Longford Agricultural Show builds on 119 years of experience

Last year's return of the Longford Agricultural Show was a phenomenal success as people from far and wide congregated at the Plunkett family farm at Lisnamuck.

The annual show returned after being cancelled for two years running due to Covid-19. That day was a wonderful achievement for the organisers.

This year Longford Agriculture Show hopes to emulate that success with a packed programme for those who attend.

Chairperson Charlie Murphy says the committee will build on the excitement of last year's show: “It was a very special day, there was a real 'feel good factor' about it. The country was coming back to life after Covid. We provided an excellent town and country show for them.”

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To achieve the heights of last year takes a good deal of organisation. The range of entertainment on the day is impressive.

The live stage will see performances from Stuart Moyles, Brid O’Shaughnessy, Caillín Joe, Seamus Farrell, and dancing with All Ireland National Jiving Championship Qualifier, Ger Butler.

Other entertainments include a falconry exhibition, cookery demonstration, a magician, treasure hunt, colouring competition, and the trade stands.

Charlie says that variety is part of the appeal of the event: “Longford Agriculture Show is recognised as a great family fun day out.”

The showjumping competitions, where jumpers contest for well known trophies like the Longford Arms Cup and the Frank Kilkenny Cup, are always a big draw, thrilling the crowds.

The new venue was the site of Longford Ploughing in 2010. That venture saw over 6,000 people attend, and the Longford Agricultural Show hoping for an equally successful day.

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“This year the diversity is huge. We have numerous classes, including the cattle, sheep and horse classes. There are a huge amount of trade stands. We are delighted to welcome a new main sponsor, a new landowner and we are really looking forward to a special day out,” Charlie told the Leader.

Other features of the day are a Fiona Egan Cookery Demonstration, air dry clay sculpting, and a number of craft displays.
There will be refreshments and free parking on site.

This year the Longford Agricultural Show will promote Creative Longford at the show as small scale creative artisans in the County and the surrounding areas come along and promote and sell their products.

The Longford Agricultural show will take place on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Treanlawn, Killoe.