Coughlan: Foot and mouth outbreak no threat to Irish shows

THE foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey currently poses no threat to the holding of agricultural shows around the country.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, who issued the assurance, said she was acutely conscious of the number of shows taking place at this time of year, not least the five-day Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show, which begins today, and the Tullamore Livestock Show, which takes place on Sunday.

She said there was no reason why, given the current state of play, any agricultural show could not proceed.

As part of her department’s public awareness campaign, advice for the organisers of agricultural shows was being updated and published.

Meanwhile, the Dublin Show will have a particular interest for breeders and producers of Irish horses and for potential buyers on the lookout for quality young stock.

A survey of RDS exhibitors in 2004 indicated the need for better quality in animals being bred and to increase the numbers bred along the traditional lines using thoroughbred sires.

It has led to increased prize money, new classes and other development changes at the show to encourage more people to show their mares and foals at the event.

The Irish Horse Board-sponsored Breeders’ Championship, for example, now has a €20,000 prize fund and gives recognition to breeders who keep quality mares and produce stock of such quality that they inevitably rise to the top in the showing and competition rings.

A review of previous show catalogues indicates that many of the foals that qualify for the Breeders’ Championship in Dublin with their dams regularly come back to the show and compete successfully in both led classes and under saddle.

For many breeders, the competition, now in its 22nd year, offers a place to benchmark their stock against others.