DESPITE FACING losses of €150,000 as a result of its cancellation last year because of bad weather, Tullamore Show will take place this year on August 10th with an expanded programme and increased prize money.
The chairman of the show committee, Tom Maher, said sponsors, traders and exhibitors had continued to back the show despite last year’s cancellation on the evening before the event.
He said he was overwhelmed by the support from all over Ireland, and many people who had been offered their money back because of the cancellation refused to accept it.
“This support has gone a long way to pay off the €500,000 expenses after the cancellation last year.”
Giving details of this year’s event, Mr Maher said he expected 50,000 people to attend the event at Charleville Estate outside Tullamore.
He said the AIB National Livestock Show would feature 45 national titles, and there would be 1,000 classes competed for this year.
The show will have a prize fund of €160,000, a 12 per cent increase on the previous event.
The theme of the show, now the largest one-day show of its kind on the island, will be “country lifestyle” and its contribution to the national culture.
The show will feature new events and entertainment, including the Garda Band.
Bord Bia has a Quality Mark promotion exhibition, and there will also be forestry and sustainable living exhibitions and demonstrations as part of the 500 trade exhibitions.
The show will include one of the best horticulture and flower shows in the country; the all-Ireland Irish Showjumping Association championships; miniature ponies; national inventions’ awards; and a Taste of Ireland exhibition.
There will also be a vintage show; arts and photography; cookery and crafts; American sheepdog trials; sheep, goats and poultry; sugar craft; and rare breeds sections.
Bees in glass hives and many other events and exhibitions will be catered for on the grounds and in the 200,000sq ft tented village.
The latest date for final application for trade stands is Friday, July 11th.
According to show secretary Freda Kinnarney, they are almost fully booked out.