Minister Heather Humphreys to open Claremorris Agricultural Show tomorrow

THE 103rd Claremorris Agricultural and Trade Show will be held tomorrow (Sunday, August 6) at the Claremorris Athletic grounds, still known locally as the "Racecourse".

Monaghan native, Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, TD, will officially open the show at 1pm and she will also unveil a plaque to commemorate the staging of the historic 100th Show in 2018 at the venue.

Entries have been pouring in for the big day which now boasts of over 270 classes including cattle, sheep, horses, vintage, farm and garden, cookery and the ever popular dog show. There will also be showjumping competitions in the arena throughout the day.

The fashion show with Mandy Maher Catwalk Agency and the cookery demo with celebratory TV chef, Adrian Martin from Cavan, are other special attractions at the Show on Sunday.

The show boasts of a fine array of trade stands and numerous items of interest for all patrons. There is also a fine selection of children’s entertainment throughout the day.

David Connor and his band, who received such a fine reception last year, will once again provide the entertainment on the main stage from 3pm to 5pm. The Garrymore man was thrilled with the response to their show last August. This will also including a jiving competition.

The Turley Duggan Irish Dancing Academy will also put on a display during the afternoon.

Radio broadcasts
MID West Radio will broadcast live from the Show from 10.45am to 1 pm. Claremorris Community Radio will broadcast live from 1.30 to 4 pm on the local frequency of 94.6 FM. Both stations are also available online and via the internet.

Corrib Oil sponsors
THE show has once again received tremendous support from sponsors of all levels and are delighted to announce that Corrib Oil are main sponsors again for the 2023 show.

Corrib Oil was established in Claremorris in 1987 by the late Eugene Dalton and has grown to be one of the largest companies in the retail forecourt and oil distribution business.

The company operates 36 retail stores and service stations along with 25 oil distribution depots throughout the west, south and east. Corrib Oil now supports over 1,100 local jobs throughout the west, south and east.

Junior Home Cook Final
THE Show will host the final of this year's All Ireland Junior Home Cook Championship. This is a national final for young people who have qualified through a number of regional shows throughout the country. The winner will receive a NordMende appliance voucher for €1,000 and a week cooking course at the Ballymaloe Cookery School also worth €1000.


Show officers
THE current chairman, secretary and treasurer were all born within a few months of each other into three villages surrounding Claremorris and all have virtually the same memories of attending their first Show 'some time in the sixties'

Tom Connolly (chairman) has been involved in numerous local committees and organisations including the Saint Patrick's Day parade committee. He has served the area as a Fine Gael member of Mayo County Council for the past 19 years.

Secretary, Maureen Finnerty, has played a pivotal role in the success of the event. Much of her work goes on behind the scenes throughout the year interacting with organisations like the Irish Shows Association and others.

The treasurer, Michael McGrath, has been involved in various aspects of athletics over the years including organising the NCF/Claremorris 10K and was chairman of Mayo AC for 10 years from 2006. He has been a show treasurer for about 18 years.

The nostalgia corner
THE organisers, in association with Kean's Euronics Home & Garden, plan to screen a DVD of the 2008 Show. The special guest was the legendary James Drury, the star of the hit western series, 'The Virginian' James got a tremendous welcome on the day. Sadly, James passed away in 2020.      

Access and admission
WHILE there is ample parking space close to the show as in previous years a free shuttle bus service will operate throughout the day from Claremorris town centre from 11.30 am till the show is over.

Despite rising costs the show committee decided to retain the admission fee at €10 for adults with cash or card accepted while Under-16s are free.

Further information is available on the show website, www.claremorrisshow.com as well as on the Claremorris Show Facebook page. More details, if required, can be had from Maureen Finnerty on 087 9241450.