Over 60,000 expected in the Midlands for the Tullamore Show

A TENTED city has been erected in a matter of a few weeks by a team of dedicated volunteers at the Butterfield Estate where the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show will be held on Sunday next.

Led by affable Show Chairman and leading dairy farmer, Joe Molloy the team of show members and volunteers have been toiling day and night to ensure that the mammoth site of pavilions and trackways comes into shape.

The Show office has also relocated to the site where staff, led by Show Secretary Chelsey Cox, are busy fielding calls and ensuring that all the i's are dotted and t's crossed for next Sunday's event.

Over 60,000 visitors are expected to descend on the Blueball site for what is the biggest one day agricultural event in Europe.

Entries in all sections have surpassed previous records and a bumper number of competitors will take part in all sections at this Sunday's event.

The Sheep Section has introduced new breeds Lanark and Swaledale and numbers in this section have increased to over 920 as have entries in the Commercial Cattle Section.

As well as record new entries the show has introduced new attractions among them the “Sustainable Livestock Village' which features awards for most sustainable farmers.

“The introduction of the village provides a relevant and timely platform for farmers to learn more about practices that can further boost the sustainability performance of their farms,” commented Show Chairman, Joe Molloy.

Celebrity chefs Neven Maguire and Adrian Martin will give much-anticipated demonstrations in the

Country Culinary Food Emporium while for the first time ever the Show will host the senior final of the ISA Home Cook Championship.

A hot air balloon display is a new feature of the entertainment section while Offaly country stars Olivia Douglas and Alex Roe will be among the performers on the main band stage.

The show will be officially opened at the band stand by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue at 12.30pm with dignitaries being serenaded to the platform by the local Mountbolus Pipe Band.

Earlier the Minister will open the Farm Safety Live Section which focuses this year on quad bike safety with several demonstrations.

Other attractions include the talks, tips and hints workshop, the national forestry village, the Experience Offaly pavilion, sheepdog demonstrations, vintage displays, rare breeds, lego competitions and much much more.

Competition will be keen in all classes in the FBD National Livestock Show with the Parade of Champions taking place at 4.30 pm.

There will also be intense rivalry in the Best Dressed Lady and Little Mr and Miss Offaly competitions while fashion shows will take place throughout the day.

Commented PRO Brenda Kiernan: “Tullamore Show is the perfect family day out with something of interest for everyone whether it is the spectators looking in awe at those amazing livestock or the wonderful cakes and breads, stunning patchwork quilts, paintings or viewing the alpacas, Highland cattle or the beautiful Valais Blacknose sheep.”

A “trade town” featuring hundreds of shops, displays and exhibits will cover all show goers needs and interests.

Trade stands cover over 80 acres and include farm machinery, agricultural and industrial supplies, garden, home and leisure, food, crafts, tourism and travel, fashion not to mention new products to the market.

Entries on the day will be taken in the Cookery, Crafts, Horticulture, Art and Photography, Equine and Dog sections.

Up to 60,000 visitors are expected at the Butterfield Estate on Sunday with parking spaces provided for 20,000 vehicles. A garda plan will be in operation with show goers being directed to their designated parking area depending on which part of the country they are coming from.

Tickets are on sale now at www.tullamoreshow.com online for €20 or on the day for €25.

See special 20 page supplement with this week's editions of the Tullamore Tribune, Midland Tribune and Leinster Express for full details of the Show.