Sunday scorcher at Mullingar Show
Clodagh McKeon
It was a Sunday scorcher for the Mullingar Agricultural Show today at the Cullion showgrounds after a two-year break due to Covid. Crowds gathered for the many show attractions including sheep shearing competitions, dog shows, pedigree animal showings, machinery exhibitions and bouncy castles.
It is a fantastic family day out made possible by the dedicated and hard working show committee.
Paddy Donnelly, PRO, was delighted to have the show running again after a tough few years.
"It’s great to have the show back and to see everyone enjoying it.
"Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers and of course, to all that are here to support and enjoy the event. We couldn’t do it without you.
"I also want to say thank you to those who took the time to train their animals so they could take part in the competitions today, it’s great to see."
The ‘queen of the ploughing’, Anna May McHugh, officially opened the Mullingar Agri Show at 2pm.
Ms McHugh is the director of the National Ploughing Association and said that although she and her team are busy organising this year’s Ploughing Championships for in September, she is thrilled to see the success of today’s show.
"This is what the people wanted, it’s a wonderful outlet for all.
"I’m really looking forward to today, it’s a pleasure to see all the families enjoying themselves after all the hard work.
"We worried about the weather and the attendance but there is a reward here today for the committee."
After a great weekend for Westmeath GAA, many people circled the event in pride wearing their Westmeath jerseys.
Ms McHugh congratulated the Westmeath footballers and said: "It was a great achievement for Westmeath."
The show was a fantastic family day out with ice-cream vans and face painting activities for children as well as football and trampoline games.
Around the corner from the animal showings, were flower exhibitions, arts and craft classes, baking competition entries and trade stalls that showcased a variety of businesses from across the midlands.
Later in the evening, Declan Nerney and Ray Dolan took to the stage to perform while many got up on their feet to dance in the sun.
A lot of families commented on how well the show was organised and how there were activities to fill the entire day.
The Ryall family said, "There was something for everyone today, young and old. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves anyway and so did the kids.
"We can’t wait for next year’s show."
Check out the Westmeath Examiner Instagram page to see how we got on at the Mullingar Agricultural Show.