Show to celebrate its centenary

THE centenary of the renowned County Clare Agricultural Show will be celebrated in style with a wide-ranging programme of events at Ennis Showgrounds tomorrow and Sunday.

While the main focus will be on the horse and cattle-showing classes and on the jumping events, the past will not be forgotten as a centenary year book will be on sale.

Compiled by show chairman Declan O’Regan; Mary Stafford; Mary Quinn; Harold Herlihy; Miss Schorman and PJ Garry, the 130-page book is illustrated with photographs.

One of the links with the historic past is the de Valera Cup, which will be awarded to the exhibitor of the champion horse. Tomorrow’s programme features showjumping with the IJM Timber Frame League, the Grand Prix and various classes for both horses and ponies.

The Roche Ireland championships with €7,500 in prizes; the Coillte-sponsored colt-foal championship final; the €1,500 winner takes all old-style championship wall competition and the €1,800 Stubben Saddlery competition for the leading rider will be features on Sunday.

There will also be an indoor funs sports village for families, a vintage car and machinery display and a competition for the most appropriately dressed person in period costume.

Trade stands and a dog show will also help to celebrate the show’s centenary.