€80,000 allocated to support nine agricultural shows across Mayo

More than €80,000 has been allocated to support nine agricultural shows taking place across Mayo this summer.

The funding of €80,200 was announced by Minister Alan Dillon TD, who said the investment will help show committees across the county prepare for their annual events.

“I’m delighted to see funding of €80,200 for agricultural shows in Mayo,” he said. “Across the county we know the importance of these shows for bringing the community together.”

The largest allocation in Mayo has been awarded to the Bonniconlon Show, which will receive €10,700 ahead of its event on August 3.

Other shows receiving funding include the Erris Agricultural Show (€10,000) and the Ballina Show (€9,200), which will take place on July 12.

Grants of €9,200 have also been allocated to the Ballinrobe Agricultural Show on September 6 and the Claremorris Agricultural Show on August 2.

The Swinford Agricultural Show will receive €8,700 for its event on August 23, while the Crossmolina Agricultural Show has been allocated €8,400 for its show on July 25.

Funding of €8,400 has also been awarded to the Westport Horse and Pony Show, which takes place on May 31 and June 1, while the Louisburgh Horse and Pony Show will receive €6,700 for its event on July 19.

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Nationally, more than €1 million has been invested to support 126 agricultural shows across the country, with individual grants ranging from €4,200 to €11,400 depending on the size of each event.

Minister Dillon said agricultural shows remain an important part of rural life and local culture.

“I would encourage everyone to attend their local agricultural show and see the competitions, music, cattle and dog shows and the showcasing of all the local produce that is made here,” he said. “I want to commend the organisers of these shows for their hard work, as we all know there is a huge amount of planning done leading up to these shows.”

Welcoming the funding, Keira Keogh TD said agricultural shows remain a cornerstone of rural life, bringing together farming families, local businesses and communities while showcasing the best of the agri-food sector.

“This funding recognises the enormous voluntary effort behind every show and will help committees meet rising costs while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality events for families and visitors,” she said.

Deputy Keogh also congratulated the Bonniconlon Show committee, which was recently honoured at the Cathaoirleach’s Awards in Breaffy House Hotel, receiving the Cathaoirleach Award for “Outstanding Contribution to Mayo Life”.

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Reflecting on the announcement, she also paid tribute to those who helped establish local shows.

“My own grandad was among the founding members of the Westport Horse Show, and I am especially mindful of the recent passing of John Mayock, who also played a central role in its early years,” she said. “Their contribution, and that of so many others, laid the foundations for events that continue to bring communities together today.”

Both TDs said they are looking forward to another busy season of shows across Mayo in the months ahead, highlighting their continued importance to rural communities and local economies.