Paddy O'Shea wanted his goat Ailill to be crowned King of the Fair at Killorglin. But Seumas McShane, a fellow always spoiling for a fight, brought his scrawny goat Terence to the contest, and the judges could not decided between the two.
To be crowned King of Puck Fair was a great honor for a goat and his master. The fair was held every year and was as old as Ireland itself. The first two days were devoted to serious business, but the third day was the ceremony of the goat, or "puck" as it is called in Gaelic. And it was this day that Paddy looked forward to so eagerly.