Tullamore Show cancelled for second year in a row

For the second year in a row, the global coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation of the iconic Tullamore Show.

The Executive of the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show announced the news this morning (Wednesday, May 12) with "deep regret" and said the Show would be back "bigger and better than ever" in 2022.

The organisers of this year's Show say they took the decision to cancel the event "after several Executive meetings" and added that it had not been possible to undertake the many months of preparation and planning that goes into staging the Show "due to the high levels of uncertainty that remain" as a result of the pandemic.

"All options had been examined to run the National Livestock element of the Tullamore Show. However, after consultation with the dairy, beef and sheep breed societies whose feedback was positive, some concerns were raised due to a lack of clarity and unclear guidance from the Government around outdoor events" said the statment which was issued this morning.

Show Chairman, Joseph Molloy said it was with "great disappointment" that the organisers had to make the decision to cancel the 2021 Show. "The risk remained too high, and the safety and well-being of our stakeholders is our top priority" he said.

Mr. Molloy commended the work of frontline staff and essential workers during the current pandemic, and also paid tribute to the "hardworking members of the Executive, past and present, and the numerous volunteers" who have given their time to Tullamore Show over the years.

The Show organisers also thanked the various sponsors, traders, exhibitors, competitors, stewards and supporters of the Show for their "continuous support during these difficult times" and also paid tribute to the landowners, Department of Agriculture, An Garda Siochána and other service providers who were "very understanding and helpful during the decision-making process" in relation to the staging of this year's Show.

Having faced many challenges over the years, and being forced to cancel the landmark Show due to bad weather and disease, and now the global coronavirus pandemic, the Executive of the event have assured everyone that the 2022 Show will go ahead on August 14 next year and will be "bigger and better than ever."