All roads lead to Moate Show on Sunday next
One of the oldest and most renowned agricultural shows in the country, Moate Show, takes place this Sunday, August 25, and the full programme of events promises something for everyone.
Ths year marks the 181st year for Moate Show, which takes place on a spacious site right beside AB Oil on the Dublin Road. The showgrounds will open at 8am on Sunday morning, with all competitions being judged at 10am for the various categories.
This year, the Moate Show Committee is delighted to host the Irish Championships of the National Vegetable Society, which has some 2,000 members. The group includes members who grow for the table as well as those who “grow for show” and they thrive on helping growers produce better quality vegetables by sharing tips and advice and encourage and support those new to vegetable growing.
Show Secretary, Colin Doyle, is strongly advising visitors to Moate Show to come along to the National Vegetable Society tent on Sunday where he says they will be “mesmerised by the range of vegetables on display.” With members from all parts of Ireland and overseas, a visit to the National Vegetable Society tent is an absolute must.
The society is hosting the Irish Championships at Moate Show and all the exhibits are grown by NVS members, as well as the Moate Vegetable Show which is open to all exhibitors.
These two shows come together as one to showcase beautifully-grown vegetables. Members of the NVS will be on hand to answer any vegetable growing queries.
The Judge for the Irish Vegetable Championships will be none other than Medwyn Williams from Wales.
Accompanying him as a distinguished guest will be his wife, Gwenda, both are renowned for their incredible achievement of winning 13 consecutive gold medals at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
Their expertise and experience in the world of horticulture will bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the competition.
Also a must for dog lovers is the annual Dog Show, which gets underway at 1pm on Sunday. Entries will be taken from 12 noon, and the organisers are expecting a big entry for this very popular event.
Music lovers will be delighted to learn that the ever-popular Cliona Hagan and the Sheerin Family Band will be on stage at Moate Show from 3pm for two hours. Their music slot will be preceded by a jiving competition, with cash prizes for the first three winning couples. Mike Hiney will judge the jiving competition, and a full dancefloor has been set up in the showgrounds. Music for the jiving competition will be provided by the Cowboy Roadshow.
This year's Moate Show will also feature a Summer Market where visitors will be able to browse through a showcase of wares from small local businesses, crafters and traders, and make their purchases.
Colin Doyle says the show committee have been working very hard behind the scenes over the past number of months with the aim of providing a community day to be enjoyed by all the family, young and old alike. They have even included a special area for children with a number of ground games to keep the little ones entertained.
Moate Men's Shed and the Moate Vintage Society will also be in attendance and will be showcasing their work throughout the day.
Admission to the 181st Moate Show is €15 for adults, €10 for OAP's and children go free.
The organisers are hoping for a huge turnout for Moate Show on Sunday, and blue skies, so why not bring the family along for a fun-filled day with something to suit all ages and interests.