The late Carrie Acheson, in a photo shared by Tullamore Show this week.

Tributes paid to 'voice of Tullamore Show'

The Tullamore Show committee has this week expressed its sadness and shock at the death of Caroline (Carrie) Acheson, whose distinctive public address announcements made her "the voice of Tullamore Show".

Ms Acheson, a Clonmel woman who served as a Fianna Fáil TD for a spell in the early 1980s, died peacefully at at Tipperary University Hospital on Monday. She was 88 years of age.

In an online tribute, the Tullamore Show committee expressed its deep sadness at her passing, saying; "Carrie was the voice of our show. Her elegance, style and infectious voice will never be forgotten. Goodbye for now, our dearest friend."

Freda Kinnarney, who served as secretary of Tullamore Show for close to 30 years, said Ms Acheson's passing leaves an irreplaceable void.

"We will have another PA person, but nobody will be able to replace her. She was an absolutely unique person," Ms Kinnarney told the Offaly Independent.

Despite some struggles with ill health in recent years, Ms Acheson's longstanding involvement with Tullamore Show continued right up until the most recent event last August.

"She was so many things, and she lived such a full and varied life," said Ms Kinnarney.

"I suppose her glamour was the thing you would have noticed first about her. When you got to know her, you realised she was such a powerful, intelligent woman, but so down to earth and approachable."

Her "great wit" was among her defining characteristics, and when she was given a simple message to read out over the PA system, she was known to embellish and add her own distinctive flair to it.

"That made it more real to people. If she saw somebody that she knew, the whole place would know that person was there, because she would have it announced!" laughed Ms Kinnarney.

"Her interests were wide and varied and we are glad that she was able to keep doing things that she loved, like doing the PA at the Tullamore Show and the Ploughing, right up until the very end."

The Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, was among those who paid tribute to Ms Acheson this week, describing her as "an able and determined public representative" with "an infectious and warm personality".Her funeral Mass took place in Clonmel earlier today (Thursday).

She is predeceased by her husband Hugh, son Brian, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brother, sister, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. May she rest in peace.

Meanwhile, the AGM of Tullamore Show was held in the Bridge House Hotel recently and reflected on a successful year which saw the return of the event to the Butterfield Estate on August 14 last.

Favourable weather conditions, an increase in spectators and a sharp rise in running costs were the factors which ultimately resulted the show making a profit of €115,000 in 2022.

Chairman Joseph Molloy said the show was delighted to have FBD as its main sponsor. He thanked all of its sponsors for their support and commitment, and also paid tribute to Anne Maire Butterfield, Stephen McQuade estate and all other landowners associated with the show for the continuous support.

The following officers were elected to the show committee for 2023: Chairman Joseph Molloy, Vice Chairman John Kenna, Secretary Chelsey Cox McDonald, Treasurer Rodney Cox, and PRO Brenda Kiernan.

The chairman concluded by announcing the return of the Tullamore show and FBD National Livestock Show to the Butterfield Estate on Sunday, August 13, 2023.