Celebrating 121 years of the Ossory Agricultural Show in Laois

The recent civic reception for the Ossory Show was a fitting tribute to an event which is a Laois institution.

To last the pace for 121 years is no mean achievement and to continue to grow, evolve and diversify to meet the needs of a changing society requires skill and, above all, committment on the part of its members.

Throughout the years the Show has benefited from a host of stalwart members and sponsors who were, and are, the backbone of the enterprise.

This tradition continues today in the hands of a very dedicated and hard working committee.

And the influx of new younger members will be key to the show's survival. Indeed, attracting new blood is a tremendous accomplishment and the committee must be complimented for their foresight in this.

The logistics of staging an event such as this year after year can't be underestimated.

It takes hard work and graft and plenty of forward thinking.

This was evident in the move from the show's old base in Rathdowney to the rolling site it now enjoys at Coolfin.

The costs of running and organising it are huge, and at a time when so much of rural life seems to be under pressure, it's a testament to all involved that a show such as this continues to thrive.

Throughout its lifespan it has built up an enviable reputation from its core livestock classes to showcasing the best of local produce and art.

It reflects the best of rural life and serves as a barometer of how well the local economy is performing.

Of course Ossory is not the only show of its kind in the county. Clonaslee Show takes place towards the end of the summer period and it too bears all the hallmarks of what makes Ossory so successful.

Shows such as these are part of our heritage and, as such, should be treasurer.