5,000 entries in hundreds of classes at Tullamore Show

More than 5,000 entries in hundreds of competitions and classes showcasing the best of livestock and Irish farm produce, the largest to date, will feature at Tullamore Show this year.

Minister Charlie McConalogue, TD, with An Taoiseach Simon Harris, TD, and Minister Martin Haydon, TD, in attendance, at Butterfield Estate on Sunday next August 11. Dignitaries will be entertained prior to the official opening by the Clara Town Band and the Country Jamboree will feature Olivia Douglas.

Ireland’s largest one-day show, with a prize fund of €175,000 and more than 400 trade stands, Tullamore is expected to draw 60,000 visitors.

A Speakers Corner featuring a number of agricultural experts is a new feature at the show this year, and promises to be a big attraction.

The Sustainable Livestock Village which was so popular, last year, is back again and provides a ‘one stop shop’ where key agencies work together to deliver clear, practical messages to farmers on what they can do now to boost the sustainability of their farms and highlight supports available.

The Forestry and Energy village will host a wide range of trade stands from forestry and renewable energy sectors, show an array of products, services and activities.

The Commercial cattle section is one of the largest in the show, at a record of 380 entries, and it will be the largest gathering of commercial cattle assembled for a one-day show in Ireland in 2024.

Chairman of the Tullamore Show, Joe Molloy, expressed his thanks to the sponsors, local and national, and to the 400-plus volunteers. “Tullamore Show has been a huge part of the country’s social calendar since it was revived in 1991, and we are delighted to be keeping that tradition alive,” he said.

The FBD National Livestock Show young stockperson of the year in the age categories 8-11, 12-16 and 17-26 years will be a highlight of the show. The knowledge and competency of these young people speak well of the future of Irish shows and agriculture in general.

The Pedigree cattle is the highlight of the FBD National Livestock Show and showcases some of the finest cattle on the Island. It is a testimony of the standard of Tullamore Show that four breed societies hold their national shows on the day: Limousin, Hereford, Simmental and Charolais.

There are classes for 11 breeds in total. There will be three dairy breeds on show, for more than €21,000 worth of prizes and entries have surpassed expectations this year. See tullamoreshow.com. for tickets at early bird prices (U12 free).

Sheep

The sheep section gets bigger and better each year, and in 2024 there are 21 breeds exhibiting. With an almost 1,000 entries, there will probably be breeds you haven’t seen before. The Welsh Lleyn and Lanark breeds will hold their national shows on the day. Sheepdog demonstrations will take place near the sheep area.

A walk around the rare breeds, with Highland cattle and many more on view, is a must, as are the adorable alpacas and the Notable Pig of the Year along with Pig agility exhibitions.

Horses

One of the main attractions is the Family Pony. Horse Sport Ireland have provided generous funding for the Non-Thoroughbred in hand classes, three-year-old Colt or Gelding and a Filly.

There was a surprise horse entry with Tiger Roll in 2022, and this year there will be a surprise guest of honour, retired jockey and dancer to help present prizes at the newly revamped presentation area.

Cookery, Horticulture, Art, Fashion

The highlight of the Cookery section is the final of the Odlums All Ireland Home Baking Championship; and Aisling Larkin, celebrity chef, is giving three baking demonstrations in the Odlums pavilion.

Tullamore Show hosts the Bord Bia All Ireland Quality Potato Championship Final and something we should all aspire to, The Bord Bia, 7 a day best in Season Kitchen Garden All Ireland. Chef Adrian Martin will delight his audience with his cooking skills at his three demonstrations in the Food Fair indoor.

The art and photography section includes an exhibition of local talent from brother and sister duo, Sarah and Ken Colton.

The fashion marquee will host three fashion shows, starting at 10.30am, with fashions from a list of top class boutiques and the famous Maher modelling agency.

Poultry

The noisiest marquee will surely be poultry, which will have the finest birds in the country. Vying for the Connolly Redmills All-Ireland which will draw breeders from the four corners of our Isle.