Insipid weather fails to dampen crowds at 64th Arva Show

The rain may have fallen in plentiful supply but it did little to put patrons off turning out in force for last Sunday's Arva Agricultural Show.
Now in its 64th year, crowds once again came out in large numbers to take in what is readily viewed as being one of the most hotly anticipated agricultural showcases on the local calendar.

From early afternoon, exhibitors and interested spectators filed through the gates of the Arva Show Field to sample the delights of what this quaint, yet vibrant Co Cavan town had to offer.
Show Secretary Alannah Finnegan said the occasion, whatever about the unfavourable underfoot conditions, more than matched the expectations of organisers.

“We were surprised by the amount of people who came out and supported the event even with the conditions and forecast,” she said.
In what was undoubtedly a sign of the show's perennial success, no fewer than 200 classes took centre stage including a new All-Ireland Best Dairy Bred Beef Animal.
Besides the presence of champion animals, the day also saw a whole host of delectable treats, flowers and vegetables being displayed.
One of the most popular attractions was the presence of a huge LED outdoor big screen which showed the All-Ireland Football Final between Dublin and Kerry.

A free kids play area equipped with bouncy castles and face painting more then met the demands of a large and eager cohort of youngsters.
Alannah said while she was otherwise engaged taking down and deciphering result after result, the feedback from those in attendance could not have been more positive.
“The All-Ireland Final with it being shown on the big screen drew plenty of excitement,” she said.
“The home crafts and home industry area was well set up and was very popular and we had a steam thresher in the field too which was another added attraction.

“Then the live entertainment too had everyone in good spirits and we were very lucky to have (Minister for Rural Affairs) Heather Humphreys and Colm Markey MEP along with a number of local councillors who were also present.”
Add in the unique sounds of country star Declan Nerney who brought the curtain down on last Sunday's proceedings, it comes as little surprise why attention is already turning to the hosting of its 2024 equivalent.