OVER 3,000 people are expected to attend the South East Clare Show which takes place in Bridgetown this Sunday.
Returning for its thirty sixth year, the South East Clare Show has developed a strong reputation and attracts entries from all over the country with crowds coming from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary to enjoy the programme of activities.
Organisers have said the Show “offers a true glimpse of rural life” with everything from pedigree livestock to home baking proudly on display. Apart from the hotly contested classes for horses, ponies, cattle, horticulture, home produce, vintage and dogs, additional activities also include live music with a dance floor, free children’s entertainment, trade stands, pet farm, tug of war and a live raffle.
Across twenty acres on land owned by the Tony and Grainne Moynihan, Michael and Gertrude Clancy, Margaret Keenihan and family, the Show continues to be hugely popular.
There is €10,000 in prize money on offer in the cattle section. “We have more than eighty cattle entered so far, it promises to be one of the strongest displays of top cattle,” explained PRO Rachel Moloney. The commercial section will have four calf classes with €600 the prize per class. In the pedigree section, there is two big classes, The South East Clare Show Pedigree Interbreed Calf Champion (€650) and the South East Clare Show Bonny Baby Pedigree Interbreed Calf Champion (€650).
One of the show’s highlights is the Three Year Old Filly All Ireland Championship qualifier. “We have fifteen qualifiers and exhibitors from all over Ireland will travel to Bridgetown to compete for the €3000 prize fund,” Rachel outlined. There is a €5,000 prize in the South East Clare Broodmare Championship. She expected the Dog Show to continue to be “a big attraction”, it will have fourteen classes with entries accepted from 12pm.
In memory of the O’Rahilly sisters from Bridgetown, there will be a new competition for most appropriately dressed person. Entry is free but attendees could win between €100 to €250.
Also on the day there will be a live raffle where prizes include a commercial heifer worth €2000, a one night’s stay in Clifden, a €250 voucher for The Piper’s Inn and a voucher for O’Connell’s Menswear. The Bunda Brothers will also be making an appearance with their food truck.
A primary school teacher, Rachel is on her second year of the committee. The Ardnacrusha woman joins Rosemary Stewart (secretary), Pat Hayes (Chairman), Conor Hayes and Ger Pearse on the committee. “Last year we were very successful with over 3000 people from all parts of Clare, Tipperary and Limerick, we’re in a good location across the border and we’re aiming for the same again. I’ve love being involved, we have a great committee that work together really well, it is a great way to meet people and get involved”.
