"Al-paca-ing them in" at the show sponsors night
The Tullamore Show FBD National Livestock Show sponsors night kicked off in great style at the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore on Wednesday evening last.
Michael Duignan was MC for the occasion that saw John Cahalan, chief executive officer with FBD, the main sponsors of this year's show in the room, while special guest IFA president Joe Healy welcomed all those in attendance and said this year's event on Sunday August 12 is set to be one of the greatest to date.
Fitting the essence of Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show, a number of alpacas from nearby Hushaby Farm in Killeigh even made a special appearance, posing for mutliple photographs to the delight of guests outside on the red carpet.
Chairperson Brenda Kiernan called the sponsor's event a "most wonderful exciting night".
"We had sponsors in attendance from all over the country. FBD have been with us since 1991 and we are delighted to welcome them this year as our new title sponsor. The synergy between FBD and our show is very positive and we look forward to working with them in the years ahead.”
She also praised the voluntary support of car park attendants, local residents and also hailed the owners of the show site, Steven and Ann Marie McQuaid.
Brenda says the Tullamore Show will build again on last year's success, which attracted over 60,000 people to the showgrounds in Butterfield Estate, Blueball, with a number of new attractions.
"We have the Limousin, Hereford, Charolais, and Fremantle societies incorporating their national championships again this year with the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show, as well as whole host of unique activities that are sure to please young and old.
"In the horticulutural marquee, Bord Bia will be launching their seven-a-day fruit and veg concept and there will be a chef demonstrating how to incorporate the concept into our daily dietary routine."
Renowned cake maker Tanya Ross of Novel T Cakes will be presenting an expert class on cake decoration, while for all those Lego enthusiasts out there, there will be Lego classes in both junior and senior categories, and you can brush up on your Lego skills ahead of the show in Tullamore Library this June 29 where there will be classes available.
Meanwhile, the legendary Declan Nerney will be headlining the entertainment section with many other great musicians taking to the stage throughout the day.
Brenda also cited the work of Freda Kinnarney, Chelsea Cox and all the staff in the office as well as the executive team and all those organising the show."
Entry is now open at www.tullamoreshow.com, which is a now more mobile-friendly website.
The show schedule is also online.