Safety first as show season opens

THE show season, an integral part of rural life for thousands of people, has already started and will continue at venues north and south until the beginning of October.

A total of 135 shows with 45 championships will be held with the support of sponsors, the voluntary help of local communities and the co-operation of livestock, bloodstock, trade and other exhibitors.

Irish Shows Association chairwoman Dorothea Lazenby said every effort must be made on safety.

Vigilance is needed to ensure that the events, which provide a direct link between urban and rural communities, are accident free, she said.