Sun brings the crowds flocking to superb Charleville Show

IDEAL weather conditions over the two days of the 38th Charleville Agricultural Show last weekend helped swell the crowds at the popular North Cork event.

From early morning on the Saturday people poured into the showgrounds at the Pike Cross in Ballyhea and, as the sun broke through for a glorious afternoon, they thoroughly enjoyed the fare on offer.

Pride of place on the Saturday went to the farming community who showed magnificent dairy cows and calves, horses and ponies. The latter showing and jumping rings are set against the backdrop of the tree clothed Ballyhoura Hills, which were looking splendid in the bright sunshine.

On Sunday the huge vintage section of cars of all brands, trucks and tractors, static engines and of course the trade stands that follow this particular community again attracted a massive following.

The under 15 and senior musicians of Charleville’s Craobh an Rath have also established themselves as an important part of the Sunday afternoon entertainment at the show and country singer Robert Mizzell was another big attraction.

The Pets Corner never fails to please, especially the children who got great enjoyment from the animals on view, as indeed did the parents.

The presence of the Travelling Creamery took country folk back to another era and the only such vehicle in the world, formerly the property of Golden Vale, then Kerry Group, is now parked up at the Plunkett Heritage Centre in Dromcollogher and looked after by John Biggane of Charleville. John was on hand over the weekend to explain the workings of the mobile creamery to people and this proved to be very popular.

One of the indoor trade stands featured Charleville CBS, who were selling their collapsible mug for people on the go, as part of their ditch your carbon cup footprint project. The money raised by the students will go to defray the costs of the CBS team travelling to the UNESCO environmental finals in Odessa in the Ukraine in August.

The event was visited by many political figures over the weekend such as Fiann Fáil Leader Mícéal Martin, T.D., Michael Moynihan, T.D., Cllr. Ian Doyle, who was still celebrating his elevation to Deputy Mayor of Cork County last Friday, as well as looking after the horse section of the show. Cllr. Gerard Murphy was also there visiting the Fine Gael stand and meeting supporters of the party.

Above: Manning the gate were Kevin McNamara, Elaine Ryan, Hanna Mulcahy and Mike O’Rourke at Charleville Show.

Photos: Michael McGrath Right: Winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition at Charleville show was Mary Cunningham, pictured accepting her prize from the judge Anna Rooney.

Enjoying the rides at Charleville Show on Sunday were Kate, Deirdre and John Leo.

Pat McInerney with his Indian owl, Solomon, at Charleville Show.

Nollaig Donegan with her uncle Liam Ryan at Charleville Show.

John Kelly pictured with his Champion Young Horse at Charleville Show.

Sean Kelly MEP with a group of supporters on the Fine Gael stand at Charleville Show.

Paul O’Flynn of Kerry Agri Business, sponsor, presents Brian Hayes of Kinsale, Co. Cork, the winning owner of the All-Ireland Junior Cow Championship, with his trophy at Charleville Show. Also in the photo is handler Dermot Murphy.

Dan Twomey, Ellen O’Sullivan and Jack Reen from Kanturk on the Waterpower stand at Charleville Show.

Micéal Martin TD, Leader of the Fianna Fail Party, with Michael Moynihan TD, and Cllr. Ian Doyle, Deputy Mayor of Cork County with the trophies for the horse section.

Linda Shortt, Sandra Dineen and Miriam Kennedy were manning the Marymount Hospice stand at Charleville Show.

Cisly and Walter Carroll enjoying Charleville Show on last Saturday.

Cheryl O’Brien, Kildorrey, pictured with her Champion Senior Vendeen Ewe at Charleville Show.

Susan Sailsbury, Annakisha, Mallow with her dog, Dixan, winner of best family pet (any smalll dog).