'The crowds came early': Tullamore Show Chairman 'very happy'
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Traffic flowing smoothly to Blueball site as competitions underway in hundreds of livestock and other classes
"THE crowds came early."
A delighted Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show Chairman, John Keena said he's "very happy with the ways things are going this morning" at the Butterfield Estate.
"People have travelled from all over Ireland," said Mr Keena who added that the site was in excellent.
The event will be officially opened by the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon at 12 noon while the Taoiseach Micheal Martin is also in attendance.
Traffic is flowing smoothly through all the entrances to the site with shttle buses also ferrying punters from Tullamore town centtre.
A special traffic plan is in operation but Gardai have warned motorists to expect disruptions and be patient.
Up to 70,000 people are expected to descend on Tullamore for what is the highlight of the year for many people, both rural and urban.
John Keena paid tribute to all the volunteers who had worked so hard over the past four weeks to prepare the site and singled out team leaders, Gerry Walsh and Chris Slevin, and students Stephen Newton, Luke Gill, Brian Heffernan and James O'Keeffe for special praise.
He also thanked the event's main sponsor, FBD and the hundreds of other sponsors who make the Show happen each year as well as the site owners, Johnny Butterfield and Stephen and Annemarie McQuade.
The Show chief also thanked all the landowners who provided space for car parks, the patient local residents, Gardai, Offaly County Council, Civil Defence and the Order of Malta.
Among the highlights, said John Keena, is the visit of Hereford breeders who are holding their annual Congress.
In his second year as Show Chairman, Mr Keena said he is relishing the role but stressed he was just a cog in the wheel like all others involved in the show.
Other main attractions include the Country Jamboree and live music on the band stand, the Fashion Section competitions including Traditional Farmer and Glamorous Granny and cooking and baking demonstrations.
Chelsey Cox McDonald, Secretary expressed her enthusiasm for the Show.
“We are delighted to celebrate 35 years of the Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show. Our partnership with FBD Insurance has stood the test of time, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”
FBD’s National Head of Branch Strategy, Emer O’Byrne said “FBD is delighted to once again sponsor The Tullamore Show. We have a long-standing relationship with this event that goes right back to its inception 35 years ago. It is always a huge highlight in our annual calendar. "
PRO Brenda Kiernan commented: “Tullamore Show has been trying to capture what people love most about the Show but haven’t managed it! Every single thing and item makes it so special. What Tullamore Show does offer is an eclectic mix of the expected and unexpected which enthralls the thousands who flock to Tullamore coming back year after year.