Anna-Marie Flynn
THE already weather-beaten ‘Show Cancelled’ sign hanging at the entrance to Swinford town on Friday morning last signified the real consequences of the inclement conditions of an Irish summer.
The 20th anniversary Swinford Agricultural Show was scheduled to take place in the town’s Amenity Park and Grounds on Saturday last, August 16. But just 48 hours before the event was due to kick off, the organising committee was forced to cancel its prestigious annual day out, for fear it would become a total wash-out.
With over 30mm of rain forecasted for Saturday last, Chairperson Maureen Murphy said there was only one possible decision to make, but admitted the move was ‘extremely disappointing’.
Speaking after announcing the cancellation, she told The Mayo News that the decision was ‘essential in the interests of safety’.
“It is disappointing for everyone involved, but with that much rain promised, there is no way we could attempt to show animals, or bring in exhibitors. The ground wouldn’t be able for it, it would be unfair on all concerned and ultimately, no one would attend,” she said.
Ironically, on making the decision to pull the event, the weather had taken a turn for the better. “The grounds are in good condition at the moment, so bearing that in mind it was even harder to decide what to do, but the reality is torrential rain is on the way and it will take its toll on the area.
“We decided to cut our losses and give good notice to people. All the entrants and exhibitors have been informed. We were lucky that we did it in time and had a good chance to let people know rather than have them traveling in the morning. I think everyone really appreciated that,” she added.
Last week’s cancellation will mean Swinford is set to suffer a serious loss of revenue, generated by the thousands of show-goers who turn out annually for one of the east Mayo’s leading calendar events.
The show committee are not in a position to postpone the event as the dates have already been allocated for similar agricultural shows around the country. “All we can do is pick up the pieces at this stage and hope we can celebrate our 20th show next year,” said the Chairperson.
Cllr Joe Mellett, who was due to perform the official opening, was also disappointed by the move. As Chairperson of the very first show committee in 1988, the 20th anniversary was set to mark two decades of progress as well as his own personal first as newly-elected Chairperson of Mayo County Council.
“It is frustrating for the committee, considering all the work and expense they have put into this. It is very unfortunate really but the weather report is disastrous,” he said.
