Fun for all the family at Castlerea Show
Members of Castlerea Agricultural Show Committee at the launch of the schedule for the show which takes place on August Bank Holiday Monday. The launch took place at a fundraiser in McGourty's Bar. Back row: Pat McGourty, Frank Campbell, John Flanagan John Jennings and Cllr Athnohy Waldron. Front row: Derval Harte, Marie Hamore, Elaine Quinn, Sarah Winston and Vanessa Malone. Pic. Liam Reynolds
Taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 5th, the Castlerea Agricultural Trade and Craft Show offers a wide array of classes and entertainment for all the family.
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.
“This year promises to be our best ever show. 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,” commented Elaine Quinn, Show Chairperson.
The cattle section continues to be one of the most popular and this year features a wide selection of non-pedigree commercial and pedigree classes. Several non-pedigree commercial classes feature individual prize funds ranging from €500 to €1000 such as ‘Best Butchers’ Heifer’, ‘Heifer suitable to make suckler cow’ and ‘Bonny Baby Bull Calf of the Year’ to name just a few. Meanwhile, the pedigree cattle section lists all the usual classes for Angus, Simmental, Charolais and Limousin breeds. Both the non-pedigree commercial and pedigree cattle have their own championships culminating in ‘Overall Commercial Champion of the Show’ and ‘Overall Pedigree Champion of the Show’.
While the sheep section will feature the usual pedigree (Texel, Suffolk and Charollais) and commercial classes, new this year are showing classes for ‘Roscommon Sheep’, one of just two native Irish sheep breeds. The Dutch Spotted Sheep classes are also new. Sheep showing classes confined to Castlerea Postal District and for young handlers are always popular. ‘Best Pet Lamb in Fancy Dress’ also promises to be great fun.
Entertainment on the day will be provided by Stuart Moyles, Pub Fiction and the Castlerea Brass and Reed Band. A jiving competition will also be hosted by Sandra Ganley of Jiving Juniors. Nancy the Clown and Kiltimagh Pet Farm will entertain all in the Kids’ Corner.
Exhibitors can arrive from 8 a.m. and gates open for the general public at 10 a.m.. At noon, former show chairperson, Seamus O’Brien, will officially open the show. “Castlerea Agricultural Show is an annual fixture for our local community – and this year is the 24th year of the show. While much has changed over the last 24 years, the show’s celebration of community and rural life continues to endure,” added Seamus O’Brien.
Judging in the cattle, sheep, horses, ponies and dog rings starts from 12.30 p.m.. For those interested in the ‘Bonnie Baby’ and ‘Best Dressed Lady and Gentlemen’ competitions, don’t forget to register in the show office. Judging of the ‘Bonnie Baby’ and ‘Best Dressed’ starts from 2.30 p.m.. Due to the weather, judging the dog show will start at the later time of 1.30 as the weather is to improve from 1 onwards.
