Summer shows shine on

Ray Ryan says show goes on despite fears over insurance.

THE show season, an integral part of rural life for thousands of people, has already started and will continue at venues north and south until the beginning of October. A total of 135 events affiliated to the Irish Shows Association will be held around the country this year with the support of sponsors, the voluntary help of local communities and the co-operation of livestock, bloodstock, trade and other exhibitors.

ISA chairman George Durnin, from Beamore, Drogheda, has urged the organisers of all shows to make a big effort to ensure they are accident free. He also called on show societies to encourage young people to get involved at local level and, along with exhibitors, to support their sponsors. Mr Durnin’s concern reflects recent predictions that problems with insurance claims could force some shows out of existence. His predecessor Paddy Joe Foy claimed that show organisers were being dogged with what he described as bogus insurance claims.