Athlone agri show appeals for new volunteers

The organisers of the 2026 Athlone Agri Show are appealing for volunteers to assist in the organisation of this year's event.

The Agri Show, a long-standing fixture on Athlone's social calendar, will take place on Sunday, June 21 on the farm of Michael O'Donohoe at Garnafeilagh, Athlone.

Show organisers have this week put out a call for people to help during the week of June 15 to 20, and on the day of the show (June 21), in many aspects including gate-keeping, parking, event set-up and stewarding.

This year will see the expansion of cattle classes to the show. The cattle this year will feature pedigree breeds of cattle including angus, hereford, shorthorn, Belgian blue, charolais, limousin, simmental, salers and commercial cattle. Kepak has agreed to continue as the main sponsor for the cattle and sheep sections.

The sheep section will also feature the six All-Ireland Championships for 2026. The sheep section is one of the largest in the country, largely due to the geographical location of the show. This year, show organisers said it's anticipated that over 1,000 sheep will be entered.

Poultry and eggs will again be a feature of this year's show, with Championships and Supreme Championships in the various categories. Attendees are advised to check out the wide variety of poultry on showcase in the poultry marquee, from bantams to heavy and light feather fowl, and waterfowl to ducks and turkeys. There's also a class for the 'Most Unusual Bird'.

A huge attraction will also be the wide range of dog classes where adults and children can show off their four-legged friends. The Champion Dog will receive the Ellen Devery Perpetual Cup.

Another attraction will be the cookery competitions, as well as photography display.

The organisers said that it has 'further developed the 'Made in the Midlands Food and Craft Village', which showcases regional artesian suppliers and gives the general public an opportunity to taste and buy this regional produce'.

There's also over 100 classes in the equine section across seven rings, and the 'Athlone Mare and Foal Championship'.

The show also hosts three qualifiers for the Dublin Horse Show Intermediate Side Saddle, Ladies' Side Saddle and Racehorse to Riding Horse, along with many qualifiers for the ISA All-Ireland Championships. There is also a new donkey class and a qualifying class for the ISA & Ballinasloe Show All-Ireland Donkey, Mare & Foal Championship. Entry closing date is June 12.

For anyone interested in volunteering to help with the event, contact 087 6112938.