High praise for ‘unsung heroes’ of Longford's 75th Granard Agricultural Show

Over the last number of years, Granard Agricultural Show has attracted increasing numbers to a social event that has consistently delivered a weekend of entertainment.

The organisers of the 75th anniversary Granard Show are hoping to build on that success by delivering a programme that has something for everyone.

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The show plays a huge part in the community life of Granard. Steered by a dedicated committee the people of Granard bond together for a show that's a part of the town's identity.

“Everyone rallies around on the days leading up to and during the show,” long serving Chairperson of the show committee Gerry Tully said.

Mr Tully outlined that the Granard Show would not be possible without their loyal sponsors who invest in the show each year.

“I extend a sincere thank you to each and every one of those sponsors together with all businesses in the town of Granard and surrounding areas for your continued support and ensure the survival of this show and we are forever indebted to you all.”

The main sponsors this year are Buddy Kiernan Milling and he expressed thanks to Mark Kiernan for his continued support.

Mr Tully highlighted that the programme of events for the 75th Show incorporates many elements ‘including cattle, sheep, equine, poultry, dog show, cookery, handcrafts, fruit, veg, art, photography, trade stands, vintage, kids entertainment and last but by no means least the schools competition the brainchild of Rosemary Gaynor and Bernadette Grier’.

He praised the enormous contribution of the volunteers and stewards. “They are the people that are so giving of their time in the build up to the show day preparing the showgrounds and indeed assisting on show day itself with parking. It goes without saying that I say this every year ‘they are the unsung heroes of all shows’.”

Mr Tully expressed great appreciation for all members of the Show committee for ‘their dedication and co-operation’ and poignantly he remembered the founding members of Granard Show, many of whom are gone to their eternal reward.

“I especially think of my own father Tom - not a man for fuss or limelight but always got the jobs done once it was for the benefit of Granard Show and I know he would be immensely proud to see us preparing our 75th Agri Show.”

He wished Show President PJ Reilly ‘a speedy recovery’. “We hope to see PJ, along with Fiona and Rosemary, on Saturday, July 19 all going well. PJ has always been a great supporter of Granard Show and had great grá for all things related to Granard Show and I wish to thank him for all he has done for us over the years, it will never be forgotten.”

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Mr Tully reserved special praise for Show Secretary Hazel McVeigh. “Her sense of pride and dedication is something to behold and her true passion for Granard Show and indeed all shows that she attends during the summer. Without her we could not ensure the smooth running of the Granard Show.”

The Show chairperson says every effort will be made to have good weather this weekend. “Everyone we know will have the Child of Prague out.”

The Granard Show takes place on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20.