Published: Friday, 30th July, 2010 1:20pm

It's Tullamore Show time!

The Tullamore Show & AIB National Livestock Show will take a major new step forward this year with the introduction of a gold medal for all the National Livestock Show champions.

This highly contested competition attracts contestants from all over Ireland and should ensure very keen competition in Butterfield Estate, Tullamore, on Sunday, August 8.

The Gold Medal was launched at AIB Bank Centre this week when plans for the show were being finalised.

The first recipients of the AIB National Livestock Show Gold Medal will be presented in the main livestock arena during the Parade of Champions on the Sunday evening.

A silver medal will be presented to the reserve champions.

These medals, which are being specifically commissioned for the show, will draw the crème de la crème of Irish Livestock to Tullamore, where an international team of judges will decide on the eventual winners.

The programme this year will also include the Irish Limousin 21st National Limousin Championships. Twenty classes in the Limousin section, one of the premier beef breeds in Ireland, will be decided on the day involving exhibitors competing from all parts of the country.

Commenting on the launch, Michael Dowling, Head of Agri Strategy AIB, said the bank was delighted to continue its association with this prestigious show. He commended the committee on the introduction of the gold medal which in time will become a hallmark of excellence in livestock production.

Last year, the event broke all records with upwards of 50,000 people in attendance and with over 650 trade and machinery stands. Visitors from UK, Germany, Canada and Austria are also expected this year.

Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show, takes place on 260 acres at Butterfield Estate, Blueball, Tullamore, which is 3km outside Tullamore on the N52 near Blueball.

The major new Tullamore bypass, which is now open, will greatly help the National Show this year, as it arrives near the entrance of the show grounds.

This annual event is the highlight of the summer for the farming world and is the ultimate country lifestyle showcase.

There will be very keen competition in 1000 classes for a prize fund of €160,000, as well as 42 National titles up for grabs in the AIB National Livestock Show classes.

Amongst the 1000 showcases this year will be floral and quilting displays as well as national invention awards, dog show, rare breeds, business arcade, vintage show, steam engines, carriage driving, show jumping, horticulture, miniature ponies and hundreds of other events. This year for the first time, the show will also feature a special cookery demonstration featuring Nevin Maguire in conjunction with Bord Bia.

Trade applications close at the end of June and the schedule of classes will be available mid June.

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