In 1991 a small enthusiastic group of people got together, formed a committee and the first Claregalway Agricultural Show was launched. Twenty years later the committee is still small but equally enthusiastic and the show has blossomed from the small show it was then to the now very well known large show. An enormous effort has been put in by the committee over the years to bring the show to the level it’s at today.
Val Noone is the present Chairperson and he is ably assisted by Secretary Madge Fahy, Entries Secretary Bernie Noone, Treasurer Anne Nally and Vice Chairperson Tom McCann, all of whom do trojan work to keep the show on the road. There is a small committee who organise the show and a huge number of people who turn up on the day to help out. Every bit of help received is gratefully accepted and appreciated and it is hoped all those very reliable, dependable people will turn up again this year.
To start the celebrations off this year the Annual Show Queen Dance was held in the Central Tavern on June 12th. Ms. Emer McManus, daughter of Philip & Geri McManus of Rockwood was crowned Show Queen 2010. She was presented with the Perpetual Trophy and a number of gifts from the show committee – all befitting a Queen. As it is the show’s 20th year in existence it was decided to invite all 20 Show Queens to the Show Queen Dance. Unfortunately all weren’t able to attend due to other commitments but those who did enjoyed the night and it brought back fond memories especially to those who were queens in the earlier years. All were presented with a gift from the show committee as a token of appreciation for all they had done to promote the show. Tom Dempsey Interiors sponsored the prizes for the Show Queen and also some terrific raffle prizes. Tom has sponsored this event every year and it is very much appreciated.
The show will be held in Duffys Equestrian Centre in Rockwood, Claregalway on Sunday, August 22nd this year. This is an excellent facility to host the show and the committee is indebted to the Duffy family who, year in year out, allow it to use the indoor and outdoor arenas, adjoining fields and upstairs in the indoor arena where you can have a cuppa in comfort and some home-made goodies.
This year’s show has almost 250 classes in the following categories: Horses, Ponies, Sheep, Cattle, a huge Dog Show, Fowl classes and a Pet Show. These classes all take place in the outdoor arenas.
In the indoor arena there are classes for Crafts, Art, Photography, Home Baking, Jam, Eggs, Flowers, Farm Produce and a large Children’s section.
During the day there will be lots of competitions taking place such as: Bonny Baby, Glamorous Granny, Best Dresses Lady, Junior Miss, Junior Mister, and Twins. The show grounds will be a hive of activity with trade stands, side shows and entertainment for children. This year there will be a Bumper Lucky Dip this year with great prizes, such as – watches, clock radios, photo albums, jewellery, wine, cakes, scented candles, large & small cuddly toys and lots more.
To keep it interesting and to attract new entrants, the show committee introduces something new to the show every year. This year it has added a Bay Mare Class in the Connemara Pony Classes and a Half Bred Mare Class in the Horse Section. It is anticipated that there will be great interest and competition in these classes.
The Agility Class for dogs introduced to the several years ago continues to attract great interest from dog owners and spectators alike. It’s a great spectacle – watching dogs being put through their paces, over the jumps and into the tunnels etc. The Donkey Derby is usually the grand finale of the day. It’s a real fun event and very enjoyable to watch. This year the prize money has been upped to €100 for the winner, and it is expected the competition will be steep. So get those donkeys in training!
As with all voluntary run events, finance is always a major problem. It is no different for the Agricultural Show and every year we depend on our sponsors to finance the event. It would not be possible to run the show without the financial assistance we get from our sponsors. We ask you to please support our sponsors whenever you can and we take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for the support they give us. In the present economical climate it is difficult for businesses to keep afloat so any way you can support them will be appreciated. Sincere thanks again to all who give us financial support.
Last year the weather was not in our favour but we are optimistic for this year and hope to see large numbers from the parish attending the show. This can be your contribution to keeping the show alive and we feel sure you will enjoy the day. It’s a great family day out and lots for the children to do and see.
All information about the various classes can be found in the Show Schedule.
If you would like to enter in any class just telephone
Bernie Noone, Entries Secretary, at
091 798 931 for a schedule.
It’s as simple as that! For information on trade stands etc. contact the
Show Secretary, Madge Fahy at
087 9180723.
The show is affiliated to the Irish Shows Association and the Irish Pony Society.
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- Pictured is the 2010 Claregalway Agricultural Show Queen Emer McManus.
