Tullamore set for spectacular annual show
Another spectacular Tullamore Show is in the offing, with record entry levels already registered and up to 60,000 expected to attend the event at the Butterfield Estate in Blueball on Sunday.
The event is being described as the ultimate country living showcase, and among those set to be in attendance on Sunday are Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalogue, who will officially open the show, while Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister of State Martin Heydon are also expected to be present.
Tullamore Show is Ireland’s largest one-day show, with a prize fund of €175,000 and over 400 trade stands.
At the heart of the event is the FBD National Livestock Show, where the Pedigree section is the the highlight, with four national breed shows taking place on the day, Limousin, Hereford, Simmental and Charolais
There will also be three Dairy breeds on show, for over €21,000 of prize money.
Continued on page 6 6 ?commercial cattle section is set to be one of the largest for a one-day show in Ireland this year.
A Speakers Corner featuring a number of agricultural experts is a new feature at the show, this year, and promises to be a big attraction.
The Sustainable Livestock Village which proved so popular, last year, is back again and provides a ‘one stop shop’ with key agencies working together to deliver clear, practical messages to farmers on what they can do now to boost the sustainability of their farm and highlight supports available.
Speaking at the launch of the show recently, Joe Burke, Senior Manager for Meat and Livestock with Bord Bia highlighted the importance of sustainability for the future of farming.
“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,” he said.
Elsewhere the Sheep section will include at least 21 breeds, and almost 1,000 entries.
This year, the Equestrian section will have its first ever presentation area, with a surprise guest of honour to help present the prizes.
Of course, there is so much more to the show, with classes in horticulture and food produce, cookery and food, art and photography, a forestry and energy village, a Fashion and Features Pavilion, sheepdog demonstrations, farm safety talks, a dog show and farm innovations competition.
And that's not to mention rare breeds, all-day entertainment and music, trade stands, vintage machinery and equipment displays, and so much more.
Chairman of the Tullamore Show Joe Molloy said: “Tullamore Show has always been about showcasing the very best of the country’s agricultural produce and we hope that this year, more than ever, people will come out and support our producers and exhibitors.”
There are free shuttle buses running to and from Tullamore Train Station and O'Connor Square to the show, with the first pick up from Tullamore at 9am and the last pick up at 4.30pm. Tickets are free but can be purchased on tullamoreshow.com
There is free parking on the day, while the site will have ATMs, a wheelchairs users carpark and a first aid centre.
Tickets are on sale now www.tullamoreshow.com
There is free entry for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult. General admission tickets for adults are €20 each and €15 each for students and OAPs.
A Garda Traffic Plan has also been published, which can be seen on Page 6.
See our eight-page supplement for more on the show.