The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
West Kerry Agricultural Show: ‘Best in Show’ for over half a century
IT goes without saying that in a rapidly changing world, tradition becomes ever more important. Holding on to and preserving the customs and creations of former days is a necessary endeavour as the influx of distractions can sometimes get in the way.
One such tradition, however, that has withstood the march of the future is the West Kerry Agricultural Show - now running for over half a century in the scenic heartlands of West Kerry, and while such an event might rest in the lap of the gods, weather wise, it’ll take more than a drop of rain on a summer’s day to undo years of tradition, fun and agricultural knowhow.
Sunday, 10th July at 1pm in the Dingle Mart Grounds will host yet another spectacular show as the hardworking committee members and volunteers transfer months of preparation and organisation from paper to reality. The West Kerry Show is a popular one for people looking to enjoy all that’s great about country life, and why wouldn’t they?
Over ten different classes of cattle, lowland and mountain sheep and various breeds of pony, with up to €30,000 in Show Prize money on offer with valuable cups and numerous other side events. The sheep dog trials are a big hit with crowds, as is the dog show. And if music is your thing, the Banna Cheóil Fife and Drum Band will ensure there’s no shortage of catchy sounds on the day.
The show is also a celebration of the finer aspects of country life such as sumptuous cookery and baking delights, jams, cakes, the blooming brilliance of horticulture, arts and crafts, kiddies’ amusements, bonnie baby competitions, Best Dressed Lady and Gent - you name it, the show will have it.
It’s also an occasion when people from far and near gather to chat about farming, sport, family life and all the goings on in their locality.
Generations of people have played their part in making the show the success it is today and when the first stirrings of an idea started way back in the early 1960s, no one could have predicted it would still be going strong half a century later.
So be sure to pencil in Sunday 10th July and head to Dingle Mart and celebrate country life at its best.
Please Note: entries for the arts and crafts must be in no later than 7:45pm on Saturday 9th July (the evening before the show) as judging will commence that night. Likewise, in the cookery and baking competitions, people must submit their entries by 1pm on the day of the show (10th July). For more information about entries, contact Paddy at 066 9151293 or 086 3085100.