More than 60,000 expected to attend ‘elevated’ Tullamore Show

More than 60,000 people are expected to attend the Tullamore Show on Aug 11.

A central feature of the event will be the National Livestock Show, where the classes have been elevated to a new status over the past few years.

As a result, top pedigree breeders and exhibitors from all over the country tend to make an annual pilgrimage to Tullamore in the hope of winning much sought after honours.

A gold medal will be presented to each breed champion, along with a coveted National Livestock Show rosette.

The decision by the Tullamore organisers and AIB to introduce the medals three years ago has added further prestige to the national livestock classes, a central feature of the overall show, with 45 titles to be decided.

Now recognised as a hallmark of excellence in livestock production, the specially commissioned medal will again draw the crème de la crème of Irish cattle to this year’s show.

Dairy, pedigree, and commercial cattle as well as sheep feature in the National Livestock Show.

The programme in the pedigree beef section also incorporates the national shows for the Limousin, Simmental, and Hereford breeds.

Agriculture was originally the main focus of the overall Tullamore Show, but this has broadened considerably over the years to reflect Ireland’s changing culture.

Firmly established as Ireland’s biggest one-day event, it is now in its 22th year and will be held at Butterfield Estate.

The 250-acre site is 5km from Tullamore and will be more compact this year, with equestrian activities moving centre stage.

Free parking space for 20,000 vehicles will be available.

Tullamore Show has more than 1,000 classes, a prize fund of €165,000, and 650 trade and machinery stands.

The show programme incorporates many sections including horses, home industries, inventions, vintage displays, fashion, style, and performing arts.

In an effort to create awareness of the first All-Ireland National Potato Day on Aug 23, an attempt will be made to set a world record by hosting the largest ever potato sack race.

Potato packer and distributor Sam Dennigan is behind the event, which will involve a crowd participating in hessian potato sacks, simultaneously hopping a distance of 55m-75m.

Brigid Devine from Devine Equestrian in Longford will also be present with her six traditional type Irish cob dancing stallions.

Each is exactly the same height, colour, and confirmation with full mane, tail, and leg feathering.

Sheep-shearing comes to the show for the first time this year, with competitions for seniors and juniors and both blade and machine shearing.

The participants will include Ivan Scott, Kilmacrennan, Co Donegal, holder of the world lamb shearing record — 744 in eight hours.

Rodney Cox, a local farmer, who has been vice-chairman for the past three years and head of the inventions section, is chairman of this year’s show.

“I am very proud and excited to take on this role,” said Mr Cox. “Judging by previous years, I am confident that this year’s show will be another wonderful family day out, attracting both country and city people.”

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney will open the show, which will be attended by rural development, political, and community leaders.

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