Clonakilty Show still sets a high standard

THE meetings were had, the entries are in, the grass is cut, and the kitchen and exhibition shed are gleaming.

Everyone is ready to go for the 104th Clonakilty Agricultural Show, which takes place on Sunday, June 9.

Billed as a show that’s a platform for all that’s good about rural Ireland, it has grown from an agricultural base and is now very much a celebration for all the family.

The show’s exhibitors, trade stands, entertainment line-up, catering staff, musicians, and much more besides invest their time to attend this show every year, and they all contribute to making this a celebration for everyone.

The show is deservedly seen as one of Ireland’s leading oneday events, and is very highly regarded among exhibitors and regular show supporters throughout the Munster region and, indeed, nationally.

And the events inside the gate are all free, with the exception of the amusements and catering.

On June 9 at the Show Grounds, Clogheen, Clonakilty, the show will include its usual eclectic mix of trade stands, but much more besides.

Live entertainment will be available from Paul Kelly and Band, with a very special guest in the form of Christopher King – a finalist in Ireland’s Got Talent in 2018

A cookery demonstration with Chef Joe Shannon – Ireland’s AM’s TV chef – is also among this year’s highlights, and the theme of his demonstration is ‘ Summer Barbeque’.

This aspect of the show is generously sponsored by Clonakilty Black Pudding, organisers explained.

There’ll also be artisan food stands; a best-dressed lady competition sponsored by Donna Bella; a Strong Man Competition; a host of Macra na Feirme competitions; and plenty children’s entertainment as well.

A new event at this year;s show is a Charity Donkey Derby in aid of Clonakilty Community Hospital.

The donkey, of course, holds a special place in traditional rural life.

Used for carrying turf, straw, other farm goods and pulling carts, it was a family friend, and now it’ll be rightly celebrated in what looks set to be one of the stand-out attractions of an already jam-packed day.

The jockeys for this event will be announced before the show, and the event itself is sure to be a bundle of laughs for all concerned.

And to top it all off, as if it were needed, organisers say this is the only show in the country that can boast a multi-storey car park!