Successful Mayo farm open day is back this Easter

Bonniconlon Farm's Open Day is back for its second year.

Following the success of the inaugural open day at the farm last year, organisers Patrick and Melissa Walsh will host the event again this Easter.

Speaking about the event, Mr Walsh said families are invited to come along this year to ‘meet up, have some fun and continue to raise awareness of the importance of farm and road safety in our everyday lives’.

Ms Walsh acknowledged that in a rural community like Bonniconlon, ‘farming families have to deal with day-today farm safety and all sorts of other pressures facing this sector’. 

“Farming really is a family affair, and we are hoping young and old can take a break together and enjoy the occasion while helping our chosen charity,” said Ms Walsh.

Embrace FARM has been chosen as charity partner for the event again this year. The organisation supports farm families following a sudden death or serious injury, 

Embrace FARM’s General Manager, Norma Rohan, said they are ‘delighted to be part of the event. 

‘We appreciate the huge effort the Walsh Family and their great support committee do in organising this event, so we would encourage everyone to please support their hard work for what is set to be a very exciting time again this year’ she commented.

The ’World’s Cutest Sheep’, valais blacknose flock, will be a key feature on the day and children will have the chance to get up close and personal, ‘leading them into the show ring to take part in [the] young handlers’ contest.

There will be categories for Under 8, Under 12 and Under 16 on the day with everybody welcome to take part, no previous experience required.

 Patrick and Melissa Walsh with their breed champion at Bonniconlon Show 2023

For the other valais enthusiasts attending, guest speakers will discuss all about how to prepare for the show ring, what to look for in a Valais Blacknose, and tips on how to look after your sheep.

There will also be a mega raffle, which is not to be missed. It will feature a top prize of a PBR Breeding Pair of Valais Blacknose Sheep, sponsored by Bonniconlon Valais Blacknose.  

The coveted second prize will be a €300 Homeland Voucher, sponsored by Aurivo Coop and €250 Ocean Sands Voucher, sponsored by Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone, as well as many more prizes. 

Singer Louise Langan will take to the stage mid-morning, and the renowned Pat Boyle and his country roadshow will be joining the action from 2pm.  

While the music entertainment is in full swing, children are invited to join the Easter egg hunt, penalty shoot-outs, mini tractor rides, potato picking, tug of war, face painting, take a ride on the Shore Farm therapy ponies, or get stuck into the sandpit, which was a huge hit in 2023. 

Visitors can also visit the valais blacknose selfie station or say hello to the traditional farm animals on display. 

If all that isn’t enough, there is also a jiving competition in the covered marquee, complete with a dance floor.

Organisations supporting the event on the day will include An Garda Síochána, HSE, Fire Brigade, Teagasc as well as other local Agri Business support.  

Local businesses are also generously supporting the farm open day, donating generous prizes with lots of hampers and Easter surprises in store. 

Enter the fun from 11am via the Bonniconlon Show Grounds with an entry fee of €15 per car. 

With such a jam-packed day in store, it is the only place to be on Easter Saturday.

For more information on the event, see Bonniconlon Valais Blacknose’s Facbeook page.