Preparations underway for Tullamore Show

The preparations for Ireland"s premier show, Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show on August 10 are well underway at this stage. The executive committee is overwhelmed by the phenomenal support they have received. The trade stand area is completely booked out, with over 500 stands booked with a long waiting list of applicants. Tom Maher, chairman, said he was delighted with this and said it was a vote of confidence in the show. The entries are also rolling in and it looks like this year will be the best ever. Other good news is that the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen has confirmed that he will perform the official opening, which is scheduled for 1pm. Indeed it is a very proud day for Tullamore and Offaly that the new Taoiseach has made himself available to open the show and it is a great honour for the committee. 'The Taoiseach has been a tremendous supporter of our show and we are very appreciative of that,' the committee said in a statement this week. The theme of this year"s show is the Country Living Showcase because it is a great reflection of country living in Ireland in 2008. With over 1,000 show classes competing for a €160,000 prize fund and 45 national titles, there promises to be very keen competition. The full programme incorporates many events, displays features and activities to suit everyone and will feature new events such as the Garda Band who will perform on stage during the show. Bord Bia has a quality mark promotion exhibition. There is also forestry and sustainable living demonstrations and exhibitions. The show also includes the best horticultural and flower show in the country, the All Ireland ISA Championships, miniature ponies, national inventions, vintage show, art and photography, cookery and crafts, American sheep dog trials, sheep, goats, poultry, sugercraft, rare breeds, Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland Garden Club of the year competition, bees in a glass hive and many other events and exhibitions, all part of what makes this show such a phenomenal success. This year with over 200,000sq ft of tented village, which will contain the indoor events and demonstrations. There will be major equestrian events and the highly popular carriage driving classes, which are among one of the finest displays at the show. There are special entry requirements this year for all exhibitors. In previous years, show-jumping exhibitors could only enter on the day but for 2008 show entries there is a facility to pre-enter. The Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show is the biggest one day event in the country and this years show on August 10 is expecting upwards of 50,000 people to attend Charleville Estate, with visitors from all over Ireland as well as overseas. With the good weather to date and with the massive entries in already it promises to be a huge success. The grounds are open at 9am on the day, 7.30am for exhibitors. Members of the executive and the chairman are asking people to come early on the day of the show. 'There are food outlets and a bar on the site and as there is so much to see people should come early to make the most of the show and to see the vast array of trade exhibits and displays,' the committee said.