Three Longford shows receive funding support

Three Longford shows are to receive funding support of €24,430. 

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, last Thursday, announced funding of €1 million to support 122 Agricultural Shows right across the country.

The three Longford shows to benefit are;

Longford Agricultural Show €9,205
Granard Agricultural Show Society €8,525
Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show €6,700

The grants from the Department of Rural and Community Development will support Show committees in staging their events over the summer season.

Minister Humphreys said, “I’m delighted  to announce a record one million euro in funding to support 122 Agricultural Shows the length and breadth of the country.

“Our Agricultural Shows sum up all that is good about rural Ireland. They are intrinsically linked to that sense of community that our rural towns and villages are known for.

“The shows are key dates in the summer calendar and are a central point for the agri-food industry, the farming community and our local artisan producers.

“These shows are also a fantastic family day out, where people come to catch up and enjoy a truly unique experience.

“With entries travelling from far and wide to compete, the local show has something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities and competitions.

“I am delighted to increase the overall level of funding by 40 per cent this year, which I know will really help the organisers in ensuring the shows themselves are a great success.

“I want to thank and pay tribute to the Irish Shows Association, who I was delighted to meet in recent weeks to discuss their plans for the upcoming summer season.”

Longford pre-budget breakfast briefing with Minister for Finance

This year’s €1 million allocation brings the total allocated to Agricultural Shows since 2018 to almost €3.3 million. 

The Department of Rural and Community Development will work with the Irish Shows Association to administer the Scheme for 2023.

Final call for Longford students to apply for €20,000 scholarship

Welcoming the funding, National Secretary of the Irish Shows Association, Jim Harrison, said, “I really welcome this investment from Minister Humphreys and her Department, which will greatly assist in the running of our Agricultural Shows.

“Our Agricultural Shows are so important in Rural Ireland for two reasons – their economic value and their social value.

“They bring great economic benefits to our rural towns and villages. And they also bring such social benefits – which can never be bought.

“I again want to thank Minister Humphreys and her Department and I encourage everyone to attend their local show this summer.”