Country star set to play at Moate Agricultural Show
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Committe members, sponsors, ISA members, Angela Jordan, Paula Loughran, Raymond Brady and Councillor Tom Farrell with guests, Westmeath Rose Rachel Duffy and the Tailteann Cup winners Robert Forde, Kevin Maguire captain and Lorcan Dolan at the launch of Moate Show in the Grand Hotel, Moate recently. ALL Photos Paul Molloy.Image 2 of 3
Pat Allen, groundsman, with Patrick Scott and Diarmuid Kelly, both from sponsors Bank of Ireland, at the launch of Moate Show in the Grand Hotel, Moate last Friday night.Image 3 of 3
Eileen Dunican, Monique Raftery, Westmeath Rose Rachel Duffy, Rachel Scott and Susan Scott at the launch of Moate Show.Country star Declan Nerney is expected to a big draw when he plays Moate Agricultural Show on Sunday, August 28 next, marking its return to the calendar after a break of two years due to Covid-19.
“It's the 179th year this year which makes it one of the oldest shows in the country,” Colin Doyle, who is the new show secretary, from nearby Castledaly told the Westmeath Independent. As usual there will be a large number of classes on the day from horses, cattle, poultry and sheep, to cookery, preserves, fruit and veg and photography along with some new attractions.
“For us this year it was about finding new things to encourage more people to participate in the show. We have linked in with local schools for art and cookery,” added Colin.
In addition there will be new craft and needlework classes, live music from local artists, children's entertainment and games, all the ingredients for a great family day out.
Another new feature at this year's show is classes run by the Kerry Bog Pony Society, one of three native Irish breeds, and unusually, patrons will be able to see the trio on display at the event.
Moate Men's Shed will also participate in the show, with demonstrations throughout the day, and Moate Vintage Club will along bring old vehicles and machinery, which always prove a talking point among patrons.
The official opening takes place at noon on Sunday, August 28 at the Showgrounds beside AB Oil on the old Dublin Road, and Colin joked that the Child of Prague will out between now and then in the hope of good weather and a bigger and better show.
“We're trying to make it a family day out for locals and those in the surrounding areas. We're really looking forward to it, it's great to be back after two years,” he added, thanking Westmeath County Council, Minister Heather Humphreys and the Department of Agriculture for their support, their many sponsors, AB Oil for the use of the Showgrounds, and the committee, who are the backbone of the show for all their continued hard work.
It was remarked several times at the recent launch that Moate Agricultural Show has always been a focal point at the end of the summer for people congregating and catching up, and that many would use the phrase 'I'll meet you at Moate Show', he said, and thankfully, that social element will make a welcome and overdue return in 2022.