Mayoman appointed President of Irish Show Society

Mayoman appointed President of Irish Show Society


Anna-Marie Flynn

BONNICONLON man John O’Hara has been appointed the very first President of the Irish Shows Association (ISA).
The north Mayo native and current Chairperson of Bonniconlon Agricultural Show and Gymkhana, was chosen as the President following his successful reign at the helm of what is now considered one of the country’s leading agricultural events.
Mr O’Hara was presented with a chain of office which he wore during the diamond anniversary celebration of the Bonniconlon Show last weekend.
“This is a big honour for me and I am delighted to wear the chain of office; I will wear it with pride. This chain is not just about me. I have worked with fantastic people over the years and shows are all about team-work so I am now looking forward to working as a team with the ISA.”
ISA National Secretary and former Chairperson, Michael Hughes, said the organisation had passed a motion to introduce a chain of office for the then-Chairperson some years ago. Mr Hughes said a subsequent decision was made to refer to the Chairperson as ‘President’ but this had not come into effect until this year with the selection of John O’Hara.
“I know John O’Hara will excel in this position as he is a most dedicated and hardworking chairperson of the Bonniconlon Show. It is with honour and pride that the ISA has John at its helm,” he said.
Western Regional Officer of ISA, Paddy Joe Foy, echoed the words of good luck, saying: “Bonniconlon Show has grown and developed into one of the finest shows in Ireland and I know the hard-work and enthusiasm of its Chairperson will spill over into the ISA with John as President,” he said.
The promotion was not the only celebration for the people of the north Mayo village last weekend as Bonniconlon Show also marked 60 years in existence at a gala function in Enniscrone’s Diamond Coast Hotel.