MORE THAN 50,000 people are expected to attend Ireland’s premier agricultural one-day event, the 20th annual Tullamore Show at the Butterfield Estate near Tullamore, Co Offaly, on Sunday.
The Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show are to demonstrate the growing strength of the agricultural sector with increased numbers of livestock exhibitors, trade stands and competitors.
The show committee reported entries for the event increased 7 per cent this year in livestock and other sectors, while there has been a 14 per cent increase in demand for trade stands, with more than 650 on offer this year.
The 250 acre site will accommodate a 250,000sq ft tented village and business arcade.
The scale of the display area is viewed as a huge vote of confidence in Ireland’s agriculture which continues to grow despite the recession.
Last year’s event broke all records with more than 55,000 attending the show. This year the event will showcase the best of Irish agriculture and food and will feature more than 1,000 exhibitor competitions challenging for a prize fund worth €165,000.
Keen competition is anticipated in all areas, whether it be in horticulture, home industries, dogs, inventions, poultry, showjumping, carriage driving, miniature ponies, best-dressed lady and glamorous granny.
Strong competition is expected for the gold and silver medals in the livestock classes.
In another departure this year, the AIB livestock show will include the presence of the major meat processors who will participate in the new-meat village.
Irish meat products and producers will include Dunbia, Slaney Foods, Dawn Meats, AIBP, Tullamore Meats, Truly Irish Pork Bacon and Brady Meats. Other attractions include the Bord Bia cookery demonstrations with celebrity chef Neven Maguire and Bord Bia food adviser Sheila Kelly.
There are 45 national titles up for grabs, including the newly introduced gold and silver medal awards for livestock, an accolade organisers describe as the “pinnacle” of Irish livestock awards.
Competitions will take place for alpacas and a full equestrian programme will include showjumping, carriage driving and donkeys. Flowers, sheepdog arena trials, all-Ireland poultry champions, artisan food, craft exhibitions and the latest in wind and solar development are all on display at the show.
Chairman of Tullamore Show George Gill expressed his gratitude for the support of sponsors, site owners, neighbours, various firms and 500 voluntary workers who help to make the show a success.
He especially thanked all the local farmers and business people who voluntarily sent their machines, workers and helpers to the site where work has been ongoing for more than a month.
There are 20,000 car park spaces available and visitors are advised to arrive early. The showgrounds are open at 7am for exhibitors and 9am for the public. Admission for adults is €15, pensioners and students €10 and children under 14 get in free.