Tullamore Show's annual sponsors night reveals schedule of classes

The renowned sponsors night of the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock was held at a new venue recently, also including the launch of the schedule of classes. The Old Warehouse owned by Offaly native Shane Lowry, provided a luxurious experience with a cherished heritage of Offaly’s hospitality on the banks of grand canal.

Sponsors came from near and far and were treated on arrival to a delightful reception of cocktails and canapés to start the evening off. There were smiles throughout evening for the many photos with memories of a great night followed by the main meal and dessert with speeches intermittent between courses.

The action-packed programme for 2024 was highlighted including many new elements with the expansion of the Sustainable Livestock Village including aspects of Biodiversity, Water Quality and the first ever Speaker Corner kindly sponsored by FBD Insurance, to allow for ongoing discussions throughout the day on various sustainable topics with experts sharing their knowledge. The first ever 4 and 5-star multi breed ram and ram lamb class will be held including a record-breaking number of breeds in sheep section introducing the Belclare and Scottish Blackface breed for 2024. The Cattle section will be hosting the four National Breeds including Simmental, Charolais, Hereford and Limousin. The Equine section will launch its first ever presentation area, and the ever-popular Odlums pavilion will return with new chef at the helm Chef Aisling Larkin.

Chairman Joe Molloy welcomed everyone and thanked the title sponsor FBD and all the other loyal sponsors. He thanked site owners Anne Marie Butterfield and Stephen McQuade, car park owners and local residentc for their continuous cooperation. Joe stated “that without our sponsors support we would not be able to stage a show of this magnitude.”

The MC on the night Derek Nevin introduced FBD, stating that FBD was established by farmers for farmers over 50 years ago. FBD has invested in agriculture, farming, and rural life in Ireland ever since. FBD are the largest home-grown insurer in the Irish market.

FBD Head of Sales-Midlands and Western Region Pat Gilligan stated that “FBD is proud to be the title sponsor of the National Livestock Show at the Tullamore Show. It is the highlight of the FBD’s busy summer calendar and one we look forward to each year.” Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show is a wonderful reflection of all that is positive within Ireland’s livestock and farming sector. FBD are proud to be involved in the Sustainable Livestock Village with the introduction of the FBD Speakers corner this year."

The guest speaker of the night was Senior Manager for Meat and Livestock with Bord Bia, Joe Burke. Joe spoke of his fond memories of Tullamore Show in earlier years and more recently Bord Bia's new partnership in the Sustainable Livestock Village. He discussed the importance of sustainability and then stated that: “Naturally Irish Farmers are more conscious of this, and the definition of sustainability is basically being able to sustain production and continues to do so in a way that does not compromise the future generations.”

The speeches concluded with Chairman, Joe Molloy and Secretary, Chelsey Cox McDonald making a presentation to Joe Burke and MC Derek Nevin who is also the Dog Section joint Co-Ordinator.

Tullamore Show will take place at the Butterfield Estate, Blueball on Sunday, August 11. Visit their website for full details of online competitions at www.tullamoreshow.com. Entries will close for postal entries on July 1 and for online entries on July 5.