Councillors seek meeting with Fermanagh Show organisers
FERMANAGH and Omagh District Council are to seek a meeting with the Organising Committee of Fermanagh County Show after concerns it was considered “unsustainable” in the current format.
One of the oldest two-day agricultural Shows in Ireland, there was an absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but on its return, Necarne Castle became the new venue, with ambitious plans for expansion.
However, costs are constantly rising, putting significant pressures on organisers, who are struggling to deliver the event, while keeping aligned to mandatory risk assessments and safety training for a voluntary workforce.
Scaled-down measures include the livestock classes now being judged on farms, with footage shown at the awards presentation ceremony in the autumn.
The organisers are currently working on the roll-out of a five-year plan focusing on education and agriculture, drawing in children through schools and continuing work with farmers.
The issue was raised at the most recent meeting of the Environmental Services Committee by Councillor Paul Robinson, Democratic Unionist, who said: “It was very disappointing to read the paper last week and see on Facebook, that Fermanagh [County] Show is not going to go ahead this year, as such.
“It would be interesting to know what’s behind all this. It was a very big show last year, with the biggest crowd they’ve ever had at it.
“I propose we ask for a meeting with the [Show] Directors.”
This was seconded by Sinn Féin Councillor Anthony Feely, who added: “I went to the Show last year, and it was very good.
“I know before that it was scaled down, and it wasn’t nearly as good. It’s disappointing, so we have to support this.”
The proposal to seek a meeting with the Show organisers passed unanimously.