Swinford Agricultural Show set for spectacular 35th anniversary celebration
The Swinford Agricultural Show is taking place this Sunday, August 23rd.
The Swinford Agricultural Show is looking forward to its 35th celebration this weekend as Mayo’s Premier Livestock Show returns to Cullane this Sunday.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a packed day of agricultural classes, entertainment and family fun, offering something for farmers, families, exhibitors, first-time visitors and those who return year after year.
The event takes place at the farm of Tony and Clodagh Gleeson in Cullane. A free shuttle bus, courtesy of Walsh Bus Hire, will be running from Main Street to the showgrounds between 11am and 5pm.
Thousands of euros in prize money will be up for grabs on the day. Among the top prizes are €2,000 for the All-Ireland Suckler Heifer Championship, €2,200 for the All-Ireland Hogget Ewe Championship and €1,200 for the All-Ireland Quality Breeding Sheep Championship.
There will also be €500 prizes for the All-Ireland True and Rare True Bantam Breeding Pair Chickens Championship Final and the All-Ireland Soft Feather: Heavy Breeding Pair.
Adding to the agricultural programme will be the Loose Lunging Performance Competition, along with two Young Poultry Handler classes, giving younger participants the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge.
“We try to support young farmers and give them a place to celebrate their hobbies and network with other young people who share their passion for farming,” Clodagh said.
“We are always trying to cater for the young people in our community, to make them feel a part of it and to involve them in the community and in the show.”
The Swinford Show is much more than an agricultural event, with a packed programme of entertainment planned for the day - there is something on offer for everyone.
Live music will be playing throughout the show, with trad lovers able to enjoy a performance from local group Trad Trio, made up of National Youth Officer for Comhaltas Breege Gleeson and All-Ireland-winning multi-instrumentalists Martin Woods and Luke Conlon.
David Connor and his band will also take to the stage between 1pm and 3pm for the jiving and waltzing competitions, which are new additions to the show this year.
âAdding to the entertainment, dancers from the Smith & Reilly School of Irish Dancing will showcase their skills with a special Irish dancing performance.
Younger visitors will have plenty to keep them entertained in the Family Fun area, with face painting, bouncy castles, teacup rides, a giant slide and a petting farm where they can meet llamas, reptiles and many more animal friends.
For those looking to learn something new, Dr Helen Mooney Thompson will present a fascinating display featuring Ireland’s native honeybees. She will be on hand during the day to answer any questions and share her wealth of knowledge on beekeeping and biodiversity.
Members of the Swinford Gardening Club will also be on hand to offer gardening tips, expert advice and practical guidance to keen gardeners of all experience levels.
Visitors will also have the chance to take part in a huge raffle, with a wide range of prizes on offer.
The top prize is a beautiful female donkey, kindly donated by Bill Durkin from Bohola.
Other prizes include a two-night bed and breakfast stay with an evening meal at Breaffy House Hotel, a one-night bed and breakfast stay at the Great National Hotel, a €150 Corrib Oil voucher and dinner for two at the Gateway Hotel, along with many more prizes.
As the show celebrates its 35th year, the committee has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers who give generously of their time, skills and expertise as officers, committee members and stewards.
Clodagh said the huge support from the community, local businesses, volunteers, and those who attend each year is what allows the show to get bigger, better, and stronger every year.
“The big thing for me is watching the celebrations go from generation to generation, that’s been amazing to see. It’s a staple event in the community's calendar that has adapted and evolved as the years have gone on,” she said.
“Every year we try to bring new events into it. This year, for example, we are introducing the jiving and waltzing competitions.” “Without the community's support the show simply wouldn’t be possible,” Clodagh added. “It brings the whole community together and creates a strong sense of local pride.”
