Tullamore Show welcomes over 70,000 to Butterfield Estate

As the crowds departed the sprawling Butterfield Estate site in Blueball on Sunday evening marking the end of Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show, organisers said this year's attendance was "bigger than last year".

Speaking to the Offaly Independent on Monday morning, Tullamore Show chairperson John Keena said there was a "massive turnout" with he believed "over 70,000" attending the 35th edition of Ireland’s premier agricultural showcase.

The chairperson said the site was "extremely busy" from an early hour as patrons travelled from across the country to attend the show.

"There was a real festival atmosphere as farmers and their families enjoyed the variety of events and attractions on offer," Keena said.

The event was officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, and with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin also attending, the chairperson said there was a "little more pressure than usual" on the organising committee.

A packed programme schedule featured the FBD National Livestock Show, top-class livestock competitions, trade exhibitions, food, fashion, live music and family entertainment.

When asked to select his own personal highlight of the Tullamore Show, the chairperson said he was impressed with the "high quality" available to patrons at the commercial stalls across the site.

He also praised the support of volunteers, "in all their respective roles" who ensured the event "ran smoothly".