Celebration of rural life at Tinahely Show
AUGUST bank holiday Monday is almost here and the finishing touches are being put to plans for the 2018 Tinahely Show.
The organising committee have been hard at work for many months to ensure that this year’s show is the best yet.
Now in its 83rd year, the show is a firm favourite with the people of County Wicklow and indeed across the country and spectators and participants also travel from overseas.
The show is a wonderful celebration of rural life, where culture and competition, entertainment and exhibitions, fashion and food combine to offer an excellent day out for all the family.
Heading this year’s entertainment bill in the Irish County Music scene will be Declan Nerney and his Band. A leading singer with chart topping albums and singles, box office busting live tours with army of faithful fans around the world.
Stuart Moyles will also take to the stage. Over the past couple of years the popular Mayo singer has played on music weekends and concerts for the likes of Nathan Carter and Michael English and is constantly in demand for live shows. 2019 is set to be a very busy year for Stuart with trips to Spain, Portugal Scotland, Blackpool and London along with playing all over Ireland.
There will also be performances from After Dark, Theresa and the Stars and the local Comhaltas group.
The show wouldn’t be what it is today without the Livestock section - one of the most popular attractions.
A major highlight in the cattle section will be hosting of the €4,000 FBD Belgian Blue Championships. The Irish Pedigree Belgian Blue Calf Championship and Belgian Blue Crossbred Finals will attract entries from all over the country. The Commercial Cattle Section has developed tremendously in the last number years. The highlight of this section is the Zurich Insurance Sponsored Beef Bullock or non-Pedigree Beef Heifer Any Age, Any Breed, which boasts a handsome €2,500 prize fund.
Tinahely Show and the Rothwell Family also present The Derek Rothwell Memorial Young Stockperson of the Year Championship which is sponsored by Tinahely Show Society with a Prize Fund of €2000. The late Derek Rothwell, former Chairman of Tinahely Show and the I.S.A advocated the need to involve young people in all aspects of Agricultural Shows. In his memory and fulfilling his wishes Tinahely Show are proud to host his championship for the benefit of all young exhibitors. The aim is to encourage involvement in shows and promote the showing of animals by girls and boys - the ‘Exhibitors of the Future’.
Wicklow’s great sheep tradition will be evident at this year’s show with a range of classes including Cheviot, Jacob, Charollais, Lleyn, Texel, Zwartbles and Rouge De l’Ouest. Again, the crossbred classes will attract great interest from sheep farmers near and far.
For Equestrian fans, the Connolly’s Red Mills Two Year Old Horse All Ireland Final will be one of the highlights of the day. The Red Mills Non-Thoroughbred Colt/Gelding Two-Year- Old All Ireland Championship is sponsored by Red Mills Goresbridge and offers a grand prize fund of €3,000. 6th place up will receive a Connolly’s Red Mills voucher value €75. Horse Show Jumping commences at 10a.m. in the main arena on Show day. Pony Show Jumping Competitions for newcomers and unregistered ponies takes place at 9.30am. Entries will be taken on the field with Rosettes and prizes for the winners. The Phelan Cup will also be presented in this arena.
For excitement, check out the Pony Club Games on the field in Fairwood Park! Each team consists of five members who take part in a variety of games where speed, accuracy and breath-taking skills are the norm. The Home Industries section will feature an array of baking, art, crafts, gardening and photography.
Fashion is high on the list at the Show this year so class 219 should be very popular ‘Decorated Straw Hat suitable to wear at Tinahely Show’. Other highlights will be the Poultry Section, Pet’s Corner, Home Brew contest, Craft Village, IFA Food Tent, Wool Corner, Show Queen contest, Vintage display, Dog Show, Togher Gun Club Wildlife Display, Pig Display, Court Stage entertainment, Water Buffalo, Tractor Pulling, Geese Herding, Chainsaw Art, Sheaf Tossing, Trials Ireland Bike Spectacular and the large Trade Stand section.
Gates open on show day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free parking and full food and bar facilities on site. Admission is €15 for adults, €10 for students and OAPs and free for under 12s. A family ticket for two adults and three teens under 18 costs €40. For more information keep up with show news on social media with the hashtag #Tinahely18.