Michael Commins
THE former Rose of Tralee (2014), Maria Walsh from Shrule, will preside at the official opening of Claremorris Agricultural Show on Sunday, August 6, at 2pm. This is the 99th staging of the Show, one of the longest running ventures of its kind in the province.
“Given I grew up not far from Claremorris, I am excited to support local community projects like the show. I am looking forward to meeting many from the county and those who will travel from afar,” says Maria Walsh.
Show Day is always special and has been a central player in the community life of the region for close on a century. Apart from showcasing so many aspects of all that is good about rural Ireland, it has always been a day for friends to meet and renew friendships along the way.
The Show Committee are delighted to have PJ Murrihy and Seamus Shannon as the main entertainers on the band-stand from midday until 2pm. They will be followed with a display of dancing by the Duggan Turley School of Irish Dancing. Roscommon’s own Carmel McLoughlin will entertain the folks from then until 5pm with a Jiving competition scheduled for 3pm.
While the committee are always anxious to retain the traditional elements, they are well aware of the constant need to diversify so as to make Show Day increasingly attractive and accessible to the whole family.
Gerry Lynch, chairman of the Show Committee, says the success of the show owes so much to the combined efforts and co-operation of the officers, committee, stewards, sponsors, exhibitors, judges and the great level of support from the people throughout the region.
“Claremorris Show has a major reputation for quality of entries and this adherence to quality has never waned over the years. We have a vast variety of classes and categories as well as food stands, displays, lots of family entertainment, and great facilities to host the big day.
“We will also have big screens in the main exhibition hall where people can watch the Galway v Cork All Ireland Hurling semi-final and not miss out on that either,” says Gerry.
Claremorris is now recognised as one of the biggest cattle shows in the country with a prize fund of €7000. The main sponsors are Claremorris Credit Union and Hillside Service Station and Aurivo.
The show will host the All Ireland Pedigree Suckler Type Heifer Championship, in association with the Irish Shows Association, and this draws entrants from all over Ireland.
There is Horse and Pony classes with a prize fund of over €3,300 and also classes for donkeys. Sheep classes have a prize fund of over €2000 while the ever popular Fowl classes have a fund of €500.
Show secretary, Maureen Finnerty, is once again coordinating the vast array of entries from around the country. “We have a very loyal clientele who support us year after year while it is always lovely to see new entrants and young people taking such an interest in or Show. All is now in place for another great Show Day in Claremorris,” says Maureen.
The show is a great day out with admission just €10 for adults and a family ticket for €20. There is also a free shuttle bus from Claremorris Square every 15 minutes. See advert on page 9 for full details.
