Cowen praises resilience and community spirit at Tullamore Show

THE annual Tullamore Show represents the resilience of the Irish people, according to Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

He was launching the schedule for the August 8 show at a sponsors’ night in the town’s Bridge House Hotel.

The show had to be called off due to wet weather in 2007 and 2008 but bounced back in spectacular style last year.

Incorporating the AIB National Livestock Show, more than 50,000 people attended the event, which featured some 650 trade and machinery stands at a new site on the 260 acre Butterfield Estate.

The Taoiseach praised the show committee, the community endeavour behind the event, the volunteerism involved as well as the sponsors, exhibitors and site owners.

“With the prospect of recession behind us and the perseverance of the policies we have to continue with at the moment, I believe we can see that this show represents the wonderful resilience of the people in this country,” he said.

Mr Cowen praised the innovativeness, enterprise and excellence that is being pursued in the agri business sector generally and none more so than in primary agriculture.

He said Irish farmers have always responded to new challenges when market opportunities present themselves.

When people know what it is the market requires there is none better than the Irish farming community to deliver, he said.

This year’s Tullamore Show, organised by a committee headed by George Gill, chairman, Freda Kinnarney, secretary-administrator, and Christy Maye, PRO, will have a prize fund of €160,000. Entries close on July 16.

Mr Gill thanked all the sponsors of the show, which will be again held at the Butterfield Estate, Blueball, 5km outside the town.

He said changes are being made which will hopefully improve the layout for both exhibitors and spectators. The traffic situation should also improve.

The show organisers and AIB have linked up to elevate the livestock classes at the event to a new status.

A gold medal will be presented to each champion, with a silver medal being awarded to the runner-up.

The medals, which are being specially commissioned, are expected to become in time a hallmark of excellence in livestock production.