Offaly hosting first of two massive national events as Tullamore Show kicks off
Show will be quickly followed by National Ploughing on September 16-18
LOCAL councillor Neil Feighery was on-site at the Tullamore Show early in advance of the arrival of Fine Gael party leader and Tanaiste Simon Harris.
“I only have a 700-metre walk from my own front door so this is right in the heart of my home turf and it's a fantastic event. The excitement has been building for the last few weeks and what we have on show today is a showcase of rural Ireland and all it has to offer,” said Cllr Feighery.
“The mood is good in farming and agricultural circles this year. Beef farming and all sectors are doing relatively well and the best livestock in the country is here today.
“We're hoping that people will enjoy the day. It's a wonderful family event. Hats off to the organising committee. This day would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers.”
The Tullamore Show and National Livestock Show near Blueball is the biggest one-day event of its kind in Ireland and from September 16-18 Offaly will be the centre of the country's attention once again when the National Ploughing Championships take place in Screggan, a short distance away from the show site.
“Offaly is showing itself once again to be able to put on events like this and we have the National Livestock Show right in the centre of our country in what is a working farm which is turned into a big town for one day with 60,000 people coming,” said Cllr Feighery.
“The spin-off for the local economy is there. All the filling stations in the area have been busy for the last few weeks and the hospitality industry will certainly get a benefit.
“We don't have to wait long for another national event a few kilometres from here, the National Ploughing Championships, so it's exciting times for the area I represent here in the Tullamore Municipal District.”