Minister hails return of 'sorely missed' Tullamore Show
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has hailed the return of Tullamore Show this year.
The Minister made her comments as part of a keynote address at the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show sponsors night on Wednesday.
Minister Humphreys also wished the organisers of the Tullamore Show well as they prepare for the return of the popular event on August 14.
The Minister continued: “Tullamore Show, along with all other agricultural shows, has been sorely missed, and its return is warmly welcomed. I commend the hard work of the local organising committee. The organisers have shown great initiative and enterprise in the quality of the programme for Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show set for August 14. It won’t be long coming around.”
This year's show is hotly anticipated given its absence over two years. There will be more than 1,000 classes and a prize fund of €175,000.
The FBD National Livestock Show will feature classes in dairy, pedigree, and commercial cattle.
During her Tullamore address on Wednesday night, Minister Humphreys also announced €700,000 in funding to support agricultural shows taking place over the coming months.
She said: “For over two and a half years, we lost something that really sums up everything that is good about rural Ireland.
“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I know that our shows are intrinsically linked to that sense of community that rural Ireland is all about.
“It is fantastic to see the return of our shows this summer and I am particularly pleased to announce funding of €700,000 will be made available by my Department to support our Show Committees the length and breadth of the country.”
Minister Humphreys added: “I believe it is of vital importance to our rural communities that we support the efforts of the show committees and the work of their volunteers. I hope that this funding will help put the shows on a firmer financial footing and provide vital support to the committees. I’m delighted to support the Irish Shows Association and like many others I look forward to getting out and about and visiting our shows this summer.”
Speaking at the sponsors night, show chairman Joe Molloy welcomed Minister Heather Humphreys, John Cahalan and all the FBD team and the many sponsors who attended the event. He also acknowledge the hundreds of volunteers for their dedication year after year and the work of his executive team and office staff. John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer, FBD Insurance, said: “After two challenging years it is testament to the ambition, determination, and hard work of the organising executive team that we are here tonight, and we thank them for their hard work and dedication. We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Tullamore Show this year. As Ireland’s only truly Irish insurance company, FBD Insurance is proud of our farming heritage and our support of the agri sector, and we are proud to be the title sponsor of the National Livestock Show.”
Full details of online competitions are available at www.tullamoreshow.com. Entries The closing date for postal entries is July 1 and for online entries in July 6.