Tullamore show moves to new site

PLANS are going ahead for Tullamore Show which will be held on a new enlarged site on the Butterfield Estate at Bluebell, Co Offaly, three miles from the previous location, on August 9.

The country’s largest two day show, which incorporates the AIB national livestock show, had to be cancelled due to weather conditions on each of the past two years.

Organisers are now hoping the sun will shine this year on the event which is expected an attendance of more than 50,000. A group of 50 German visitors will be among those attending.

The show will have a prize fund of €160,000 and more than 500 trade and machinery exhibits.

Show chairman Tom Maher said the executive committee is confident this year’s show will be the best yet. A third cancellation in a row is not going to happen, he believes. “The confidence the executive committee has gained from the fact that our new free draining site cannot be flooded has permeated to everyone associated with the show. The show will not be cancelled due to flooding,” he said.

“Our sponsors have been our financial saviours over the past two difficult years. We have survived the cancellations of the last two years, due to their huge support and co-operation, which is very much appreciated.

“We welcome on board a number of new sponsors, who are joining us this year, for the first time,” he said.

Closing date for trade and machinery stands is tomorrow. Closing date for the various classes is July 17.