Thousands to turn Tullamore into rural capital of Ireland during show

THE celebrated Tullamore Show tomorrow will turn that part of Co Offaly into the undisputed capital of rural Ireland for the day.

Some 50,000 people are expected to flock to the event that has been hailed as the authentic shop window of rural life.

The country’s largest two-day show, incorporating the AIB National Livestock Show, had to be cancelled due to bad weather in the past two years.

But the organisers are now hopeful the sun will shine tomorrow on the huge event at the Butterfield Estate, five kilometres from the town.

It will have more than 1,400 exhibitors competing in 1,000 classes for a prize fund of €160,000.

The country’s top cattle breeders and exhibitors will vie for 42 championships in the AIB National Livestock Show classes, and there will be 650 trade stands.

Ireland East member of the European Parliament, Máiréad McGuinness, will officially open the show.

Visitors are expected from Germany, France, Austria, Denmark, Britain, and all over Ireland.

Chairman Tom Maher said this year’s show is set to break all records, more than compensating for the disappointment of previous years.

“Ann Marie Butterfield and her husband Steven McQuade have graciously accommodated the committee with the use of their estate, which covers over 260 acres,” he said.

Mr Maher said that there is growing belief in the area that this year’s show will be the best yet held.

“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.”

Mr Maher said the site sub-committee has put in much time and effort, in particular to ensuring that exhibitors will have appropriate parking facilities. The site will have 150 acres of parking facilities for 20,000 vehicles.

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