Longford Show brings urban and rural life together for a wonderful spectacle

In his second year as chairperson of the Longford Agricultural Show organising committee, JJ Farrell is looking forward to this year’s event and witnessing the fruits of their mammoth organisational efforts.

“I suppose, it’s more of a big family day out and it’s getting bigger every year. There’s a lot of organising beforehand to when the show ends. It takes a good committee to make such a show,” he told the Longford Leader this week.

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The Show is in Enybegs, Killoe for the third year running on Gerry Hagan’s land.

JJ remarked, “We’re delighted with the support Gerry gives us. It’s been a brilliant venue, with great access for those attending the show. It’s top class. The whole surrounding community helps out in the Killoe area. It’s been a fantastic venue; delighted for it to be there. We get a whole lot of help.”

As a dairy farmer, the show is in his blood and JJ is proud of the deserved reputation that Longford Agricultural Show has gained nationally and apart from the hard working committee, he is keen to mention the many volunteers involved in the event.

“We have a committee involved in the entertainment, the craft, the sheep, the horses, the cattle. We have committee members in all aspects of the Show to help out. On the day, we have people come in the week before, who may not be at committee meetings, to help out, as well as after the show to tidy up after everything, which is important to keep it in good nick. We have a good few new committee members this year which has been a big help–they’ve been fantastic.”

With many sponsors supporting the Show, JJ spoke about the importance of their generosity.

“The sponsors are a big part of the show,” he said. “It takes a lot to run the show. They come on board every year. We've got new sponsors this year, too, which is a great boost. It does cost. They’re a big help in that, and they come back every year to run the ship. Thanks to them, the show is getting stronger every year.”

The Longford Show is much more than just farming based. Children are free into the show and it is an excellent family day out.

“I suppose the main feature is for the family, but it is entertainment. It is urban and rural all joining together to enjoy the show. There’s something there for everyone. We want people to remember to come back next year.”

With both animal classes and entertainment, JJ explained how the two coincide with one another during a busy schedule.
“The entertainment is all day and the cattle are around 11am. The music begins from midday.

“The cattle classes are 3 to 3.30pm. They finish with the cattle classes and go back to watch entertainment and the bands that we have. Children have a bunch of side events. Children like to be entertained.

“I suppose, the Hereford are the biggest class, and the commercial cattle are well-supported.

“All the classes are well supported among the breeds. The horse entries are up well this year. The sheep entries are open.”

JJ Farrell, who farms at Trillick-a-Temple, is not the only successful member of his family.

His daughter, Clare, is Lead Performance nutritionist with Liverpool FC who won the Premier League title.

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When the proud dad was asked about whether the Premier League trophy would be on display during the show, JJ laughed, “Well, put it this way, not this year anyway. Maybe next year. That’d be wishful thinking. Every year brings a new dimension. It’s been fantastic for Longford. It’d be great. It’s good for Longford and it’s good for Clare herself, and the family.”

The Longford Agricultural Show takes place on Sunday, July 6.