Castlerea Agricultural Show gets underway 

Taking place today, Bank Holiday Monday, August 3rd, the Castlerea Agricultural Trade and Craft Show will offer a wide array of classes and entertainment for all the family including this year’s headline music act, Declan Nerney.

An annual fixture in the Castlerea community calendar, the show offers one of its biggest ever prize funds with showing classes for cattle, sheep, horses, ponies, donkeys, dogs, pets, fowl and goats in addition to multiple sections dedicated to home produce, flowers and crafts. All vintage cars and tractors are welcome to participate in the vintage section.

“This year promises to be our best ever. We are thankful for the support of our primary partner, Castlerea Co-Operative Livestock Mart as well as our local business sponsors, stewards, committee members and many volunteers. Everyone’s tireless dedication ensures a fun event that continues to grow from year-to-year,” said Elaine Quinn, show chairperson.

Entertainment today will be provided by Declan Nerney and the Castlerea Brass and Reed band.

Exhibitors  have been arriving since from 8 a.m. and gates open at the showgrounds, Castlerea Mart, for the general public at 10 a.m.. “Castlerea Agricultural Show is an annual fixture for our local community and one which is greatly anticipated. While much has changed over the many years the show has been running, it remains a fantastic celebration of the local community and rural life in Castlerea and the surrounding area,” added Elaine.

Judging in the cattle, sheep, horses, ponies and dog rings start from 12.30 p.m.. For those interested in the ‘Bonny Baby’ competition, don’t forget to register in the show office. Judging of the Bonny Baby Competition starts from 2.30 p.m..

In the horses section, there are several Registered Irish Draught (RID) classes and RID qualifiers for other national championships plus, non-thoroughbred broodmare, yearling, 2-year-old and 3-year-old classes as well as cob and coloured horse options. For each horse section class, there is prize money of €75 for first, €50 for second and €35 for third plus rosettes. The ‘Overall Champion Horse’ will win €150 while the reserve will secure €100 in prize money. Miniature horse and Shetlands will again have its own section and championship.

After a successful debut last year, the ‘Family Ponies’ section will continue including its own championship. A ‘family pony’ is an equine aged 4+ years and measuring less than 158cm which is not registered with any breed society.

The pony ring will feature multiple Connemara classes and will have its own championship. Other pony classes will vary by size and breed. There is also a separate section and championship for purebred Welsh ponies. The only ridden classes are for lead rein and first ridden. Every pony class, including the Connemara and Welsh sections, will offer €75 for first, €50 for second and €35 for third places as well as rosettes. Special spot prizes will also be awarded for young handlers this year.