Strokestown is ‘leading the way’ on show circuit with prize fund of almost €100,000
Sponsors and committee members of Strokestown Show, pictured at thee launch of the programme for the show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Innovation and change are key developments in the organisation of Strokestown Agricultural and Industrial Show with the organisers coming up with new ideas each year to attract record numbers.
This year marks the 157th anniversary of the annual show, which is taking place today, Saturday, September 13th on the grounds of Strokestown Park House. The prize fund this year is almost €100,000.
At the show launch held recently in the Percy French Hotel committee chairperson John O’Beirne noted that the show is “leading the way” on the Irish show circuit.
He pointed out that this year will see an increase of up to €16,000 in prize money and he paid tribute to all the sponsors who have helped ensure the continuation and success of the show. He noted that the Callery family sponsorship amounted to €17,00 for the horse show section, and said he believes there are very few shows in Ireland offering this type of money in this category.
He also thanked the Sweeney family for providing huge sponsorship in the cattle section and acknowledged monies from Greenvale Animal Feeds.
This year’s show will have over 280 classes, with All-Ireland championships in the cattle section while the sheep section will feature the Roscommon native bred, commercial, Suffolk, Texel and more.
There will also be over 20 classes in the dog show with a champion and reserve champion being selected.
He said each year the committee comes up with new ideas to enhance the experience for both exhibitors and visitors. A key example of this is that, outside the RDS, Strokestown Show is the only one, as he understands, to have rail and fencing around the grounds.
Another innovative idea being employed this year is the use of a shuttle service between the car park and grounds. He outlined that in previous years some people had found it difficult to make their way from the car park as there is no parking at the grounds. However, this year will see the provision of a six-seater buggy to transport people to and from the grounds. He said if this idea seems viable it is something they will develop in future years.
He also outlined that some other shows have seem a dwindling in the farm and produce section but that is not the case with Strokestown Show. In fact, this section is proving to be as popular as ever with classes covering everything from flowers to turf, honey to handcrafts, and eggs to junior art.
Another unique character of the show is ‘Flavours from the Heart of Ireland’. This is a food and drinks fair, taking place in two marquees and will feature over 50 fabulous artisan producers with tasting and offerings. The show will also feature some of the top-ranking chefs in Ireland who will be carrying out demonstrations and offering excerpt advice.
There will be lots of music on the day with Robert Mizell rounding off the evening.
Mr O’Beirne emphasised that all this entrainment costs just €15 entry fee. For more information log onto www.strokestownshow.ie At the launch tributes were paid to the late Anthony Bosquette, Castlenode, Strokestown, a well-known cattle breeder who was highly respected in the farming community.
Mr O’Beirne recalled how Mr Bosquette was well-known on the show circuit. He had been involved with the show for the last 30 years but preferred to stay in the background. He recalled how one year they held a raffle with a heifer as the winning prize. He said Mr Bosquette took it upon himself to look after this animal, to take care for it, feed it and train it, leading her out on the day of the show. A minute’s silence was held in his memory.
