Final preparations taking place for Sunday's Moate Show
Organisers of the Moate Agricultural Show are making final preparations for the welcome return of the long-established event this coming Sunday (August 28).
The pandemic meant there was no show in 2020 or 2021, so this weekend's gathering at the showgrounds, beside AB Oil on the old Dublin Road, is likely to be a special one.
"We are just thrilled that people will be coming through the gates again, and we're looking forward to the competitions," Moate Show secretary Colin Doyle told the Westmeath Independent earlier this week.
"Our parent body, the Irish Shows Association, has been encouraging every agricultural show to get back up and running in order to provide competitions but also to provide a day out for locals and exhibitors to come to and enjoy.
"This is our 179th show, and we're trying to make it a special one now that we're back up and running."
Entries for the various competitions have been coming in and Colin said the show committee was "delighted to have so many people entering competitions, be it in livestock, home industries, or some of our children's classes."
He said the decision had been taken to allow people continue to enter in the various show categories right up to and including the day of the show itself. "We want to make it accessible for everyone," he stated.
Discussing some of the potential highlights of this year's show, he said the show committee was fortunate to have country star Declan Nerney performing at around 3pm on Sunday.
"I think that will bring a good buzz around the place. We have a dancefloor secured, so we're hoping there will be a good few people coming up to dance a step or two!
"We're looking forward to having the music ringing out through the showgrounds," he explained.
A regular highlight for horse exhibitors and enthusiasts is the All Ireland Filly Foal final, which the show hosts.
Colin said the Kerry Bog Pony Society would also have some ponies from this rare Irish breed on display at the show on Sunday.
"The Kerry Bog Pony is one of Ireland's native equine breeds, along with the Connemara pony and the Irish draught.
"They're a species in slow decline, and a lot of people don't know about them and their origins, so we're delighted to be teaming up with the Kerry Bog Pony Society for the day to raise more awareness," said Colin.
The showgrounds will be open from 9am on Sunday, and the official opening of the show will take place at noon. Admission is €15 for adults, while children go free.