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TODAY IS THE first day of the Puck Fair, an annual three-day event in Killorglin, Co. Kerry, which is said to be Ireland’s oldest festival.
The festival’s centrepiece is a wild goat, which is caught from the mountains and brought back to the town for the fair, traditionally by a local schoolgirl.
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But animal rights advocates have raised concerns about the event for many years, which includes the tradition of placing the “King Puck” on a 50-foot tall platform for the duration of the three day festival.
This year there are specific concerns about the welfare of the goat amid a hot spell of weather.
A spokesman for the festival has said that if necessary, the animal will be taken down if the heat gets too much and will be given a health check.
So today we’re asking: Have you ever been to the Puck Fair?
Mostly sunny
Max: 25 °C
Min: 12 °C
Plenty of sunshine
Max: 24 °C
Min: 13 °C
