'Something for everyone' as Granard Show continues to thrive and grow
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President of the Irish Shows Association Freda Kinnarney will officially open the 76th Granard Agricultural Show which takes place on Saturday, July 18, with the Showjumping on Sunday, July 19
The north Longford town of Granard will come to the fore in the local agricultural stakes as it hosts its 76th annual show in July and the hugely popular event was launched on Thursday, June 18 at the Bay Horse Pub.
It is undoubtedly one of most popular shows in the region and organisers are putting the final touches to preparations ahead of what should be a hugely memorable occasion.
Hazel McVeigh said the main event will be on Saturday, July 18 with horse jumping on Sunday, July 19.
"There will be the regular classes in all the sections, livestock and indoor disciplines, and we have some new classes this year. "Young handlers is a huge part of the show every year and each year we are introducing new young handlers in the different sections.
"There is always great interest from the young people and at the end of the day if we don't have the young people coming along...They are the future of agricultural shows and ensuring the survival of them."
Hazel said there is has been a big development this year.
"Thankfully we have been able to buy our showgrounds from Longford County Council and we've been selling tickets since November 2025 for our Monster Draw for a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser, which is taking place on show day."
Hazel said the President of the Irish Shows Association Freda Kinnarney will officially open the Granard Agricultural Show and she will pull the lucky winner from the drum at around 12-noon.
She stated they are very grateful for the support they have had.
"We have been at many doors selling tickets and no-one has refused us.
"It was limited to 1,000 tickets at €100 each, which can be a lot of money, but people were great and there is great support behind this and we are very appreciative of it."
Hazel said the main sponsor of this year's Granard Agricultural Show is McNally Motors, Longford.
She stated they are also very grateful to their sponsors and without them they would have no show.
"We want to thank all of our sponsors be-it €10 or €1,000.
"That is what keeps Granard Show on the road and I would just like to say a heartfelt thanks to the show committee, to the volunteers, the exhibitors and supporters.
"They keep our event thriving year on year and without their commitment and enthusiasm that would not be possible.
"Our programme is filled with something for everyone from livestock competitions to local food craft, educational exhibits and schools competitions, childrens entertainment.”
She stated it will be a hugely enjoyable day for the entire family with new classes and new cattle sections this year.
"Our showgrounds is limited in space but we try to fit in as much as we physically can into it to cover all aspects of livestock and all that type of thing."
Hazel said the community, led by chairman Gerry Tully, puts a lot of work goes into organising the annual event.
"We have a very small committee but I suppose with every show, it's not just Granard Show, you take a break for a week and then we all regroup.”
Hazel said they then discuss the positives and negatives of the respective year’s show and all of that feeds into their plans for the following year.
Hazel said dozens of volunteers from neighbouring local clubs and organisations offer their assistance and it is a very positive community collaboration with Granard Show returning the favour.