It’s that Tinahely time of year again

IT’S that time of year once again when the best of agricultural and rural life will be celebrated at the day-long Tinahely Show. Now in its 82nd year, the show is a highlight in the Wicklow summer calendar and drawns thousands of visitors from across the county and indeed from all over Ireland as well as overseas.

The rolling landscape of Fairwood Park will once again play host to the show which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 7. This year’ show has something for all the family, for those seeking to promote their agri-business, to compete in one or more classes and those who simply want to enjoy a great day out.

Judging in a variety of classes including livestock and equestrian will see attract a great level of competition as always. The Cattle Section in Tinahely Show continues to grow each year. The show has over 70 cattle classes catering for Friesians, Aberdeen Angus, Herefords, Shorthorns, Simmentals, Limousines, Charolais, Parthanaise, Belgian Blues, and of course Commercial cattle.

Numerous cups and trophies are awarded, plus a number of special awards. Qualifying events are of great importance to the exhibitor and we are delighted to be hosting some qualifying classes. All cattle classes has achieved an excellent standard and exhibitors are travelling from every county to compete for excellent prize money and the honour of winning a Tinahely rosette.

One of the oldest cups in the section is the Pasley Cup dating back to 1947 and it’s awarded for the best Pedigree Friesian not in milk. The O’Donoghue Cup is awarded for the Supreme Champion of all Pedigree breeds. The Kinsella Estates and Michael Ryan Perpetual Cups are awarded for the Champion Bullock and Heifer in the Commercial Classes.

Located as it is in the heart of a sheep rearing county- the show always caters in a big way for the sheep breeder- let them be registered breeders or the individual who has kept sheep on his land down through the years. Each year there are up to 40 sheep classes – breeds include Wicklow Mountain or Cheviot, Jacob and Cross Breeds. The Texel, Charollais and Vendeens also get a showing and this year we the organisers are pleased to introduce classes for Hampshire Down and Zwartbles.

For the first time ever Tinahely Show is having pig classes as a qualifier for the All Ireland Pig Show finals. A pig agility show will run throughout the day, this definitely will be worth a visit.