Great day out for all the family

GENERATIONS of Wexford families make the annual trip to the hugely popular Bannow & Rathangan Agricultural Show which takes place this year on Thursday, July 14.

Now in its 67th year, the show in Killag, Duncormick, continues to embody all that is good about rural Ireland. It is a day to unwind and catch up with old friends, while making new friends in a beautiful setting a short drive from Wexford town.

Last year’s show attracted around 15,000 people and it is hoped that with the sun shining the crowds will be out again enjoying the day at one of the country’s best events of its kind.

The main attraction of this year’s show is the final of the Three Year Old All Ireland horse championship which will get under way at 1.30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Bannow and Rathangan Show Society, Galway Irish Crystal and Belleek China. Part of the Horse Sport Ireland National Showing Championship.

It has a prize fund of €6,000. The champion prize is €800 plus Galway Irish Crystal.

Jumping events start in Arena 1 at 10 a.m. and in arenas two, three and four at 10.30 a.m.

The Pettitt’s Novice Show Jumping Championships with a prize fund of €2,500, starts in Arena 1 at 10 a.m. followed by the National Grand Prix, sponsored by Jim Bolger, from Coolcullen, Co. Carlow with a prize fund of €5,000 and the 1.30 m Speed Class Table C. Dressage classes commence at 9 a.m. with a full entry expected. The Pony Classes are all very well supported and a great attraction every year.

Many well-known names are expected to take part and we look forward to some top class jumping.

At 5.30 p.m. 29th Killinick Harriers Inter Hunt Chase takes place.

Sheep and poultry judging commences at 11 a.m., followed by goat judging at noon. Judging for riding horses is also at 10 a.m. There will be the following cattle competitions: Young Handler, Dairy, Commercial, Irish Moiled, Parthenaise and Hereford.

For the canine fans, the dog show starts at 2 p.m., with a large entry of pooches of all shapes and sizes expected.

The Children’s Pet Corner is a perennial favourite and green-fingered gardeners will delight in the flower displays and in the advice session from members of Killinick & District Garden Club at 12.30 p.m. in the Courtyard.

The Home Industry section of the show continues to thrive and prosper with many classes for children and adults in cookery, crafts, flowers, vegetables, farm produce and photography. Children as young as four can even enter their rice crispie buns.

Every aspect of life in the country is catered for at the show. Foodies can watch and sample several cookery demonstrations from chefs Gopal Kawander, Silver Fox, (11.45 p.m.), Adrian Martin (12.45 p.m., 3.15 p.m.) and Phelim Byrne, from Séasúir, at 2 p.m. so there will be great displays of mouth watering home cookery. The ladies catering committee provide beautiful home-cooked foods on the field.

Bannow & Rathangan Show have introduced a new event which will get foodies of all ages excited in the County Wexford secondary schools cook off at 12.45 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. These cook-offs will take place in the Food Village. Enquiries can be made to 086 8301946.

There will be a vast array of Trade Stands to suit all individual tastes and pockets. Browsing the stands is a must for everyone who attends. You will see anything from a new piece of agricultural machinery or a new car to a child’s toy.

Children can enjoy a puppet show with Mr Cool at 1 p.m. and 2.15 p.m. at the Courtyard, , while the ladies can watch a Fashion Show by Wallaces of Wellingtonbridge at 3 p.m. in the same area.

Musical entertainment will be by Tony Jeffers at 1.30 p.m. and at 4 p.m. there will be a make-up demonstration with Monica English aka ‘Perfection by Mon’. To top things off there will be a show raffle with excellent prizes. At 4 p.m. there will be a fantastic display of vintage machinery and a parade.

The New Ross Civil Defence will be on duty all day to provide assistance throughout the busy event.

The Bannow & Rathangan Show committee are delighted to be associated with the Community Diaspora Tourism Initiative which helps fund community diaspora events and wish to welcome anyone who has emigrated from the area back to Killag for the show.

Admission is €8, Seniors and Students €5 and Children U16 are free.

See www.bannowrathanganshow.com for more details.