Strokestown Show's €100,000 prize fund attracts top exhibitors
Gerry Kilgannon, president of the Angus Society, and John O’Beirne, chairperson of Strokestown Show at the launch of the Strokestown Show programme in the Percy French Hotel. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
One of the county's longest-running and most celebrated agricultural shows is underway with the 158th Strokestown Agricultural Show set to welcome exhibitors, competitors and visitors from across the region.
Taking place on the grounds of Strokestown Park House today Saturday, September 12th, the show will feature a packed programme of livestock, equestrian, food and craft competitions, supported by a prize fund of almost €100,000.
Show chairman John O'Beirne said the substantial prize fund reflects the ongoing commitment of local sponsors and volunteers who have sustained the event through generations.
"We have a prize fund somewhere in the region of €100,000 and it takes a lot of effort to get that put together and make the show work. Thankfully, we have a lot of sponsors, some of them with us for 45 years," he said.
The show remains a major date in the agricultural calendar, bringing together farmers, breeders, businesses and families for a celebration of rural life and farming excellence.
A particularly strong entry is expected in the cattle section, where almost 80 classes will be contested. New for this year are four Belgian Blue classes alongside the established Charolais, Limousin, Simmental, Angus, Hereford, Commercial and All-Ireland competitions.
Among the headline attractions will be the €6,000 Sweeney Family All-Ireland Beef Bullock Championship, one of the most lucrative cattle classes on the programme.
Highlighting other feature competitions, Mr O'Beirne pointed to the continued support of long-standing sponsors. "We have the Greenvale Animal Feeds Beef Heifer Class, and they're certainly over 30 years sponsoring that," he said.
"We also have the Breeding Heifer Class sponsored by the Sweeney family. There's €1,000 in two calf classes sponsored by Hanly Quarries and Gro-Lime."
Prize money of €1,000 per class is also on offer in the Strokestown Hardware and Hanly's Eurospar All-Ireland Bull Calf Championships.
Mr O'Beirne also paid tribute to the Hanly family following the recent fire damage that forced the closure of their store.
"They'll get back on the road and they'll open the shop and be bigger and better than ever," he said.
The sheep section will feature 20 classes, including competitions for Roscommon Sheep, while food, crafts and other attractions are expected to draw visitors of all ages throughout the day.
The chairman also acknowledged the contribution of the show's extensive volunteer network.
"Without the support of our sponsors and the commitment of around 100 stewards who help on the day, the show simply couldn't happen," he said.
Organisers have confirmed that the shuttle buggy service introduced last year has returned, helping visitors with mobility difficulties travel between the car park and the showgrounds.
