on the first day and returns on the last day of the festival. Tomorrow, Sunday, August 10, will the see the coronation of the goat as he is paraded through the town and he will reign over the town for the evening before he is removed to his accommodation. He will return for the dethronement on Tuesday evening – Scattering Day, the final day of Puck Fair, before being released into the wild. 'The goat has been sourced and is in safe hands,' said chairperson Declan Falvey. "He is very healthy and has been checked by the vet. His care is all in accordance with the Department of Agriculture.' He said that the welfare of the goat is always a priority and this will continue. And while festivities centre around two colourful and exciting parades for King Puck, there is a also host of other activities over the three days for all ages and events late into the night. Extensions for the local bars to 3am were initially refused at Killorglin District Court this year but, on appeal, these were granted, maintaining another tradition of Puck Fair. And with everything now ready to go, Killorglin will take centre stage over the coming days. ADVERTISEMENT It kicks off, as is tradition, on Gathering Day with the horse fair which will bring traders from all over the country and, for many, Puck is their annual meeting place. This too is the day King Puck is crowned. A huge parade will make it's way through the town on Sunday evening for the coronation of the goat which will be followed by live music by The Fogues on the main stage. Cromane's Robyn O'Shea has the honour this year of crowning the goat and she is looking forward to welcoming thousands to Killorglin. There is plenty of musical entertainment lined up for the three-day traditional festival on both the main stage and the Library Place venue, as well as in local pubs. This line-up also includes many performances from local talent. Highlights will include Erin's Fury, Jack Keogh and Truly Diverse. Tim O'Shea and Friends, Wild Geese, Paulie O'Brien, Reality Gospel Street Band and Afro Trad Ireland are also on the packed musical programme. Monday will see the annual Fancy Dress parade and Bonny Baby competition – two huge family events. A magic show, circus and puppet show will also provide entertainment throughout the three days for children as well as the funfair which is in town for the festivities. The final day will see the goat dethroned and sent back to the wild and Puck will close once again with a huge and impressive fireworks display over the banks of the Laune. "It is all systems go here in Killorglin," said Declan who adds that Puck is all about meeting up with old friends and welcoming home locals from abroad. "I met a young man last week who lives away with his parents and I asked him what he was most looking forward to at Puck and his reply was 'everything' and that sums up Puck for me.' Full details at www. .
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Colm Keys: Ger Brennan never shys away from a challenge but he faces a more uncertain landscape than his Dublin predecessors
Four years ago Jack O'Connor was making plans for a third year in charge of the Kildare footballers. But within nine days of Kerry's defeat to Tyrone in the 2021 All-Ireland semi-final, O'Connor had decided not to press ahead with that third year. By then the official process to appoint the next Kerry manager – and the option was there to extend Peter Keane's time in charge after his initial three years – had not got under way.
