Record numbers flock to Moate Show
Summer sunshine provided the backdrop for the Moate Show on Sunday last as record numbers attended the annual occasion which highlights the best of rural life.
Featuring a number of national competitions complemented by family-focused activities and live entertainment, the Moate Show is a stable fixture on the Midland social calendar and with the weather proving kind to the event, the organising committee were thrilled to see such large numbers descend on the Old Dublin Road location outside the town.
Moate Show chairperson Michael Scott said the committee welcomed the "kind weather" on Sunday which encouraged families to visit the show.
"In comparison to last year's Moate Show, I believe there was an increase in the numbers who came through the gates on Sunday," the chairperson said.
The chairperson said preparations for Sunday's show, "six months in the making", all proved worthwhile with a "special atmosphere" prevalent on the site beside A Browne Oil on the outskirts of Moate.
He said entries in the various competition classes which were "slow" in the weeks leading up to the show "improved greatly" in advance of the weekend spectacle.
"We had the greatest number of entries across our numerous sheep categories with a strong number of exhibitors in the cattle section, courtesy of the Irish Angus Society.
"There was also an increase in the number of entries for the Irish Championship class competitions hosted by the National Vegetable Society," he said, adding that this particular marquee proved very popular with patrons during the day.
The chairperson also expressed thanks to all who entered the home industry classes with significant entries in the cookery and photography classes, all of which adds to the attraction of one of Ireland's oldest agricultural shows.
The show's main live entertainment was provided by Johnny Brady and his band, the chairperson stating that when the country signing star took to the stage at 3pm there was "no space available" on the dancefloor.
"Johnny always attracts a great crowd. He did so at last year's show and it was great to have him back entertaining our patrons in style on Sunday," the chairperson said.
IFA Chairperson Francie Gorman and Midlands-North-West MEP Nina Carberry were in attendance and the chairperson said both took time to mingle with the patrons during what he added was a "great social occasion" in the local community.
The chairperson thanked AB Oil for use of the land stating that the "hard working committee" had been on site since Wednesday of last week preparing for Sunday's show.
He commended the committee's relationship with Midland Warriors which allowed for patrons to use the rugby club's car parking facilities on Sunday and also expressed his thanks to the stewards, volunteers and judges for their "hard work, dedication and support".
"Your efforts made the day run smoothly and ensured everyone had a fantastic experience," the chairperson concluded.
Thoughts now turn to the 184th hosting of the Moate Show, the chairperson looking forward to its hosting on Sunday, August 22, 2027.