Exhibitors mount up for a hectic showing week
Up to 40,000 people are expected to attend Tullamore Show, which will have the biggest livestock exhibition in the country, with a total prize fund of more than 120,000.
In spite of all the difficulties in farming, there is a big increase in most of their livestock exhibits, with more than 200 cattle due to take part in the commercial section alone.
Meanwhile, there has been keen competition at local shows around the country, with the annual Tinahely fixture in Co. Wicklow, again attracting strong entries on Bank Holiday Monday from all around the country.
Their Red Mills two-year-old non-thoroughbred All Ireland championship was won by Co Down exhibitor Desmond Gibson, Dromore, with an animal bred by Judith McGinn, Mallow Castle. Another Co Down exhibitor, Stanley Mateer, Croagar, took the second place rosette, with Mark Russell, Kilkee, Co. Clare, in third place.
The FBD three year old filly championship also went to Co Down, with Kiki Ward Platt, c/o Desmond Gibson, taking the honours from Rebecca Monahan, Quin, Co Clare, and Denis Fielding, Ballinteskin, Wicklow, in third place.
Meanwhile, the Irish Draught bloodlines that are found in many of our top sport horses were on show last weekend in Ennis, in the Irish Draught Horse Society’s national show.
The RID Mare championship, for which 34 qualified, went to Elizabeth Deane, Ballybeg, Buttevant, Co Cork for her Mill Hollow Queen.
Sired by Annaghdown Star, this mare also won the six year old class, and was judged national supreme champion and overall champion of the show.
The ID Mare of the Future title went to Curraun My Way, owned by Mrs Chantal Deon, Tynagh, Co Galway.
The top two year old filly at Ennis was George Dreaper’s Roses Quiet Kim, which went to be the Reserve Overall champ of the show.
The ID Foal title went to John Dillon for his home bred bay filly by Welcome Diamond.
The best yearling colt or gelding was Young Carrabawn by Carrabawn View, exhibited by Eddie Murphy, Co Mayo.
Other winning Ennis exhibitors were John Dillon (Best Mare in Clare); Stephen Brannigan, Co Louth (dressage); and Jackie McGrath (dressage).
