Charleville Show set for welcome return this June
The resurgence of agricultural shows across the country is a welcome and inviting return to normality. In that spirit, the launch of the 2022 Charleville Agricultural Show was an exciting event last Friday where
sponsors of the show, now running for over 40 years, were greeted by committee members in the Charleville Park Hotel.
Charleville Show is set to take place over the weekend of June 25th and 26th. At a cost of over €250,000 to stage and covering 70 acres, the 2022 show has a varied and packed itinerary of activities, competitions and entertainment planned. And, large crowds expected, the committee this year will be bringing back their one-way traffic system with ample parking in operation adjacent to the show grounds. At last Friday’s launch it was noted that the Mallow Show, taking place that day, was ‘ packed’, which could only bode well for Charleville.
Speaking at the launch, chair of the committee Eleanor Fleming thanked everyone who supports the Charleville Show year after year, while Pat Murphy of main sponsors Kerry Agri paid testament to the committee: “Some shows aren’t going to happen, so fair play to the committee for making it happen this year.”
With trade stands, catering on-site, art, baking, music and horticulture, there is much to offer all ages and interests come late June.
‘The best dairy cattle in Munster’ are promised to be on show, and the judging of these takes place on Saturday, with the highlight, the Kerry Agri-sponsored All-Ireland Junior Cow contest, set to net €2,000 for the winner. The beef section will be judged on the same day and for the first time ever, the Munster branch of the Irish Hereford Breed Society will hold their Munster Heifer and Bull of the Year competition at Charleville Show.
While on Sunday it’s the turn of the sheep, with the ‘cute, handsome and cuddly’ Valais Blacknose on display, and Howard Farms, Killavullen sponsoring the Young Handler class for the under 17s.
The Vintage section at this year’s show could be one of the best yet, as the proud owners will have had a three-year break to restore their machines to tip-top condition. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Charleville and District Vintage Club, and a cup will be presented in memory of one of the founders of the vintage section, Mr Dick Bradley.
Showjumping brings competitors to one of the few grass arenas left in the jumping circuit, while four arenas will be a hive of activity as show ponies and others are exhibited and judged, with the ‘local show pony class’ a particularly special one, being confined to riders and ponies from Charleville and its surrounds.
Both a baby show and a dog show will be held on Sunday, with hampers destined for the bonniest baby boy and girl, as well as the ‘Baby of the Show’. Old time crafts like butter-making and blacksmithing are on show on the Sunday, with the Garda Band entertaining the crowd on the day also. Crafts, needlework, baking and horticulture will ensure that attendees will have something that grabs their interest.
Last week €700,000 in funding was announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development to support the return of agricultural shows this year, with 125 shows set to benefit from the fund.