Schumacher’s Ferrari to cut a dash

THE motoring skills of Formula One enthusiasts will be tested at Charleville Show on June 23 and 24 — on Ferrari simulators.

Adding to the racing mood will be the presence of one of the Ferrari cars used by former world driving champion Michael Schumacher.

The Schumacher car will be on view through Charleville Tyre and Auto and is expected to attract considerable interest due to a huge regional interest in all forms of motor sport.

Show chairman Gerard Cott said the 28th annual show will be held on a 45-acre site at Pike Cross, owned by the committee and neighbouring landowners.

Charleville Show, he said, was now the largest two- day show in the country with numerous exciting events. These vary from the judging of cattle, horses, sheep, horticulture and dogs to arts and crafts, cookery, children’s competitions and exhibitions.

“Without the generous support of our sponsors, especially our major sponsors, Kerry Agribusiness, it would not be possible for us to run our show at such high standards,” he said, pointing out that the running costs this year will exceed €140,000.

Mr Cott attributed the show’s success to the fact that it was community-based and that all the committee members work on a voluntary basis.

It also receives tremendous help from young and old during the week prior to the event and on the two show days.

A working vintage rally held in conjunction with the show will have exhibitors with trucks, cars, tractors and engines from all over Ireland as well as 20-plus English vintage trucks on a tour of the south.

There will be displays of threshing, bailing, stone cutting and timber sawing, and a road run by vintage cars to local villages on the Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, plans are being finalised for Clonakilty Show this Sunday.

The show will feature 71 beef and dairy classes, 74 horse classes, nine sheep classes and 96 classes for traditional home crafts and other attractions.