Record number for farm families tent
ONE of the landmark attractions at the annual Tinahely Show was launched this week at the Woodenbridge Hotel.
The IFA ‘Food from our Farms’ marquee is run by the IFA County Wicklow Farm Family Committee and co-ordinated by Florence Dagge.
This year, as the show enters its 82nd year, the marquee will welcome a record number of exhibitors, the majority of whom come from County Wicklow and the hinterland and are dedicated to producing food to the highest standard.
There is as always a great variety of gourmet foods which vary from organic hot foods to artisan cheeses, sauces, oils and sweet treats. Many exhibitors will be doing tastings and giving advice on preparation. This year there will be some new exhibitors and organisers look forward to the added variety they will bring. The beekeeper with his hive of bees is very popular with young and old alike and his stand draws a crowd all day.
There are two judges appointed each year with the judging taking place during the morning. The prizes are presented to the winners in a ceremony before lunchtime. A cup is presented for first place overall and there is also a cup for the Best Wicklow Exhibit. Plaques are presented to the stands in second and third place also.
In addition, the IFA Farm Safety Competition is held each year in this marquee.
The competition is a series of pictures of farming situations in which people have to spot the problems that need correcting. Farm safety cannot be over-emphasized and this is a worthwhile exercise in alerting people to the dangers in farmyards given the fatalities that have already taken place this year on farms all over the country. There are four prizes this year – a €100 cheque, €100 voucher, €50 voucher and €40 cheque.
The committee wishes to acknowledge the generous sponsorship received from MAHealy and Sons Ltd over the years.
With so much on offer, the IFA Food Marquee at Tinahely Show is definitely not to be missed this year on Bank Holiday August Monday.