IT was a trip down memory lane for Pat Rabbitte, former leader of the Irish Labour Party, when he performed the official opening of the 106th Claremorris Agricultural Show held at the Athletic Grounds on August Holiday.
After the long spell of dry weather and sunny skies, Show Day had to contend some damp and wet conditions for most of the day but the weather failed to dampen the spirits of the attendees who were still beaming in the afterglow of Mayo’s sensational victory over Kerry in the All-Ireland Final a week earlier.
Pat Rabbitte, a loyal supporter of Mayo all down the years, exuded the elation of the Mayo mood when he addressed the gathering and recalled fond memories of attending the “Horse Show" as it was known to all in former times.
He grew up in Woodstock, Ballindine, and attended Cullane National School and later St Colman’s College, Claremorris. He had a busy afternoon sharing conversations and memories with many friends from his school days as well as former neighbours from around Ballindine and Irishtown.
Over 250 classes were showcased on the day including livestock, horses, poultry, arts, crafts, flowers, the ever popular Dog Show, and the photography competition, along with many more.
There were also the cookery demonstrations of Sarah Butler and Chef Adrian, the daredevil exploits of Evan Mullarkey, lots of live music performances and an array of other entertainment ventures.
Tom Connolly, chairman of the Show Society, expressed thanks to all involved in the staging of the Show including the sponsors at all levels, the many show volunteers, the owners of the venue and the many organisations that assisted in various ways to make it all happen.
Chrissie Moran from Crossboyne was the winner of the "Golden Ticket" raffle which facilitates free admission to for four adults to Claremorris Show for the next ten years.
Henry McGlade and the team from TV Ireland were on site recording the various aspects of the event and the highlights will be broadcast on Sky Channel 588 on a date which will be announced shortly.
* The 107th Claremorris Agricultural Show will be staged on Sunday, August 1, 2027.
1. Pauline Prendergast presenting the Eileen Prendergast Memorial Cup to Gerard Corcoran, Westport winner of Class 7-Cob, Mare, Gelding shown in hand Also pictured is 90-year-old Peter McHugh, Show Steward.
Michael Donnelly
2. Claremorris Show Stewards Stephen Browne and Peter McHugh pictured with Noel Coleman, who managed the Public Address System at Claremorris Agricultural Show 2026.
Michael Donnelly
3. Karl and Ellen Keaney with their photographer's display at the Claremorris Agricultural Show 2026.
Michael Donnelly
4. Darren Forde, Hollymount, former Mayo Man of the Year pictured with the Pocket AED "Mobile Phone" size small Defibrillator at Claremorris Agricultural Show. Included are his daughter Lauren Forde and Karl Keaney holding a 'Emergency Anaphylaxis Plus Kit' and Ellen Keaney of Claremorris.
Michael Donnelly