ISA’s reach extends to all corners of Ireland

THE Irish Shows Association Ltd, which is registered as a company, evolved from a Federation of Show Societies initially formed in 1931.

Membership is open to all recognised agricultural show societies throughout the island of Ireland and the aims and objectives are to promote and assist in the development of agricultural shows, acting as a negotiating instrument between members and outside bodies, and liaising with Government departments and agencies in matters affecting members and show exhibitors.

They also fill a role of organising and overseeing a number of prestigious annual All-Ireland championships for horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, dogs, horticulture and home industries, linking between the major sponsors and show committees to which they allocate the heats and finals.

The ISA publish an annual shows guide book and list of judges available to decide the awards in the wide variety of exhibits to the adjudicated upon at the events.

For administration purposes, Ireland is divided into five regions namely for the representative structure, Northern, Midland, Western, Eastern and Southern with each of the regions, electing a chairman and honorary secretary to organise meeting and deal with matters affecting members in that region as well as formulating policy submissions submitted to the executive committee or to the annual general meeting of the association.

Each region also elects a number of delegates to act on the National Executive Committee, the board which consists of 27 delegates elected from the regions.

Limerick-based solicitor, David Sheahan ( pictured) of Rockbarton Stud, Bruff is reigning president of the ISA, in his second year of the normal two-year term and has become widely known throughout the country where his keen interest in the success of the show and wise guidance in many matters has made a big impact.

Catherine Gallagher of Grogagh, Grange, Co Sligo is the current national vice-president, and the national treasurer is David Devane of 2 The Lodge, Castletaylor, Ardrahan, Co Galway.

The national PRO is Co Cork woman Catherine Cotter of 43 Elm Drive, Westwood, Ballea Road, Carrigaline.