The Show that had it all
Dolly the donkey, Elizabeth Leonnon, Anna Wright Photo by Shelley Corcoran
It was a sun-kissed agricultural show in Granard last week that brought spectators and participants from near and far to a place where they were provided with a unique glimpse into rural life in the area.
While there was plenty of excitement among competitors, it was a day tinged with sadness as a moment’s silence was observed for the late Brian ‘Bat’ Lynch, Granard Agricultural Show committee, who passed away just one month ago.
“Today we remember Brian Lynch who was a member of our show,” Fr Simon Cadam said, during the blessing of the field. “Thank you God for animals who are a wonder of creation; thanks for the land and those that work it. Bless the seeds within it and please provide us with favourable weather so that we can share all the wonderful gifts that we see around us here today.”
And God surely did send the good weather to Granard last Saturday, a matter that was summed up rather aptly by one observer who remarked, “That’s one of the best days that come the year.”
It was all to play for on the field too with cattle, sheep, horses and goats galore, all on show and plenty of winners emerging as the day wore on.
PJ Glynn from Cranaghmore, Athlone emerged victorious in the Champion Mare class. “We bought her as a two-year-old and she was the Reserve Championship and Breeder’s Champion at the RDS in Dublin. She was Breed Champion in 2010 and was bred by Vandtazig by Diamond Lad mare.”
Mr Glynn went on to say that he always had a “great interest” in shows and that he and the family travelled all over the country from May to September every year participating and enjoying all that the shows have to offer.
“The whole family has great interest in shows and we travel from Cork to Donegal each year,” he added. “They are a great family day out and my son Lorcan also has an interest in horses; in fact he has a Connemara Pony here in Granard today.”
The ‘Guess the weight of the bull’ brought plenty of batter to proceedings and the home-baked produce and home industry section added a touch of class. Children from local primary schools also submitted drawings and poems and some wonderful models of the Titanic, made from cardboard and other items in the crafts section, were admired by all. As usual there was a strong response to this section of the show and organiser Rosemary Gaynor took the opportunity to thank all those who entered and supported this year’s Granard Agricultural Show.
“The standard was very high this year with the primary schools,” Ms Gaynor added. “I am delighted to see all the enthusiasm and talent that has been expressed by pupils and teachers alike and well done to everyone involved.”
Winners included, Sacred Heart NS (overall winner); St Bernard’s NS, Abbeylara and St Mary’s, Aughnagarron. Presentations will be made to the winning schools in September - when everyone returns after the summer break - by Canice Dunphy, Super Valu Granard, sponsor.
And so as the sun went down on what was a very successful agricultural show in Granard, secretary Nancy Carr summed up the day by saying, “It was very successful. There was a great atmosphere here today and the weather really helped. We felt that the late Brian Lynch was looking down on us and I want to thank everyone who helped or supported in any way.”
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
