50,000 reasons to enjoy show

MORE than 50,000 people tasted a rural stew in sun-soaked Tullamore yesterday at the country’s premier livestock show.

The organisers of this rural feast kept their recipe for success to themselves, but the ingredients provided a hint as to why Tullamore can serve up a €350,000 showpiece, flavoured with a prize fund of €128,000 in 850 classes including 40 national championships.

The menu included entries of 1,000 cattle, a 25% increase, 1,000 horses and ponies, up by 8.6%, and 300 trade stands, mixed with rural lifestyle exhibits, competitions and entertainment.