Athlone Agri-Show - an exhibition of farming pride
The Athlone Agri-Show has become a vitally important fixture in the annual calendar of the town.
Over the years the show has developed to being one of the top ten agri-shows in the country, thanks to the generosity of many sponsors, both local and national.
The large crowds attending the show ensures that the sponsors receive the recognition they deserve for their support and generosity.
The 2025 Athlone Agri-Show will be held on Sunday, June 15, at the beautiful and tranquil setting on the farm of Michael O’Donohoe, Garnafailagh, Athlone. Eircode: N37 V2 52.
The date coincides with Father's Day – so it's an ideal opportunity for a family day out!
The agri-show would not be possible without the loyal sponsors who invest in the show each year, including the main sponsor Athlone Municipal District, Minister for Rural & Community Development, Kepak Group, Pipeline Ltd., Jim Derwin Equestrian, K&K Cobs, Michael McManus, Aurivo/Homeland Stores, Matrix Bathrooms & Heating, Flancare Warehousing & Logistic Centre Athlone, EDF Renewable, West Midlands Credit Union.
The committee issued a sincere thank you to these sponsors and all the associate sponsors for their very valued generosity.
The Chairman PJ Glynn and committee members are looking forward to welcoming friends, those living in and around the Athlone area, and visitors from further afield, to celebrate Father's Day by visiting the show to witness country life in motion in beautiful and tranquil surroundings. With classes for cattle, horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, poultry, cookery, arts & crafts, photography and a dog show, there's plenty of interest for all the family.
With a food village, trade stands, children’s amusements and live musical entertainment all day (one of Ireland's top Country & Western bands, Robert Mizzell & Country Kings are on stage from 2pm with a maple dance floor for jiving and waltzing, then there really is something for everyone!
The show is a community effort, organised by the community and for the community.
Bus Service
Rohan Transport has very kindly offered to run a free shuttle bus service on the hour, from Golden Island Shopping Centre to the show field.
Side Shows
The Athlone Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is staging a special display, including an international multi-cultural festival of music & song.
This is a spectacular show not to be missed.
Some of the other side shows will include a display of alpacas, pygmy goats, birds of prey, and a donkey derby for ladies and gents, line dancing and jiving to the very best of Country Music, children's amusements from water slides, to bouncy castles, face painting, Guess My Weight, buggy rides, Burst My Balloon, Hopscotch, hide & seek and much, much, more.
Horses
In the Equine section there are 106 classes across five rings, including Brood Mares & Foals, Young Horses, In Hand Connemara Ponies, Irish Draughts, Ridden Ponies, Ridden Connemara Ponies, Cobs, Family Pony classes, Working Hunter & Ridden Horses.
The show includees 14 ISA All-Ireland qualifiers and five RDS qualifiers including Breeders Championship, Show Jumping & Eventing, Intermediate Side Saddle, Ladies Side Saddle & Racehorse to Riding Horse.
Athlone Agri-Show also presents the Irish Draught Mare & Foal Breeders Championship. There are three Donkey classes plus a Donkey Derby. Equine lovers will have a mighty day’s entertainment.
Cattle
Back again bigger and better with 48 classes incorporating the following pedigree breeds: Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Salers, Belgian Blue, Charolais, Limousin, and Simmental.
With a very good selection of commercial classes, including a young handler’s class, it is going to be a busy day for both exhibitors and judges.
Champion of Champion’s Class, open to all Champions and Reserves, sponsored by the Hynes Family, Baylin, Athlone for the Vera Hynes Perpetual Cup. Judging from 11.30am
Sheep
There are over 104 classes in the sheep section catering for most breeds, including four All Ireland finals for the Belgian Beltex, Irish Blue Texel Sheep Society, Dassenkop Sheep, and Hampshire Downs classes, plus the Kepak Interbreed Championship. If you are a sheep lover, Athlone Agri-Show is the place to be on Sunday June 15
Poultry
The Poultry Section is sponsored by Flancare Warehousing & Logistics Centre, Athlone. Poultry fans will have 32 classes of small and large breeds including two All Ireland qualifiers.
Also there will be a display of the different breeds of Poultry that are most common in Ireland, including Hens, Turkeys, Guinea Fowl, Ducks, Drakes, Geese & Ganders.
Egg Classes
The first 50 families visiting the Poultry exhibition will receive a freshly-laid duck egg and a freshly-laid hen egg to bring home, compliments of the sponsor of the Egg classes, Oliver Flanagan, Moydrum Castle Poultry Farm, Athlone. Another feature will be a display of eggs from the various breeds of poultry and waterfowl showing the different colour of eggs that each breed lays plus advice on preparing eggs for show day.
Egg & Spoon Race
Trophies will be available for the winners of the Children’s Egg & Spoon Race which is always a big attraction. Special Fathers Day Egg & Spoon Race heats will also be held, with a beautiful trophy for the winner.
Cookery/Art& Craft/Photography
Come and see a wonderful display, with over 30 classes for both Junior and Seniors. It is one area of the show that is well worth a visit.
Super Dog Show
The Dog Show is a huge attraction each year spread across two rings with classes for both big dogs and small dogs, culminating with a champion in each section. The Ellen Devery Cup is for the champion in the small breed section.
Food Village & Crafts
The Food and Craft Village continues to grow each year, where regional artisan suppliers will showcase their latest produce and the craft people display their magnificent pieces.
This area is always bubbling with excitement with people looking to see what is new to the market place.
Bar Facilities
Bar facilities and beer garden are available on the grounds, with a big TV screen for all the matches.
Order of Malta
Members of Order of Malta will be on duty all day.
Rumbles Catering
A first-class catering service will be available throughout the show-grounds offering all kinds of goodies to keep everyone happy.