All set for Longford Agricultural Show on Sunday, July 7

It's one of the oldest continuous rural gatherings in Ireland and this year Longford Agriculture Show have created a programme that will ensure fun for all the family.

Organisers of the annual event have been busy in the last number of months as they complete the fine tuning to guarantee all who set foot on the lands of Gerry Hagan at Treanlawn, Killoe will have an enjoyable day.

The show is the 'must attend' event of Longford's social and cultural summer. It take place on Sunday, July 7.

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Last Thursday the show organisers held the official launch for the 2024 event where they announced that Longford Agricultural Show will take place on the lands of Cllr Hagan.

The committee, headed up by chairman JJ Farrell, have created a very broad programme. That committee includes general secretary Ruth McNally, equine secretary Bernie Whyte, cattle secretary John Whitney, and craft secretaries Cynthia Geelan and Olive Quinn.

There is live entertainment from 1pm to 6pm. This will feature Declan Nerney, Seamus Farrell and Brid Shaughnessy. The day will see free children's entertainment plus the Jiving Competition National Dance Qualifiers for 2025.

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Other highlights include a tug-of-war, magician, face painting, inflatables, treasure hunt, a cookery demonstration by Fiona Egan, craft displays, a huge prize fund, and lots more.

“It was a great night. It was lovely to see all the sponsors there,” Show general secretary Ruth McNally said of the launch.

Ruth told the Leader the organisers were delighted to bring the Show back to Enneybegs: “It was great last year. It's a fabulous location.“We had good weather for the show and the land was great, so we're just hoping that the weather is great this year again. We have the Child of Prague out,” the Show general secretary said.

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With Declan Nerney, Seamus Farrell and Brid Shaughnessy on the bill the entertainment line up was much discussed at the launch: “Everyone is looking forward to the music. They're all local as well, which is great. We also have a national jiving competition qualifier.”

Ruth says inclusion is a major focus for organisers: “We have a huge amount of children's entertainment this year. We're aiming to make it a real family event. Whether you're from an agricultural background or not, everyone is welcome.

“We will include people from different cultures as part of the day. There's also a mental health awareness section and Bridgeway Family Centre have a display. There's loads going on and everyone's encouraged to join us.”

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The show co-ordinator says even if the weather doesn't hold up there will still be plenty to do: “We have made every provision. If it's raining we have tents, and there will be lots of seating areas.”

Longford Agricultural Show 2024 takes place on Sunday, July 7 on the lands of Cllr Gerry Hagan, Ennybegs, Longford.

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