Moate Show will showcase 'best of rural life' on Sunday
Final preparations are continuing this week ahead of the Moate Show which takes place on Sunday (August 24).
The 182nd hosting of one of Ireland's oldest agricultural shows highlights the best of country life and is certain to attract large crowds to the venue just off the Old Dublin Road, beside A Browne Oil (N37 W2H3).
Featuring a number of national competitions complemented by family focused activities and live entertainment, the Moate Show is a stable fixture on the Midland's social calendar as the summer season draws to a close.
Colin Doyle, show secretary, said the committee has worked diligently to ensure that this year's show showcases the "best in rural life".
"The Moate Show is synonymous with the hosting of All-Ireland competitions and this year's hosting will see the best in equine, cattle and sheep classes contest for national honours. The judging of these classes will start the day at 10am and from 12pm the gates will open to the public," Colin said.
The national vegetable championships are a feature of this year's show with 16 different classes, while there will also be prizes across a range of home industry classes.
"Now synonymous with the Moate Show, the Anthony Browne All-Ireland Filly Foal final is always a popular attraction during the course of the day and we are grateful to Swift Oil who are sponsoring this national competition this year," Colin said.
The Irish Angus Society will host three All-Ireland bull class competitions on Sunday with a young stock person class also takes place at the prime location situated on the outskirts of the town.
"We are hoping to have numerous entries for the young stock person class competition as it is aimed at 13-17 year olds who wish to showcase the cattle they bring to the Moate Show on Sunday," Colin added.
While competition is a focal feature of Moate Show, the one-day event will also provide an opportunity for the visiting public to sample the best of local produce on display at the craft market.
"It is great to have local businesses display their wares during the course of the event and we are grateful to Bernice Rafferty for her organisational skills in this regard. There will be a wide variety of crafts on display many with a focus on sustainability," Colin said.
A community link to the town of Moate remains paramount for the show organisers with Moate Men's Shed and the Moate Vintage Society hosting display stalls at the annual event this weekend.
Fresh from their Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann participation there will be a performance from Moate Comhaltas members on the live stage and they will be followed by the dulcet tones of country singer Johnny Brady and his band for a two hour set from 3pm.
"With music in the air, couples will have an opportunity to take home prizes in our jiving competition which I am sure will prove popular on the day," Colin said.
As an enticing programme schedule awaits on Sunday, Colin acknowledged that the Moate Show will showcase "what is capable of being produced in rural Ireland" also "offering many families and friends the chance to have one final get together" before the return of a new school year.