Anticipation builds in Longford ahead of 72nd Granard Agricultural Show

For 48 hours or so this weekend, the north Longford town of Granard will take centre stage in the local agricultural stakes as it hosts its 72nd annual show.

In what is undoubtedly one of most popular shows in the region, organisers have once again pulled out all the stops to ensure its 2023 equivalent is among its most comprehensive to date.

Chairman Gerry Tully alluded to as much when addressing a large and attentive audience inside Granard’s iconic former Ulster Bank premises last Thursday evening.

“We are overwhelmed with the response we have received from people and businesses within our community offering us sponsorship,” he said.

“We can’t thank all of our sponsors enough because without you our show would not exist and for that we are forever grateful.”

Tributes pour in following passing of legendary Longford ploughman

Tributes are being paid this afternoon to legendary Longford ploughman Eamon Egan, who passed away yesterday.

Perhaps not surprisingly, there were warm words of appreciation for one of the event’s perennial political backers, Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys.

“We must also thank Minister Heather Humpreys for department funding previously received to date and for future funding sanctioned together with Longford County Council,” he said.

“It is a tremendous help to us. We are in our 72nd year now and thankfully our show is growing year on year.”

Gerry highlighted the unstinting efforts of his fellow committee members as well as local volunteers who continue to play a key role in underpinning the show’s enduring acceptance among the wider public.

Controversial Longford wind turbine plan referred to An Bord Pleanála

“We are a small committee but with great drive and passion, but most of all with our immense love related to everything that is Granard Show,” he contended.

“We want our show to be one of the best in the midlands region if at all possible.

“Since taking over as chairman some years ago along with my fellow hardworking committee members, the show has gone from strength to strength.

“Sometimes I feel the volunteers and stewards can go unmentioned, but in my opinion they are unsung heroes of our show. They give their time to us leading up to show day and on show day itself and I can’t thank them enough for that.”

PICTURES | Granard glamour - students from two Longford schools celebrate graduation in style

Gerry said what marked Granard apart from other, similarly sized agricultural showcases was its innate ability to merge rural and urban life over the course of two action packed days.

“Granard brings rural to town for one weekend,” he said.

“It provides people with the opportunity to celebrate achievements and take a break from their day to day routine. Community spirit is alive and well in Granard town.”