Sun shone on one of the biggest Athlone shows of recent years
The sun shone brightly, the crowds turned out in great numbers, and fathers and families had a wonderful time celebrating Father’s Day at the Athlone Agri Show. The event was held on the farm of Michael O’Donohoe, set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings. It was likely one of the largest attendances at an Athlone show in recent years,
The highlight of the Equine Section was the newly introduced Athlone Mare and Foal Championship, sponsored by Jim Dirwin Equestrian with a prize fund of €5,000. Exhibitors came from across the island and Chairman of the Agri Show, PJ Glynn instigator of the class, was delighted with the turnout. The husband-and-wife judges, from England, Magnus and Kate Nicolson, were very impressed with the high standard of exhibits, and in the manner they were presented for adjudication. Finally, after long deliberation the Athlone Mare and Foal Championship was awarded to Paula Howard, Ballynahinch, Co Down, and Reserve Champion went to Pat Finn from Oranmore, Co Galway. Best Turned-Out, sponsored by Wineport Lodge, went to Laura Foody from Co Sligo.
Another big attraction was the large entry of sheep, catering for 12 different breeds. With the Belgian Beltex, Vendeen, Hampshire Down, Charollais, Texel, Irish Dutch Spotted having their All Irelands in glorious sunshine. The Keepak Interbreed Championship went to a Texel Ram, the property of Tom Kenny from Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe. Full results to follow.
The Bovine Section is growing year on year and with nine pedigree breeds catered for, plus a large selection of Commercial Cattle, and all hoping for a red rosette. With three rings in operation, it was all systems go from 11.30am. It was very gratifying to see 17 competitors in the Young Handlers U12, and 15 competitors in the 12 – 17years, sponsored by EDF Power Solution, Ireland. With that type of enthusiasm, the future looks bright for the agri shows. The Overall Champion and the Vera Hynes Perpetual Cup (plus €300) went to Martin Davis from Ballinalee, Co Longford, with a Limousin Heifer. This was kindly sponsored by the Hynes family, Baylin.
The Poultry and Egg Section is always a major attraction, and this year’s show introduced an exciting new innovation.
The initiative, the brainchild of Oliver Flanagan of Moydrum Castle Poultry Farm, allowed the public to witness the adjudication of the birds firsthand. Traditionally, the marquee would be closed during judging, making this a significant change. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it is likely that many more shows will adopt this approach in the future.
The Champion Bird was exhibited by Aubrey Gilmartin, Swinford, Co Mayo with Reserve Champion Bird going to Tommy Butler, Banagher. In the Egg Section, local exhibitor Oliver Flanagan, brought home six firsts, seven seconds and three thirds, along with Champion and Reserve Champion Egg.
The Super Dog Show once again attracted a huge entry of all breeds, large and small, with the Ellen Devery Perpetual Cup going to Kelly Halligan, Athlone, and her dog “Dotty”.
A new addition to this year’s show was the introduction of the Indoor Kids Zone, and it proved to be a huge success. The organisers issued their sincere thanks and compliments go to the local businesses—Athlone Library, Aikyam Yoga, Rinka, Reynolds Academy of Irish Dancing, Maze BJJ, and The Art Box—for their time and effort in bringing this initiative to life.
The Food Village offered a wide range of mouthwatering delicacies, with the ice-cream vans proving especially popular in the glorious sunshine. The trade stands once again showcased a great variety, with the OPW and National Parks and Wildlife attracting strong interest from spectators. An Athenry-based stone mason from the OPW crafted a beautiful plaque, which Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran presented to Michael and Seamus O’Donohoe, owners of the showgrounds.
In the Cookery marquee was the usual classes for Seniors and Juniors, with some tasty cakes and buns on display. After a lapse of 15 years, the Vegetable Section was resurrected, with a fabulous display of mixed vegetables, fit for a King, and exhibited by local Chef Kevin Ward.
Declan Nerney and his Country Music was the highlight of the Entertainment area, with Jiving competitions and dancing on the covered maple floor.
The Delaney Cup was on display for photo opportunities, and two large screens in the Beer Garden broadcast the Westmeath v Monaghan match for the GAA fans. And “The Cowboy Disco”, rounded off a great afternoon’s entertainment.
Staging a show of this scale requires vision, dedication, and commitment. The chair, PJ Glynn, issued a sincere thanks and appreciation to all the committee and volunteers.