Rural shows’ heritage should be preserved, says McGuinness

THE country’s 200-year-old heritage of rural shows must be preserved and supported, it was stressed yesterday.

European Parliament member for Ireland East Mairéad McGuinness made the call when she officially opened Limerick Show, which has roots more than a century old.

Her comments came as wet weather led to Ballingeary’s annual event in Co Cork having to be postponed for a week until next Saturday.

Limerick Show, however, went ahead despite the heavy early rain at a splendid venue, Greenpark Racecourse in Patrickswell.

Ms McGuinness said shows such as Limerick, Virginia, Tullamore and others she had attended this year are going along hale and hearty even if things are more difficult in the rural communities and in terms of getting more sponsorship.

“I am pleased to learn that sponsors are sticking with shows,” she said, adding that these events would simply die without sponsorship.

Ms McGuinness praised the commitment of people who bring out their horses, cattle, sheep and other exhibits, the organisers of the various shows and the public for supporting the events.

“My concern would be if we allow a tradition like this to die we will regret it hugely and then it will be very difficult to restore.

“Even if it is raining we should treasure what we have at these occasions. They happen from the voluntary efforts of people we do not always meet.

“We know of those who have honorary positions, but the man who met me on the way into the show was standing in the rain and is very much a part of that voluntary and collective effort which is vital for all communities and particularly for those in rural Ireland,” she said.

A visit to Limerick, whose name is historically linked with one treaty, would not be complete for any politician in the current climate without reference to Lisbon, a city associated in name with another treaty. Calling for a strong yes vote from farmers in the upcoming referendum, Ms McGuinness said the Lisbon treaty is not about succession and inheritance.

“It is about strengthening the EU of 27 member states and making it work more effectively. A firm yes to Lisbon will ensure that Ireland retains its strong position within the EU.

“Given the challenges that we face in agriculture, this was never more crucial, she said.

The show, organised by a committee headed by president Richard Power and chairman Leo Walsh, had a broad-based programme of events.