From the beginning of the year, the Claregalway Agricultural Show Committee have been busy making preparations and plans for their forthcoming Agricultural Show, which is held annually in Duffys Claregalway Equestrian Centre, Rockwood, Claregalway. One of the main events—the selection of the Show Queen—has already taken place. The title for 1998 goes to Fidelma Roche, Knockdoemore, Claregalway. Fidelma was selected by the show committee and was presented with her prizes at the Show Queen Dance on 30th May. The committee would like to thank everyone who supported the dance by buying tickets and all who turned up on the night. A very enjoyable night was had by all who attended and great music was provided by local group Country Roads. Fidelma received a perpetual trophy, crystal bowl and flowers which were sponsored by Tom Dempsey, Tom Dempsey Carpet and Bedding, Westside Business Centre. The committee deeply appreciate Tom’s contribution to the show every year. The committee usually select their queen from the young ladies who help out on the Show Day. It is hoped that this will encourage more young people to become involved. Fidelma will be presenting the prizes on the day and will have various tasks to perform throughout the year, all of which we hope she will enjoy.
This will be the eight annual show and already at this early stage entries have started to come in. It will take place on Sunday, 23rd of August, in Duffy’s Claregalway Equestrian Centre, Rockwood, Claregalway. The show committee are once again indebted to the Duffy Family for the use of their grounds for the show. It is an excellent venue for the show. There will be 212 classes this year, consisting of horses, Ponies, Donkeys, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Dogs, Pets, Home Baking, Crafts, Farm Produce, Photographs, Flowers, Art, Jam, Eggs and several classes for children. Show Grounds open at 9am and entries are accepted on the day. The Irish shows Association have placed Qualifying Classes for The Golden Vale Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur All Ireland Yearling Filly Championship and the Spillers Prime Dog Championship at Claregalway Show this year. Together with these, the Show will have Qualifying Classes for the All Ireland Ridden/Performance Registered Connemaraa Pony Championship, The F.B.D. Connacht Champion Irish Draught Foal and The £500 Connacht Suckler Heifer, the finals of which are held at Oughterard Show. In the Home Baking Section, we have a qualifying class for the Dawn Delights Competition, the final of which will be held at Limerick Show.
Sponsorship plays a major part in financing all shows, and Claregalway Show Committee are deeply grateful to all their Sponsors, who support them ever year. All contributions are very much appreciated. The committee wish to convey their thanks also to the Exhibitors. Without exhibitors there would be no show. Many are local, but several travel long distances to exhibit at the show. Perhaps if you are not interested in entering anything, you would like to come along and view all the fine displays. What would be the point of all the exhibits and displays if nobody turned up to view them—spectators are required to make it all worthwhile, so do come along.
Claregalway Show is a day out for all the family. Again, the very popular threshing machine will be working away for all to see. Although the show is organised by a small committee who work nearly all year round, they depend a great deal on the 60 or so helpers who volunteer their services on the day to ensure the smooth running of the day.
Schedules and Entry Forms are available from the Secretary, Carmel Casserly, Kiniska, Claregalway, Co. Galway Tel. (091) 798249, and Chairman, Paul Fleming, Cregboy, Claregalway, Co. Galway Tel. (091) 798405. If you have any queries regarding the show, please feel free to contact the above, or indeed any member of the committee will be more than willing to help you.
Carmel Casserly, Secretary
