Mayo Minister amongst large turnout at Agricultural Shows in Claremorris and Bonniconlon

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD officially opened two agricultural shows held in Mayo including the Claremorris Agricultural Show over the August Bank Holiday weekend as well as attending the Bonniconnlon Agricultural Show.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has been providing support to agricultural shows since 2018 in collaboration with the Irish Show Association. Over €1 million has been provided to support 123 shows for the 2025 season bringing the total funding allocated since 2018 to over €5.3 million.

Speaking at the opening of the show in Claremorris, Minister Calleary said: “The show here in Claremorris has been in operation for over one hundred years. This year’s offering continues to impress with a host of competitions and classes ranging from livestock to cookery and from equestrian to crafts. There really is something for everyone here in Claremorris and I am delighted to be here to officially open the 2025 show. I was also pleased to confirm funding of €9,205 from my Department for the 2025 show.

“This show continues to highlight all that is good life in rural communities and through “Our Rural Future” I am committed to further supporting rural Ireland to become more sustainable and resilient into the future.” Funding of over €5.3 million has been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht since 2018 to support Agricultural Shows throughout the country. In total, the Claremorris show has received €45,460 and the Bonniconlon Show has received a total of €52,980 to support them with the ongoing running costs associated with hosting these events.

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Speaking at the show in Bonniconlon this afternoon, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to be here in Bonniconlon as the 74th show is taking place. Starting back in 1949, the show has grown from strength to strength and is now one of the premier shows in the country. I want to commend all the committee and indeed those who participate in making these shows what they are: a wonderful way to celebrate and showcase what the agricultural sector has to offer. I was delighted to be able to provide €10,700 from my Department to the Bonniconlon show this year.”

The Bonniconlon show first started in 1949 and has exhibits covering flowers, cookery, crafts, and photography not to mention the live-stock, farm produce, trade stands and showjumping. The show is a family friendly event and in recent years, has evolved with the provision of live bands on the field and wide-ranging side shows and events that cater for all ages and interests.