Big crowds expected for top event
It will have a record prize fund of €138,000 with 900 classes and 40 national titles to be decided as well as 300 trade stands and exhibitions.
The annual celebration of country life combining Tullamore Show and the AIB national livestock show will attract the country's top cattle and sheep breeders.
Cattle from the herds of top businessmen Dr Tony O'Reilly and Michael O'Leary will be among those vying for the titles.
Organisers say this year’s event will be one of the largest gatherings in Ireland.
Livestock experts from Denmark, France, Scotland, Belgium and Britain will judge the 1,500 cattle entries, and horses are an integral part of the programme with showing and jumping classes.
Show Chairman Michael Fox said the event has improved with age and it would continue to do so. The uniqueness of the occasion could be felt in its atmosphere with entertainment and fun setting it apart.
Sean MacConnell, the Irish Times agriculture correspondent, will officially open this year’s event.
There will be exhibits from leading machinery suppliers and a 165,000ft tented village will house the indoor trade show and exhibitions as well as a rural enterprise pavilion and food hall, arts and photography, cookery and crafts. One of the most popular events will be a rare breeds competition and there will also be an international sheaf pitching competition.
