Livestock show set to attract more than 40,000
The Tullamore and AIB national livestock show is expected to attract more than 40,000 people to the Charleville Estate on the town’s outskirts.
A prize fund of 128,000 will be on offer at the event which will host 40 national championships.
Some 1,000 livestock entries have been received from the country’s top exhibitors with some breeds showing an 80% increase on last year.
The horse section has 150 classes including some for the Kerry Bog Pony, a breed that can be traced back to the 17th century.
Overall, the event will feature 850 classes, a 300-stand machinery and trade exhibition and a 170,000 sq ft tented village.
A rural enterprise pavilion and a food hall involving Teagasc, the Offaly Leader, companies and food safety agencies will be among many attractions.
Charleville Estate will have free parking space for 6,000 vehicles, but the organisers, headed by John Cleary, chairman, are urging people to arrive early.
Donal Forde, managing director, AIB, the new main sponsors, will officially open the show.
Teams from South Tipperary, Wexford, Meath, Carbery (Clonakilty), Sligo and North Tipperary will also take part in the national final of the FBD-Macra na Feirme Farm Skills competition.
The event aims to help young farmers develop various farm techniques, demonstrate the skills required in modern farming and promote an awareness of farm safety.
Macra president Thomas Honner said it is committed to the ongoing vocational development of its members.
