‘Granard Show is on the rise’, says proud president PJ Reilly

A farmer by profession, the Abbeylara man needs little by way of introduction in local agricultural circles.

A keen supporter of a show he has remained steadfast to for several decades, PJ told last week’s show launch inside Granard’s newly refurbished former Ulster Bank about his own vivid memories of a show which, on Saturday, marks its 72nd staging.

“It’s great to see such a large crowd here tonight and to see the show going from strength to strength,” he said.

“The Show always was a big day in Granard and I am going back to the 60s, 70s and 80s when the show was on a Thursday and it was up in the showfield at the back.

“The schools used to always close in the area for show day and I remember looking forward to getting the day off school to come to the show in Granard and then it moved down to Higginstown where it has been for a long number of years.

“I know it may have struggled for a few years but thank goodness it has improved no end.”

PJ directed a large slice of that marked improvement at the roles played by Chairman Gerry Tully and Secretary Hazel McVeigh.

He said their input, together with those of their fellow committee members had provided a unique service to Granard and that of its local economy by attracting exhibitors and show enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.

“They have put in an awful amount of hard work and dedication into what is here today,” he added.

“It’s part of our town and community and it takes in a large area around Abbeylara, Mullinalaghta, Mullahoran and surrounding areas.

“Once you have a good show that has a knock on effect for businesses and that is very important for our community. Granard Show is on the rise and good luck to it.”