Organisers of Athlone Agri Show stress the importance of safety

THE importance of safety at rural shows has been highlighted by the organisers of Athlone’s annual agricultural event.

Athlone Agri Show Committee will have no fewer than five safety officers, led by David Fenton, on duty at its June 27 event.

Show chairman Michael Flanagan, outlining the schedule for this year’s fixture, said the safety officers are trained to cope with any eventuality.

He urged spectators to read and obey all signage relevant to safety at the show, which will be held at the Showgrounds, Gaffeys Farm, Moydrum, Athlone.

Mr Flanagan directed his appeal particularly to people in areas where animals are present.

Irish Shows Association president John O’Hara said safety is close to his heart when it comes to shows.

He urged all visitors to shows and exhibitors to obey direction signs and the instructions of stewards and to be vigilant at all times.

Athlone Agri Show, which has the town council as its major sponsor, is now one of the largest in the country and has a growing reputation as a showcase for livestock.

The bovine section has 91 classes, plus many qualifiers for the National Livestock Show.

Athlone is the only show in Ireland with nine horse arenas operating on show day. There are 133 equine classes to be decided.

It is also one of six shows in Ireland chosen by the RDS to stage a qualifier for the 2010 RDS Breeders Championship.

Athlone is one of some 135 shows being held across the 32 counties of Ireland this year.

Among them is Clonakilty Show, which takes place in the Co Cork town tomorrow.