Gerry ‘extremely proud’ to have Longford Show return to Killoe

​The annual Longford Agricultural Show, which at 122 years running is one of the oldest in Ireland, and it is returning today to Killoe for the fourth consecutive year.

​Taking place on Gerry Hagan’s land in Ennybegs, the much-anticipated event is showing all the hallmarks of being an even bigger success than years gone by.

Upon taking to the stage at the launch of the show, Cllr Hagan joked, “The chairperson JJ said to me ‘Gerry, try to keep your speech to half an hour’ and I promise I will!”

He told the crowd, “The Longford Agricultural Show has grown to be probably one of the largest county shows in the country.”

“You look at Tullamore, which is the largest, but after that, the Longford Show definitely sits at the top with regard to other regional and county shows throughout.”

“We’re extremely proud and beyond delighted to have this wonderful event back in Killoe again this year.”

Commending the people who bring the show to life each year, Cllr Hagan added,

“That success is down to a small committee of volunteers and it's only since they arrived in Ennybegs that I realise the amount of effort that goes into it, particularly in the week before and the week after the show preparing the site.”

Recently elected as Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Hagan continued, “I provide the land, but I don't do much else than that. I leave the show committee to come in and do what they need to do which is a pleasure because they know what they're at.”

"But the amount of work that goes in is something else. There is one volunteer, Cian Dowler, who takes his holidays to be a volunteer and work for the week before the show and the week after it. That's admirable.”

Amid the happiness and excitement, is a touch of sadness as Cllr Hagan recalled how much his late mother Rose loved seeing the show come to Killoe.

“My poor late mother is a year passed, but she saw the show in our place for two years and those memories will stick with me and with a lot of people that met her over the two years that she attended.”

In encouraging local support and attendance, Cllr Hagan added, “The show is a great day, a great family event and it’s so well run.”

“That's all because of the hard work the committee puts in and it's not just the week before, it’s the year throughout too.”

“There's an awful lot of work that goes in; everybody just working to make the show a great event, which it is. So I would strongly encourage everyone to come along on July 5 and enjoy what will be a very memorable day out.”

The Longford Show takes place this Sunday July 5 in Enybegs, Longford, N39WK53. For more information, visit longfordshow.ie or the Longford Agricultural Show Facebook page @CountyLongfordShow