SUN SHINES ON KILLAG

SUMMER finally made an appearance last week and it was warmly welcomed by all who headed to Bannow for the 67th Bannow and Rathangan Show.

An estimated 15,000 people flocked to the event for what Chairperson Betty Stafford described as one of the best yet.

This year’s show included all of the favourites including over 300 trade stands brimming with local crafts and produce, Mr Kool’s puppet show, live entertainment and much more. As always, the children’s pets corner proved to be a big hit, with plenty of weird and wonderful entries. A fashion show complete with the all-important catwalk also added an extra touch of glamour to the day.

Hungry visitors eventually found themselves at the vibrant food village, where a feast of Wexford’s finest produce awaited to be tried and tested. Cooking demos led by Gopal Kawander of the Silver Fox and other big-name chefs stirred up plenty of interest from young and old alike.

A new addition this year was the secondary school cook-off which saw five pairs of young women go head to head in a series of competitive cook-offs. Each team was tasked with dishing up something tasty with only a few ingredients to hand. Rebecca Crean and Katie Hannigan from Loreto Wexford were queens of the kitchen on the day.

The Three-year-old All-Ireland Horse Final is always a hugely popular event at the show and this year proved no different as a large number of top class entries took part. This year’s winner was Rosemary Connors from Waterford with her three-year-old gelding Woodfield Xtra.

Young Michael Pender did himself proud when he took home first prize in the showjumping competition. It was a memorable moment for the 17-year-old rider, who beat off a host of seasoned jumpers to win the contest.

Francis Connors from Waterford, who is a cousin of Rosemary, proved that success runs in the family when he won the Grand Prix and the Speed Competition on the day.

According to Betty, they were thrilled with how the show went.

‘We put in so much work. It was great to see the months of planning come to fruition,’ she said.

Sinead Fitzsimons, Sarah Moore, Phillipa O’Brien, Chloe O’Brien and Emer Fitzsimons

Shannon Power, MJ Bennett and Meghan Bennett

Hugh O’Byrne, Mia O’Byrne, Ruby O’Byrne and Ula Lewszo

Lauren Hogan and Kayleigh Walker

Daithi and Micheal Martin

May Sweetman enjoying the show

Mossey O’Leary having a cuppa

Margaret Levingstone from Enniscorthy who won 1st place for wholemeal bread on her first attempt, pictured with Marie McCormack

Gary Abbie, Amy and Nicola

Adelaide and Ollie Williams