County show wows crowd
HUNDREDS TURN UP FOR THE SLIGO AGRICULTURAL SHOW
IT’S a tradition that dates back more than 100 years and the Sligo Agricultural Show is as popular as ever.
Hundreds turned out to support the event last Saturday in Riverstown. The rain didn’t deter the crowd from enjoying the rich heritage on display in the Community Park.
Of course, a bit of healthy competition also added to the excitement with contests ranging from Most Glamorous Granny to the Bonny Baby. Animal lovers were not disappointed with classes including Horse and Pony, Cattle, Poultry, Dogs and Cats.
MEP Mariéad McGuiness officially opened the show and was delighted with everything that was on offer. PRO Imelda Ryan- Jones explained the fascinating background to the show: “Volunteers in Riverstown village have been running the show since 1994. Prior to this it had been held in the Showgrounds, which is how the Showgrounds got its name.”
She added: “When it closed in Sligo Town Paddy Kenny and the Creamery Committee here in our village made sure the annual County Show continued and 23 years later the community of Riverstown continue to work together to ensure it is a great day for the County.”
Next year will be the 110 th anniversary of the Sligo County Agricultural Show. Already preparations are underway as Chairman Michael Harte said: “We are planning our anniversary show for next year on the 21st July. Our Show is always on the 3rd Saturday in July each year, a definite date for the diary.
There was something for everyone on the day including an impressive selection of art and craft, creative cooking and home grown vegetables.
Lough Bo Equestrian Centre gave free pony rides to children while Farmyard in Your Schoolyard allowed them get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals.
Imelda said: “The RSA shuttle bus and Rollover increased road safety awareness, and the Bale Push event was a fantastic new fun addition to the annual show.”
Country music and traditional dancing kept visitors entertained. “Damien Kelly and Dominic Farrell treated the crowd to music from Damien’s new album ‘For the Love of Country’ while dancing was provided by Bróga Bríomhar,” said Imelda.
Imelda was delighted with the atmosphere on the day and paid a special tribute to all those who made it possible.
“Sligo is the 2017 European Volunteering Capital, celebrating the fundamental role that volunteers play in society” she said,
“And Sligo County Agricultural Show is a very fine example of dedicated volunteering. Their consistent commitment over 23 years is core to the success of the Show. And we look forward to many more in the future.”