Agriculture minister praises the pivotal role of shows in rural life

THE role that shows play in rural life has been praised by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith, when he officially launched the Irish Shows Association 2009 Year Book in Roscommon town.

The show season begins on May 2 and 3 in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, and Newmarket-on-Fergus (May 3) will kick-start the showing season which will continue until the first weekend in October at Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

Mr Smith said shows have made a remarkable contribution to the agricultural industry. They provide a showcase for the industry, with the finest livestock, horses, farm and horticulture products on display, he said.