Book: A Fair Day – The Horsemen of County Kerry

Book Cover of The Horsemen of County KerrySally Boynton Savage of Killorglin, County Kerry debuts her new book A Fair Day: The Horsemen of County Kerry. Book launch and signing starts at the Red Fox Pub in Glenbeigh on 8th August, 8pm.

Starting 10th August the book will be available at Evan’s Field Horse Fairgrounds and O’Grady’s Pub in Killorglin. Coinciding with the Puck Fair’s 400th anniversary August 10th, 11th, 12th. Available at local bookstores and online at www.afairday.com

Born on the coast of Maine and raised in Belfast, Savage has an intimate understanding of the day to day life on a working farm. At the same time nostalgic and unsentimental, her photographic journey into the lives of the Kerry horseman offers a window into a traditional way of life that is vanishing in Ireland.

Initially spurred by her own recollections of childhood, Sally B. Savage has attended dozens of horse fairs in Ireland over the past eight years. A persistent observer, camera in hand, she has recorded and portrayed a world which she reveres for its timeless connections among people, horses and place. With a keen eye for action and subtle gestures, she is able to capture and tell the story of the enduring relationships of the horsemen with one another, with their animals and their beloved countryside.

Savage focuses on the horsemen’s devotion to a traditional way of life that is quieter, slower and simpler, while acknowledging the many changes taking place around them. A life that is guided by age-old customs, carved out by the labor of one’s own hands and a destiny more self-made. In this region of rural Ireland, farmers, traders, breeders, trainers, tack vendors and blacksmiths come together to do what they love—talk and trade, and revel in their horses. Here, the seasons revolve around and remain marked by the Horse Fairs of County Kerry.

SAMPLE PHOTOGRAPHS >

9 Comments
  1. Congratulations! How exciting. The pictures are amazing and it’s always great to do something you love. Love, Christy

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  2. Very well done! Would love a signed copy along with an extended stay on Deer Isle Maine..

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  3. Congrats on the new book! Can’t wait to read it!

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  4. Congratulations Sally on following your wonder and your passion and making something great happen. We are happy and proud for you. Keep up the good work!

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  5. Sally, You have been true to your mission, and never swayed even when the going got tough…
    Congrats!

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  6. Congratulations Sally, wishes all the best 🙂

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  7. Sally,
    Congratulations…what a great accomplishment. You’ve captured a unique place at a moment of transition. Your images are real, authentic and will stand the test of time. Great work.
    Brian

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  8. This has been a real labor of love. I am there in spirit…that’s for sure! and ..Brava! . ..Brava! ..Brava!

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  9. Lovely article, under the heading, ” Old Irish Traditions”, in the September/October edition of Ireland of the Welcomes magazine. Happy to see the books for sale in Killorglin and Killarney.
    Wonderful, lovingly produced book, a credit to your dedication, and your eye!

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