Rumour has it that every Child of Prague statue in the parish of Claregalway spent the night before their seventh Annual Show outdoors. The old well-known tradition of putting the statue outside, on the night before a big event, to ensure a fine day, certainly rang through on this occasion. Out of the blue, on Sunday the 24th August, came the most glorious sunshine—where such a day sprang from was the question on everybody’s lips, considering the dreadful summer we have been experiencing.
The venue was Duffy’s Claregalway Equestrian Centre again this year, which of course is ideal for the show. The crowds came in their droves and were not disappointed. Those who came, especially to see the ponies and horses, got value for their money. There were lots of fine animals in the showing classes. They were all put through their paces by the judges after which the winners were selected. The cattle and sheep sections were also very good, but it has to be said that the dog show was second to none. There were almost 350 entries—by far the biggest dog show Claregalway Show has ever had. Every size and breed of dog adorned the ring in the various classes. The judges had an extremely difficult job in selecting winners. The Agility Class, introduced to Claregalway Show for the first time this year, went down very well with exhibitors and spectators. The jumps and see-saw look spectacular. It proved to be a great attraction and will be expanded for future shows.
Indoor exhibits were of the usual high standard with a great display of crafts, photographs, art, vegetables, home baking and flowers—the latter looking like a rainbow of spectacular colour.
For the children there was a Bonny Baby Competition, Junior Miss and Mister, Twins and Best Dressed Lady Competitions, as well as face painting and amusements to keep all children entertained at all times during the day.
The threshing machine was in fine fettle—threshing away to the great delight of it’s audience. This was never seen before by many of the younger spectators and rekindled old memories for the more mature spectator.
All in all, a brilliant show took place in Claregalway in the midst of beautiful sunshine—what more could an organising committee have hoped for!
Carmel Casserly
Thank you from the Chairman
Show Chairman, Paul Fleming and the organising committee wish to say thank you to everyone who helped to make the show day such a great success. We are very grateful to all the stewards and helpers who turned up on the day to give willingly of their time to ensure the smooth running of the show. We are especially grateful to all sponsors and exhibitors, without whom there would be no show. We wish to express sincere thanks to the Duffy Family for the use of their grounds for the show. It takes a lot of time and effort to get organised for the show and it makes it all worthwhile when everything goes off smoothly. We hope everyone enjoyed the day.
Paul Fleming
