THE Northwest Clare Agricultural Show takes place again this year on the spectacular grounds of the Falls Hotel & Spa in Ennistymon on bank holiday Sunday, June 1.
Public relations officer for the event, Kieran Houlihan, said that “We were glad to be in a position to run our show again this year and it’s a testament to the McCarthy family to make the grounds of The Falls Hotel available to the show and to our generous sponsors to come on board again to support this community event.”
Kieran acknowledges the many challenges facing farmers and exhibitors with the costs of production and the impact on farming families’ finances. “Our show has always had generous prize money, and we have increased prize money in the cattle section this year to acknowledge the costs that exhibitors are faced with. We are expecting a very high standard of exhibits on display, and we would expect that standard to continue despite the challenges faced. There are some top commercial livestock exhibitors in Clare, and they are always great supporters of our show each year.”
“The arts and crafts, home produce will be displayed in the function room of the Falls Hotel this year as the old vocational school is undergoing renovations. Our ever-popular poultry section will also relocate to the walkway that leads up to the Horse and Pony show rings. Our dog show classes are very well supported each year, and a newly opened local business, The Pet Shop Girls, have come onboard to sponsor the dog show and will also lend a hand on the day. We are always open to new committee members and would encourage people to join and keep the show on the road.”
The Connemara ponies are still commanding high prices in sales, and there are several producers in the locality who have achieved great success at summer shows and sales last year, and our show is an ideal opportunity for producers to showcase their ponies to perspective breeders and buyers.
“The mini digger skills challenge for adults, face painting and Loftus amusements will return with a bouncy castle and fun rides for kids will be here again this year. The local primary schools tug of war competition prove to be a big hit with kids and spectators each year and there are some hotly contested pulls providing great enjoyment for spectators. We’re also trialling a ‘Fastest Couples Wheelbarrow Race’ to inject a bit of fun and entertainment into the afternoon,” Kieran added.
“It’s the 49th year of the show this year and we have revamped our show logo and invested in new advertising signs to generate awareness of our show in the county. We are extremely grateful to the McCarthy family for the use of their grounds for the day. The facilities and grounds on offer to our show are the envy of shows around the country. The mature landscaped grounds, the impressive hotel facilities and the backdrop of the cascades really enhances the experience for an enjoyable family day out,” Kieran concluded.
