Claregalway Agricultural show will be held in Duffys Equestrian Centre in Rockwood, Claregalway on Sunday, August 19th this year. The committee is very lucky to have this excellent venue with all the facilities it provides again this year to host the show. Sincere thanks to the Duffy family who, year in year out, allow the show to use the indoor and outdoor arenas and adjoining fields for the showing classes. Upstairs in the indoor arena will be converted into a restaurant for the day, where judges, guests, sponsors, committee and helpers will be treated to home-made cuisine.
This year’s show has over 200 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.
Every year the show committee make a huge effort to add variety to the show by way of introducing something new. This year the committee has introduced Irish Angus Classes in the Cattle Section and Claregalway Show is very privileged to be hosting an All Ireland Qualifier in this category. This is a great boost to the cattle section and it is envisaged that there will be great competition and interest in these fine pedigree animals. For full details of Irish Angus Classes and Qualifier check out the cattle section in the schedule.
During the day there will be lots of competitions taking place such as: Bonny Baby, Glamorous Granny, Best Dressed 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.
The Agility Class for dogs still 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 fowl classes have gone down a treat too, providing great competition for exhibitors and exciting viewing for spectators. The Donkey Derby is usually the grand finale of the day. It’s a real fun event and very enjoyable to watch.
As with all voluntary run events, finance is always a major problem. It is no different for the Agricultural Show and every year it depends on sponsorship to finance the event. It would not be possible to run the show without the financial assistance it gets from sponsors. You are asked to please support the sponsors whenever you can and the show committee takes this opportunity to thank the many sponsors for their support. 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 the show financial support.
Chairperson Val Noone is very excited about this year’s show. He would like to make it a hat-trick! “We have had very favourable weather for our last two shows, making the two shows very successful events, and I’m hoping this year will be just as good. The weather is always a major worry for us but we will be optimistic. We hope to see the local people from Claregalway out in large numbers to support the show. By attending and entering you will be contributing to keeping the show alive and you will also 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 download the entry form and schedule or telephone Bernie Noone, Entries Secretary, at 798931. 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.
