Proud tradition continues in Claremorris

With just over four weeks to go, anticipation is building across the region as preparations continue for the 105th Claremorris Agricultural Show and Trade Fair.

The show will take place on Sunday, August 3rd - the August Bank Holiday - and the organisers say that this year's event will be one of the biggest and best in the history of the show. With a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation, the 2025 Claremorris Show offers something for everyone and is once again expected to draw large crowds from far and wide.

The show will be held at the Claremorris Athletic Grounds, better known locally as 'The Racecourse' or 'The Showgrounds'. The grounds feature a large outdoor area along with a spacious indoor exhibition centre, making it an ideal setting for the wide range of activities and attractions the show has come to be known for.

This year marks the 121st anniversary of the very first Claremorris Agricultural Show. The show began in the Hollymount area before finding its permanent home in Claremorris in the early 20th century. For many years, the event was held in what was known as Dillon’s Field, before relocating to its current venue in 1960.

Over its long history, the show has faced numerous interruptions, including during both World Wars in the first half of the 20th century, various foot-and-mouth outbreaks, and more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021. Despite these challenges, the resilience of the organising committee and volunteers has ensured the show’s return to form, with well-attended and widely praised editions in 2022, 2023, and 2024 - the last of which went ahead despite unseasonably difficult weather conditions.

The Claremorris Show Committee continues to work closely with Claremorris Athletics and Sports Club Ltd, the owners of the site, to improve and enhance the facilities, ensuring not only the continued success of the show but also year-round benefit for the local community that uses these grounds.

The show offers 275 individual classes across a diverse range of categories. From cattle, sheep, and horses to vintage displays, garden produce, cookery, arts and crafts, and the ever-popular dog show, there's a class for every interest and age group. This year’s entertainment schedule also includes 'Music in the Marquee', which proved a huge success in previous years. A second music stage is currently in the works, with details expected to be announced shortly.

Returning to this year’s show is the charismatic TV chef Adrian, whose live cookery demonstrations are always a crowd-puller. Families attending can also look forward to an array of children’s activities, including free entertainment and the always-popular bouncy castles, ensuring a fun day out for all ages.

In a forward-thinking move, the show is embracing a Smarter Travel approach to help reduce congestion and make the event more accessible to visitors from neighbouring towns. This year’s initiative includes a free shuttle bus service operating throughout the day with pick-up and drop-off points at Claremorris Town Square and the Railway Station carpark. In a further effort to promote sustainable transport, the committee is also encouraging visitors from Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, and Westport to take the train to Claremorris, where they can then connect with the shuttle service to reach the showgrounds with ease.

Additionally, as part of a pilot programme, a special hourly shuttle bus will run from Kiltimagh town centre to the Showgrounds, enabling residents of towns that do not host their own agricultural shows to take part in the Claremorris festivities.

In a sign of the show's continued evolution, organisers have introduced an innovative new feature for 2025: Virtual Class 501. This digital initiative is designed to allow participation from individuals not just within Ireland, but from anywhere around the world. Whether living locally or abroad, people will be able to contribute to and engage with the Claremorris Show like never before. Full details on how to participate in Virtual Class 501 are expected to be released soon.

At the annual general meeting of the Claremorris Agricultural Show Committee, held in early June, members took the opportunity to reflect on the success of the 2024 event. Despite challenging weather conditions, the consensus was overwhelmingly positive.

Chairman Tom Connolly extended thanks to all who supported the show last year and paid special tribute to the Corrib Oil Group, whose financial, promotional, and logistical contributions were key to the show’s success. Mr Connolly also expressed gratitude to fellow officers, committee members, and the large team of volunteers whose enthusiasm and commitment made the event possible.

During the AGM, the committee paused to remember and honour a number of beloved figures from the show’s community who passed away in the previous year. Michael Reidy, a tireless supporter and former show president, was remembered for his decades of service - not only to the Claremorris Show but to many other local organisations. Also fondly recalled was Tracey Mitchell, a lifelong attendee of the show whose father Frank and brother Ronan have both played key roles on the organising committee over the years. Sympathy was also expressed to the family of the late Tommy Joe Walshe, husband of long-serving committee member Joan (née Stephens), who had long been involved in community life in Ballyglass-Mayo Abbey.

Show secretary Maureen Finnerty provided an overview of the immense planning effort that goes into each year’s event, thanking the Irish Shows Association for their ongoing support. Treasurer Michael McGrath shared the financial report, noting that while the difficult weather had an impact, the show remained a resounding success. He acknowledged the vital role of sponsors, media, exhibitors, public representatives, and the local community in keeping the show strong.

At the AGM, officers were confirmed to lead the show into its 105th year. Cormac Hanley was named patron, with Pat Prendergast as president and Colm Kitching as vice-president. Tom Connolly was re-elected chairman, with Michael McGrath serving as both vice-chairman and treasurer. Maureen Finnerty continues in her role as secretary, and Pauline Prendergast will again act as public relations officer.

With such experienced leadership in place, the Claremorris Show is well-positioned to continue its tradition of excellence and community engagement.

The Claremorris Show Committee is encouraging residents near and far to remind friends and family, especially those living abroad, about the upcoming event. The show offers not only a vibrant mix of entertainment, agriculture, and artistry, but also a rare and meaningful opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces in a welcoming and friendly environment.

Further updates, including the full show schedule and entry forms, will be available on the official website at www.claremorrisshow.com, on the show's Facebook page, or by contacting secretary Maureen Finnerty at 087-9241450. The Western People will also provide regular updates in the coming weeks.

As the countdown continues, excitement is clearly building for what promises to be another great celebration of rural life, community spirit, and shared tradition in the heart of County Mayo.