Rural agricultural shows still going strong in Sligo
YOUNG people are the future of our agricultural shows. That’s according to one of the Western Region representatives on the Irish Shows National Association Board Catherine Gallagher.
The Grange woman was speaking ahead of the Irish Shows Association’s National Conference and Banquet which took place in the Sligo Park Hotel last Saturday November 26. Catherine, who has won countless prizes at shows throughout the country including at Ireland’s biggest show in Tullamore for her home baking and preserves, is also a member of the North Sligo Agricultural Show committee.
While Sligo has five annual agricultural shows held in Strandhill, Beltra, Grange, Riverstown and Enniscrone, Catherine said show committees always welcome new members. “Young people are the future of shows. It is a culture we don’t want to see dying out. Shows have been going on a long time and have been very successful,” she said. Now a judge herself in home baking and preserves at shows nation- wide, Catherine said she has seen a lot of changes in the last three decades. “Thirty years ago the show was really for the local community. But now it has moved on and branched out with exhibitors from all parts of the country travelling and competing. You have to have variety, with entertainment for children and music; you must satisfy every age group,” said Catherine. She put some of this down to changes in transport where the traditional methods of walking and cycling have been replaced by cars.
Catherine said that what was once the biggest annual outing for the farming community has now become something of interest to everyone. She highlighted the importance of security, access and safety which would not have featured as highly years ago. While the recession was bad news for most industries, it actually saw an increased interest in agricultural shows with it becoming a very family orientated event.
Also it saw increases in sections such as cattle and dogs with new classes introduced.
Catherine said last weekend’s ISA conference will be a chance to showcase Sligo to the rest of the country with over 150 expected to attend the event. Guest speaker on the night was former Tanaiste, Minister for Finance and Sligo TD Ray McSharry. The Irish Shows Association is the national representational body of agricultural shows. It has 130 member shows across the country, north and south and is made up of five regions; eastern, northern, midlands, southern and western. It evolved from a federation of societies initially formed in 1931.
The ISA offers its members a group insurance scheme for their events as well as running championships and qualifiers at the countries agricultural shows which take place between May and October 1 every year. It also acts as a negotiating instrument between members and outside bodies. Catherine said a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make each show the success it is.
Whether it is the show’s hard working dedicated team who organise the annual event or those who train animals to compete, huge effort goes into each and every show. “A show is good for the community. A show brings business to local shops, restaurants and bars and gives many employment for the day,” she said.