Longford Agricultural Show promises entertainment for all for this year

The Longford Agricultural Show had a fantastic launch in the Longford Arms Hotel, acknowledging their sponsors. The sponsors this year include: Homeland, Lakeland Dairies, Longford-Westmeath Farmers Market Ltd, Cultivate, EBS, Paul & Vincent Quality Feeds and Corby Rock Mill.

The launch night was sponsored by Cllr Seamus Butler. The signs of various sponsors were on view around the ballroom, with the trophies for the categories on display, including the cattle and equestrian awards.

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Chairperson, J.J. Farrell, highlighted that it was the third year for the show to take place in Ennybegs. Longford Show is one of the oldest shows in Ireland and the event is not just about farming.

“The show (which takes place on Sunday, July 6) has changed a lot. It’s more family-friendly. It is about cattle and family. The new venue is a fantastic facility. People can feel safe keeping their cattle there overnight, and bringing their children.”

He gave specific thanks to the sponsors and the volunteers who were making the event possible. Adding that extra classes had been introduced this year for the cattle, he listed Freisian and Hereford, to name a few, which can be downloaded via their website.

General Secretary Ruth McNally spoke about how important the event is for the economy of Longford and beyond.
Ruth is in her second year in the role as secretary.

“This is a huge day for the farming community and everyone around. There’s music, such as Patrick Feeney and Jack Keogh. The music is on late this year for people to enjoy themselves. It’s for everyone to have a great time.”

Olive Quinn, the craft secretary for a number of years, said that there is a €3,000 prize for the crafts. She said that the crafts include jam, honey, photography and turf.

“Every year, we try to add something new to the children’s section,” she said. “There’s poetry for children. In this day and age, it’s important for children to learn about sharing.”

Following this, Bernie White, the equine secretary, discussed the many classes that will feature.

“We have 44 classes with a prize of €10,000. It’s great to see locals taking part, as it’s a local event. That money usually stays within the county. The Longford Pony Club competes everywhere. At the Longford Show, family are there, and that’s what’s provided at a local show. That’s the nucleus of it. It’s very much a local show. It’s nice to see familiar faces and new sponsors, This event wouldn’t happen without you people. Please promote the show as a family day out. It’s a great show–it’s unique.”

Cllr Gerry Hagan, whose land at Ennybegs, Killoe, is being used for the Longford Agricultural Show, said, “It’s a giant honour to address the gathering tonight.”

Cllr Hagan continued, “We’re proud in Killoe and like to show our best. This committee and volunteers bring continued success to the Longford show. My mother passed away four weeks ago today. I’m sure the sun will shine high in Ennybegs. It’s become one of the biggest events in the whole county. I wish the show and those involved much success.”

After a round of applause, J.J. Farrell got back up to do the closing speech before the attendees could enjoy complimentary sandwiches and tea.

“From the cattle end, we have the best cattle. We have a fantastic committee. No job is too small. Thank you very much. The people outside the committee, like those who take down the gates for Gerry to return his cattle are important. The sponsors are important. Thank you.”

The committee itself has a wide range of ages, showing no signs of fading out from Longford anytime soon. The event will be on Sunday, July 6, and children are free to enter.

After all the speeches were made, the rest of the evening consisted of the late-night bar and complimentary tea, coffee and sandwiches which were served at each table. The night was the perfect effort to show how important the Longford Agricultural Show is for the community and beyond. As J.J. Farrell said, Longford has the 'best cattle'.

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Despite the rain outside, hopes were high that the actual outdoor event will be bright, fun and merry for all those in attendance.

According to the show website, activities include: tug of war, face painting, inflatables and craft display, to name a few. Everybody is encouraged to participate in this iconic, annual event, which has been part of Longford for many decades. As emphasised at the launch, it is a family event which is safe and welcoming for all.