Rain fails to dampen show business

OILSKINS and wellies were required for a period at the country’s top livestock show in Tullamore, Co Offaly, yesterday as heavy rain lashed the event.

Nevertheless an estimated 35,000 people still turned out to support the celebrated rural feast on a 150-acre site on the Charleville Estate, one mile outside the town.

The show cost over €400,000 to stage, had a record 8,000 plus entries, a 3% increase on last year, and a prize fund of €138,000 for 900 classes and 40 national titles.

Cattle entries alone exceeded 1,500 and there were 1,000 horses in showing and jumping.

The 300 trade stands had €30 million of exhibits ranging from heavy machinery to agri-products, crafts and wholesome food.

Some of the finest beef and dairy animals in Ireland were on view at the event which combined Tullamore Show and the AIB national livestock show.

The show was meticulously organised by an executive committee of thirty-five people headed by Michael Fox, Freda Kinnarney, secretary and Christy Maye, PRO.

Sean MacConnell, the Irish Times agriculture correspondent, who officially opened the showpiece, said the voluntary effort involved was enormous.

Michael Dowling, Head of Agri-business strategy with AIB, said the bank is confident about the future of agriculture and the rural economy.

Farm leaders used the show to speak about the issues of the day with John Dillon (IFA) warning meat factories to stop “the downward charge” on cattle prices and Malcolm Thompson (ICSA) suggesting that farmers and consumers alike would benefit from Ireland becoming a GM free island.

Politicians mingling with the crowds included Minister of State Tom Parlon, new MEP Mairead McGuinness and Olywn Enright.

Meanwhile, the Dublin Horse Show ended on a high note at the RDS last evening after a five day feast of superb jumping, the showing of some quality young horses, large crowds and brisk business for the 300 trade exhibitors.

Ireland’s victory in the Samsung Super League Nations Cup (Aga Khan Trophy) was the highlight of a marvellous first show for new RDS chief executive Michael Duffy, who was clearly delighted with the outcome.

A spokesman for the RDS said the attendances over the five days of the event were very satisfactory.

Some sales of horses and ponies were also reported to have been negotiated at the show, which had 1,400 entries competing for €510,000 in prizemoney and 90 cups.