Funding boost for Tullamore Show

Tullamore Show has received the maximum funding possible as part of a €1m grant scheme supporting 122 agricultural shows across the country

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys announced the scheme today. As part of the initiative, each show will receive a grant depending on their size.

Tullamore Show is the sole Offaly recipient of funding and will receive €11,410.

Welcoming the allocation, Minister Pippa Hackett said: “I am delighted that this Government is sustaining funding for agriculture shows in recognition of their importance to rural Ireland. In the midlands, Tullamore Show will receive the maximum funding and if you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to place this in your diary for Sunday 11th August. Other significant shows to receive funding include Westmeath Shows Athlone, Moate, Midlands Connemara Show, Westmeath Show Society in Mullingar and in Laois,   Clonaslee & District and Ossory Agricultural Show.

“Agricultural Shows are part of the fabric of our farming heritage and many farming and non farming families for generations. They showcase the best in agriculture but they do so much more than that for our communities: The ripples from each year’s event travel out wide and far through new connections forged, old ones reignited and the sharing of experience.

“Tullamore Show has a special place in the heart of our family and it’s not unusual for us to plan our summer’s activities around it. I wish all you are involved in organising these special events the very best for the next few months of preparation.

Minister Humphreys said the funding will support each committee to prepare for the upcoming Show Season, which takes place over the summer months.

The funding brings the total brings the total allocated to Agricultural Shows since 2018 to over €4.3 million.

Minister Humphreys made the announcement as she launched the 2024 Yearbook for Irish Show’s Association (ISA).

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “Our Agricultural Shows play a vital role in community life and raise awareness of the important role agriculture plays in our society.

“These shows are the threads that build bridges between our towns and villages, and the hinterlands that support them.

“They act as a platform for local producers to showcase their products and have become a key date in the calendar for the farming community.”