The Puck Fair committee has been put in an impossible position, between the media pressure from so called ‘Animal Rights’ protesters and the commercial pressure from corporate sponsors, who fear controversy, according to local Fianna Fáil Councillor, Michael Cahill.
“The customs and traditions of our country are an onerous responsibility on all of us and we must strive to continue them and not turn in to a society with no identity.
“The Puck Fair committee has come under unbelievable pressure from people complaining about how the Puck goat is treated and from sponsors, who fear controversy,” he said.
No Animal Better Treated
“The committee seems to have had little choice, but to decide to keep the Puck off the stand for most of the duration, due to different types of threats to the festival.
“Locally, we all know that there is no wild animal better treated in Ireland than the annual Killorglin Puck goat, with veterinarian treatment, washing, feeding etc. Feelings are running very high around the Killorglin/Mid and South Kerry region because of this decision, as Puck has been part of all our lives growing up. We could not envisage life without King Puck and of course it is upsetting to see it threatened in any way” said the Rossbeigh based councillor.
Old Fashioned or What?
“Am I and all my neighbours, old fashioned – or are we being held to ransom by ‘snowflakes’, who campaign for animals while wearing cow skin shoes? Not everything is black and white, as they say and compromises may need to be accepted. We, the supporters of Puck Fair, will work tirelessly to ensure that Puck Fair is not destroyed for the generations to come,” Cllr Cahill continued.
“Puck Fair is the oldest festival in Ireland, running well over 400 years and has contributed enormously to the local economy of the town and villages surrounding it and this wonderful, hardworking and caring organising committee deserves all our support in ensuring Puck Fair returns to its former glory, ” he concluded.
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