Keeping a 180-year tradition thriving in Moate

Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council

Group of the Year finalist: Moate Agricultural Show

Moate enjoyed another great successful show this summer, with chairman Michael Scott describing it as “the one with the biggest attendance we ever had”. The long-running agricultural event has continued to evolve since its inception in 1839 while maintaining its strong community spirit.

Michael, who has been involved with the show for more than 30 years and as chairman for the past eight or nine years, said the event had become an important social occasion, bringing people together from across the region and abroad.

“It’s a real social thing,” he said. “You might see people there whom you haven’t met for nine or ten months, and it’s the last thing on (in August) before the kids go back to school. A lot of people travel a huge distance to Moate Show.”

He said that many people come to live in the town and community who are not from farming backgrounds, and the committee is mindful of them and know it’s important to facilitate them at the show.

The programme includes live music, a market featuring locally produced goods and crafts, as well as its traditional livestock competitions. The vegetable section has also attracted growing interest, with judges travelling from England this year.

Michael praised the committee for their dedication, and said each member takes responsibility for different sections of the show, including sheep, cattle and the marquees.

“We have an outstanding committee, and we work well together. It takes a lot of organising to get the show on,” he said.

He said that preparations can begin in February, with the committee arranging sponsorship, facilities and equipment and the many other elements involved in staging the event. Michael also acknowledged the importance of the landowners who provide the grounds, along with the sponsors and the support of the Department of Agriculture and Westmeath County Council.

“The costs of running the show have increased considerably over the years, with insurance, prize money, marquees and toilets among the expenses and the committee has invested in equipment, including barriers to improve safety,” said Michael.

He said there is a determination among the committee members to keep the event alive through changing times. Michael said attracting younger people into the committee would be important to ensure its future.

The Group of the Year finalists are: Athlone Comhaltas/Féile na Sionainne, Heartlands Pride and Moate Agricultural Show