Tullamore Show bowled over by participants’ generosity

IT IS not every enterprise, voluntary or commercial, that can take a 500,000 hit from the weather, and bounce back bigger and better than ever.

That’s what the organisers of Ireland’s premier agricultural show have done after their event had to be called off at short notice last year due to a deluge late the previous night.

Then it was heartbreak for all involved with the celebrated Tullamore Show which also features the AIB National Livestock Show. Cattle already on site had to be removed and the tented village dismantled.

But the organisers were later taken aback by the loyalty of trade stand, livestock and other exhibitors who responded to their plight with admirable demonstrations of loyalty.

Tom Maher, chairman, and his executive, had decided to give the exhibitors back their booking space fees, only to have the money returned.

Most sponsors also declined to accept the return of their financial contributions in a remarkable outpouring of good will.

Mr Maher said he was overwhelmed by the support which went a long way to pay off the 500,000 expenses after the cancellation last year.

“A large number of trade and machinery exhibitors have booked their places for this year’s show with most of the major machinery companies represented. It is a wonderful vote of confidence for the show,” he said.

Show press officer Christy Maye said the response of exhibitors, sponsors and the general public from all over the country was magnificent. “The goodwill shown to us was unbelievable,” he said.

Now, it is all systems go for this year’s show, which Taoiseach Brian Cowen will officially open at Charleville Estate, Tullamore, this coming Sunday, under the theme of country living.

Freda Kinnarney is secretary of the 37 member show executive, which will be supported on the day by 400 stewards. The event is set to be the biggest ever with a 12% increase in prize money to €160,000, 1,000 classes featuring 45 national titles, 500 trade stands and an anticipated crowd of over 50,000 people.

The Garda Band will serenade the visitors and a heli-pad has been laid out for those who wish to fly in. There will be 15,000 free vehicle parking spaces. And the tented village will cover 200,000 sq ft.