Full 2011 results are now available here online
Claregalway Agricultural Show’s 21st Birthday
It was nothing but talk of horses, ponies, foals, brood mares, sires and dams in the early part of the morning. Later in the day the topic changed to dogs, cats and chickens. Then there was talk of Rachel Farrell, the Show Queen, and the way she might look at you! Rachel looked radiant in her sash and tiara and greeted everyone graciously throughout the day. She presided over the presentation of the prizes also and was on hand for the photographs all day. It was all part of the excitement and fun at Claregalway Agricultural Show’s 21st Birthday on Sunday last. Not a word about recession, unemployment, politicians etc. if only for the day!
The atmosphere was electric, everyone enjoying themselves and happy to be part of it all. The weather was great and the exhibits on display could not have disappointed the spectators. A great crowd attended and there was lots to see and do. It was "ladies choice" on the dance floor and young and old could be seen stepping it out to the music of the band. Waltzes and jives were the order of the day. One of the sideshows "A Blast from the Past" drew large crowds of spectators, some of whom joined in the fun. The Show Queen led the way with a few tunes on the accordion. The show committee was delighted to welcome Mr. Michael Hughes, National Secretary of the Irish Shows Association, Mr. Noel Grealish, Independent Deputy for Galway West, Councillor Malachy Noone and Councillor Jim Cuddy to the show. Fr. Seamus Nohilly, SMA Fathers, was also in attendance as was Canon Richie Higgins. The committee very much appreciated that they all took time out from their busy schedules to attend the show.
Show Chairman, Val Noone, was delighted with the turnout. He could be seen around the show grounds greeting spectators, exhibitors, judges and sponsors looking every bit the part sporting a hat sent to him all the way from Australia especially for the day. "Claregalway Show is up there with the best" he said. "Thank you all for your support, thanks to our exhibitors, sponsors, judges, spectators, committee and helpers and everyone who makes it all possible and worthwhile. Long may it continue."
Previous Press Release, June 2011
Coming of Age for Claregalway Agricultural Show
This year on Sunday, August 21st Claregalway Agricultural Show will be celebrating
it's 21st birthday, an appropriate date for the celebration!
Preparations have kicked off already with the Annual Show Queen Dance which was
held in the Arches Hotel on June 11th this year. Ms. Rachel Farrell, daughter of Josette
& Hugh Farrell of Cregboy was crowned Show Queen 2011. She was presented with
a sash & tiara and a number of gifts from the show committee, all befitting a Queen.
Broderick Furniture, Claregalway Business Park, Claregalway sponsored the prizes for
the Show Queen and also a fantastic occasional table as a raffle prize.
The show will be held in Duffys Equestrian Centre in Rockwood, Claregalway on
Sunday, August 21st this year. This is an excellent facility to host the show and the
committee is indebted to the Duffy family who, year in year out, allow it to use the
indoor and outdoor arenas, adjoining fields and upstairs in the indoor arena where you
can have a cuppa in comfort and some home-made goodies.
This year's show has 246 classes in the following categories: Horses, Ponies, Sheep,
Cattle, a huge Dog Show, Fowl classes and a Pet Show. These classes all take place in
the outdoor arenas.
In the indoor arena there are classes for Crafts, Art, Photography, Home Baking, Jam,
Eggs, Flowers, Farm Produce and a large Children's section.
During the day there will be lots of competitions taking place such as: Bonny Baby,
Glamorous Granny, Best Dressed Lady, Junior Miss, Junior Mister, and Twins. The
show grounds will be a hive of activity with trade stands, side shows and entertainment
for children.
The Agility Class for dogs introduced to the show several years ago continues to attract
great interest from dog owners and spectators alike. It's a great spectacle, watching
dogs being put through their paces, over the jumps and into the tunnels etc. The fowl
classes have gone down a treat too, providing great competition for exhibitors and
exciting viewing for spectators. The Donkey Derby is usually the grand finale of the
day. It's a real fun event and very enjoyable to watch. This year the prize money has
been upped to Euro100 for the winner, and it is expected the competition will be steep. So
get those donkeys in training!
As with all voluntary run events, finance is always a major problem. It is no different for the Agricultural Show and every year they depend on their sponsors to finance the event. It would not be possible to run the show without the financial assistance they get from sponsors. They ask you to please support their sponsors whenever you can and they take this opportunity to thank their sponsors for the support they give. In the present economical climate it is difficult for businesses to keep afloat so any way you can support them will be appreciated. Sincere thanks again to all who give the show financial support.
Chairperson Val Noone said: "Last year we had a fantastic 20th show and our 21st will be better! We hope to see the local people from Claregalway out in great numbers to support this great event. This can be your contribution to keeping the show alive and we feel sure you will enjoy the day. It's a great family day out and lots for the children to do and see".
Our new website has proved to be very successful with all information, photographs,
schedule, entry form etc. available here on line.
All information about the various classes can be found in the Show Schedule. If you
would like to enter in any class just telephone Bernie Noone, Entries Secretary, at
798931 for a schedule. It's as simple as that! For information on trade stands etc.
contact the Show Secretary, Madge Fahy at 087 9180723.
The show is affiliated to the Irish Shows Association and the Irish Pony Society.
