Hard work made last August's Tullamore Show a success – chairman

THE hard work of members and volunteers ensured last August's Tullamore Show was so successful and enjoyable, the body's chairman has stated.

Speaking at the show AGM in the Bridge House Hotel on Wednesday night last, John Keena extended thanks to the site owners, Annemarie and Stephen McQuade, Johnny Butterfield and the team who provided music for the pre-show party for senior citizens, those who provided land for car parking, show society members, volunteers, the Gardai, Order of Malta, Offaly County Council, FRS, sponsors, in particular main sponsors FBD, Freda Kinnarney and the Irish Shows Association, the office team and in particular show secretary, Chelsey Cox.

He also extended thanks to all the sub-committee chairpersons and their teams, auditor Paul Kelly and the staff at BCA Accountants in Clonminch.

He also singled out a number of people for their work on-site prior to the show including Eamon Bracken, Christy Slevin, Gerry Walsh, Bobby Campbell, Damian Bermingham, Eric Dolan, Jim Dockery, Paul Bergin, George Smullen, Cathal Loughman, Stephen Connolly and students from Killina Presentation Secondary School.

Their work "is why Tullamore Show is what it is and why it is been talked about all over the country", stressed Mr Keena.

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At the end of the AGM he recalled those who passed away in the past year, in particular, show founder, the late Christy Maye. A minute's silence was observed by those in attendance as a mark of respect.

Show auditor, Paula Kelly, BCA, revealed the event recorded a surplus in the year of €131,212. Total income stood at €1,522,551 with expenditure totalling €1,393,761.

Gate receipts totalled €855,383, an increase of €75,000 on the 2024 figures, reflecting the increased attendance figures.

Mr Kelly said the level of expenditure showed the remarkable effort that goes into staging the show each year.

"That figure does not include one cent for all the voluntary work. If everyone was to get the hourly rate then income would not cover the expenses of putting the show together," said Mr Kelly, who was re-elected as auditor.

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A comprehensive rundown of all the sections on show day was given by Marie Neville, John Donoghue, Aisling Molly and Stephen Connolly.

Meanwhile the Tribune has learned, that despite the spiralling cost of living, ticket prices for this August's show as well as trade stand entry fees will remain at the same level as in 2025.