'Vital' Laois agri shows get funding help from Governent

The main agricultural shows in Laois have received public funding to help run this year's events.

A total of €12,610 is on the way to support the Clonaslee & District Show and the Ossory Agricultural Show, Rathdowney in 2024.

The Clonaslee event will receive €8,350 and Ossory Show, which is held in Rathdowney, will receive €4,260. 

Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State Sean Fleming welcomed the funding from Government which he said would contribute to the running costs in 2024.

"The local Shows in Laois are vital in showcasing rural community life. They are great social and agricultural events with lots of activities. Many local producers and businesses also get the opportunity to exhibit their products. More below picture.

Laois Belgian Blue winners at the Ossory Show in 2022. Pic: Alf Harvey

"I would encourage everyone to go along to these two Shows in Laois this summer, he said.

The funds were announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys on March 22 as part of a €1 million fund support 122 Agricultural Shows right across the country. Each show will receive a grant of €6,000-€11,000 depending on their size.

A statement from her department said the wound would support each committee to prepare for the upcoming Show Season over the summer.

The funding brings the total brings the total allocated to our Agricultural Shows since 2018 to over €4.3 million.