Cappamore Show could be test for unbroken weather record
The weather test will take place at the Cappamore Showgrounds, where organisers say they have never had a wet day for the event.
Even in 1985, when it rained every day for months, the annual show day brought the sun out.
That year, recalls long serving show secretary, Paddy Ryan, they had to abandon the waterlogged show grounds, and transfer a shortened programme to the hard surface at the local community centre and the sun shone brilliantly.
He says the nearest they came to a wet show day in other years was rain about 5pm, when the day's programme was almost over and people were making their way out of the grounds.
He can also remember when rain fell heavily in the neighbouring areas, but the sun continued to shine at Cappamore.
In some years, rain fell in the area every day of the week except show day.
Many believe their good fortune dates back to when organisers wanted to change the show from a week-day to a Sunday. The parish priest at the time was not in favour, preferring that the Sabbath Day be kept holy.
He pleaded with show founder members and is said to have promised that they would never regret it and would always have a fine day for the show on a week-day.
This year, several agricultural shows had to cancel their 2002 programmes, or seek alternative dates or sites; Cappamore are happy to gamble on a fine day.
