Elphin Agricultural Show promises a busy day of events

The 46th edition of the Elphin Agricultural Show gets underway this morning, Saturday, August 30th, on the mart grounds and surrounding fields.

Speaking at the show’s recent launch held in an Bother Rua, chairperson of the Elphin Show, Tommy Gormley, outlined what is in store for the show.

“We have classes for horses, ponies, donkeys, cattle, sheep, farm and garden produce, pets, poetry, handcrafts, photography, cookery, a dog show and numerous novelty events with a prize fund of €40,000,” said Mr Gormley.

There will also be a monster raffle held at 9.30 p.m. in an Bothar Rua, with this year’s main prize being, as described by Gormley, a “lovely” red heifer, along with many other prizes up for grabs.

Tickets for the raffle are €10, or three for €20, and are available online or can be purchased on the day of the show.

Mr Gormley wished to thank all of the competition and show sponsors, including main sponsors the Steveson and Sweeney family, Elphin mart, the Callery family.

He also extended his gratitude to all the smaller sponsors saying: “It’s not all about the main sponsors, we have numerous small sponsors around the town. The show needs a lot of money to run, so we are very appreciative of everyone, and any size of donation or sponsorship.” 

A grant totalling €8,350 provided by the Department of Social Protection and Deputy Dara Calleary was also acknowledged by the Elphin Show chairperson.

Finally, Mr Gormley paid tribute to all the committee members and volunteers that have made running the show possible. He also wished Elphin Show president Paddy Farrell a speedy recovery from hospital.

Show grounds open at 8 a.m. this morning, Saturday, and the full programme of events for this year’s show is available online.