All set for Claremorris Show this Sunday
Image 1 of 2
David Whelan and Shane Kivlehan presenting sponsorship from Aurivo/Homeland for the 102nd Claremorris Agricultural Show to Tom Connolly, chairman, and Maureen Finnerty, show secretary, with Cormac Hanley, show patron, on left. Photo: Michael DonnellyImage 2 of 2
Laura Kelly and Jenny Grant presenting sponsorship from St. Colman’s Credit Union for Claremorris Agricultural Show to Tom Connolly, chairman, and Maureen Finnerty, show secretary, with Michael McGrath, treasurer, on left. Photo: Michael DonnellyIT'S all systems go for the 102nd Claremorris Show which takes place at the Claremorris athletic grounds this Sunday, July 31. The event makes a welcome return following the Covid-19 pandemic having been last staged in 2019. The current committee and supporters have left no stone unturned to make sure this is a truly memorable family and community event as normality returns to everyday life.
The show once again offers a huge array of features for entrants and spectators alike, including over 250 show classes, showjumping, dog show, trade stands, free children's entertainment, waltzing and jiving competition and the Turley-Duggan Irish Dancing Academy.
Star attractions include the popular fashion show with Mandy Maher, TV chef Adrian, All-Ireland Home Cook qualifier, while popular local country music singer David Connor will entertain the crowd from 3 to 5 p.m. Midwest Radio will be doing a live broadcast from the show site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
While there is ample parking space close to the show venue there will also be a free shuttle bus service from Claremorris town operating from 11.30 a.m., with pickup and drop off at the Square.
A RICH HISTORY
The first Claremorris Show was held in 1904. Since then the show was cancelled on 17 occasions due to two world wars, the period known as the Irish troubles, two foot and mouth outbreaks and, of course, the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Every previous time the show bounced back and the current committee are determined this year will be no different.
The show was held for many years in what was known as Dillon's Field. It moved to its current site in 1960.
The 100th show was staged in 2018, attracting one of the largest ever attendances at an event the parish.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Huge improvement works have been carried out both outside and within the show venue.
The L55512, locally known as the Claremont Road (adjacent to the show site), linking the old Knock Road to the Castlebar Road, has undergone a million euro plus upgrade by Mayo County Council, making it a much safer route for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.
Within the grounds, a large area has received a full asphalt surface while the first phase of improvement to the livestock showing/preparation area has been completed, with the remainder to be done in advance of the 2023 show.
MAIN SPONSORS
Once again the show has received huge support from sponsors, exhibitors and indeed the community.
Corrib Oil and That's Farming.com were recently announced as the show's main sponsors. Corrib Oil, founded in Claremorris in 1987, now employs over 1,000 staff in the retail forecourt and oil distribution business. That's Farming.com, founded by the late Eugene Dalton, RIP, is Ireland's fastest growing all-in-one agricultural news portal, headquartered in Claremorris.
ADMISSION UNCHANGED
The admission charge remains unchanged.
While all shows, including this one, are experiencing increased operating costs due to inflation and other factors the committee decided to leave admission unchanged at €10, with entry for those under 16 free. Payment can be either by cash or card at the gate.
To assist the show to meet its increasing costs and secure its future, a GoFundMe page has been set up through the show's Facebook platform. This enables any person residing in any part of the world who may have fond memories of or affiliation to past shows to make a contribution towards its upkeep.
MINISTER TO OPEN SHOW
The show committee are delighted to confirm that Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will perform the official opening of the show at 2 p.m.
Ms. Hackett grew up locally in Cullane, attended Ballindine NS and then Claremorris Mercy Convent. She later studied at third-level colleges in both Ireland and the UK.
She has served as a Green Party Senator since 2019 and as Minister since 2020. In the recent past she has traveled from her family home in Co. Offaly to compete in the equestrian classes at Claremorris Show.
INFORMATION
More information is available on www.claremorrisshow.com and the show's Facebook page, or from show secretary Ms. Maureen Finnerty on (087) 9241450.
The show office on Mount Street will be open on this week leading up to show day.