Premier livestock show attracts 40,000

Farmers and their families turned out in their thousands yesterday for the Powers Gold Label National Livestock Show in Tullamore…

Farmers and their families turned out in their thousands yesterday for the Powers Gold Label National Livestock Show in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Ireland's premier show.

There were few signs of the numerous afflictions visited on farmers this year by the weather as an estimated 40,000 people gathered at the Charleville Estate for the largest annual event in the midlands.

The intensity of the big hurling match in Croke Park would not match the fiercely contested competitions in the cattle judging rings where Ireland's finest livestock was on display.

People were six deep around the judging rings, watching the deliberations which are so important to the pedigree and commercial cattle breeders since the demise of the RDS Spring Show.

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A total of 18,000 cattle and 11,000 horses were entered in the 850 competitions, which also covered farming produce, cookery and other skills.

The threat of bad weather was never too far away from the show and Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, was busily providing on-the-spot advice to farmers seeking information on how to survive with less fodder this winter.

In the same marquee, Offaly County Council was dispensing advice on the new water management regulations, following its introduction of new by-laws last year.

Tullamore now hosts Ireland's largest show and according to the show's PRO, Christy Maye, it cost about €350,000 to stage. "We could not hold the event last year because of foot-and-mouth disease and we are extremely pleased at the return of the support today after the enforced absence," he said.

The chairman of the show society, Mr John Cleary, said he was delighted that entries and attendances were up this year.

Tullamore show had everything on offer yesterday.

One could hire a thatcher, buy a tractor, or have your palm read.

In one of the many marquees Fine Gael had a recruiting stand, proudly displaying a picture of their new leader Enda Kenny beside a picture of the other FG icon, Michael Collins.

The main entertainment of the day was provided by singer Richie Kavanagh, who was entertaining hundreds of farmers and their families relaxing under a threatening sky.

Of course, the day was not without its politics.

The IFA president, John Dillon, used the event to challenge the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, to address falling beef, milk and grain prices. He requested an urgent meeting with Mr Walsh to address the issues.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association president, Charlie Reilly, also attacked Mr Walsh for suggesting the Fischler Reforms of CAP would result in farmers being paid to do nothing.

The ICMSA president, Pat O'Rourke, said he expected to meet Mr Walsh soon to ask for more help for farmers who had suffered irrecoverable losses because of the wet weather.

Results: National Livestock Show (NLS) Hereford Bull of the Year was shown by Eamonn McKiernan, Newtown, Monasterboice, Co Louth and David and Daithi Carroll showed the NLS champion in the same breed.

The Belgian Blue NLS female champion was shown by Samuel & Gene Allister & McCann, Slieveroe, Co Monaghan.

The super heifer competition was won by an animal shown by William Gubbins, Kilfinane, Co Limerick.