Longford summer: Annual Granard gathering hailed "an overwhelming success"

The unseasonal weather over the weekend did little to dull the public appetite for outdoor activity as they turned out in force for the 73rd Granard Agricultural Show.
The annual gathering was hailed as an overwhelming success with entrants coming from all over the country.

Horse and pony classes, cattle classes, sheep and goats, a dog show, best dressed lady and gentleman were all on Saturday, while the Horse Jumping Show took centre stage on Sunday at the Higginstown Complex.
Show Secretary, Hazel McVeigh said that from the Arts & Crafts to Vegetables, Fruit & Flowers and of course the animal show Classes, this year's event was very well supported by both competitors and spectators.

“We were happy with the day. Weather-wise, it didn't play ball, it rained for the best part of the day and the sun didn't come out until about five o'clock that evening. But that didn't dampen spirits.”
There was a good turnout for the Granard Show. Hazel said, “People came out in their droves. The weather didn't deter the exhibitors. All exhibitors that entered, give or take a few, appeared on the day. Overall, there were no complaints. Everyone enjoyed the day.

“There were great crowds. They come from all over. We had people from the north, we had people from the west, we had people from down the south. They come from all over.”
For many the opportunity to see up close and personal pedigree animals is the primary draw to the show: “There was good quality stock on the field. Some of the cattlemen I spoke to commented on the quality of the judges on the day, in both the equine and the cattle section. They were praised by many for their good job.”

Aside from the competitions the show brings people together: “We had a good variety of trade stands. People like what is on offer. It's a great opportunity to support small businesses, rather than the big shops and that.
“There were a lot of local community groups from Granard represented. It was nice to see people being supportive of those groups.”
Granard Show's longevity depends on the support of the public and the many sponsors, like Paul Belton's Midland Agri, Lakeland Dairies and Kiernan Milling. Hazel says their support is vital: “If we didn't have our sponsors, there wouldn't be a show.”

Show President PJ Reilly, who has fought some health issues recently, was in attendance after his long stay in hospital.
There was a huge interest in the second day of the Granard Show. Day two's showjumping was very exciting: “There were great entries in horse jumping. It was fantastic to see. The highlight was the six bar. It came down to two people. It was neck and neck. It was a fantastic day and there were great entries.”

Hazel said a dedicated team of stewards ensured the smooth running of the day: “The feedback from the show field was very positive, as the day went on, everybody seemed to be very happy.
“We had no accidents, everybody seemed to enjoy the day, regardless of the weather. The kids were going round, they all had their faces painted. We had free face painting. There were loads of families to be seen on the show field. It really was a family day out.”

No sooner has the clean up at the Higginstown Complex been concluded than plans for next year are abrew: “We'll take a week's break and then we'll be back in action. We don't get much of a rest.
“We regroup, we'll have a meeting and we'll just see the feedback from all the committee members, to see if there's anything that needs to be changed or improved for next year's show. We may even do a little preparation for our 75th show.”

Granard Agricultural Show at the Showgrounds took place on Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21 2024.

Also see pages 38 & 39 for more pictorial coverage