Tullamore Show 2023 promises to 'bigger and better' than ever

TULLAMORE Show and the FBD National Livestock Show 2023 promises to live up to its unofficial motto and be “bigger and better” than ever.

That's according to broadcaster Clare O'Brien who acted as Masters of Ceremonies at the show's annual sponsors night and schedule launch in the Bridge House Hotel last Wednesday.

Ms O'Brien praised the volunteers on the Tullamore Show Executive and the various sub-committees whose hard work made the annual agricultural extravaganza possible.

The show takes place on the traditional second Sunday of August (13) on the Butterfield Estate at Blueball.

As always there are new attractions in this year's show said Ms O'Brien who revealed that a number of new classes had been added to the programme.

In the sheep section alone there will be classes for a whopping 18 different breeds, outlined the broadcaster.

The show boasts a total prize fund of €175,000.

Show Chairman, Joe Molloy extended a special welcome to the sponsors whose generous support made the event possible to stage every year.

He also welcomed representatives of Offaly County Council, including Cllr Neil Feighery, whose support was also invaluable to ensuring the show's continued success.

Mr Molloy also extended his gratitude to the show's main sponsors, Irish insurance company, FBD and other bodies including Teagasc and Bord Bia for their support.

A highlight of this coming August's show will be the Sustainable Livestock Village.

This is a platform to highlight the range of practices that farmers can implement to reduce CO2 while positively affecting farm margins and profitability.

The village will also highlight supports available to farmers to implement best practice, said Mr Molloy.

The Boora based farmer recalled that last year's show had been the biggest since the event was revived in 1991 with the largest ever attendance.

Special guest at this year's launch was the respected Irish Farmers Journal journalist and beef expert, Adam Woods who spoke about the importance of shows to farmers and the entire rural economy.

Said the speaker: “Valuable life lessons can be taught in the show ring. Hard work in getting your animal to the show including preparation on everything from paperwork to the show box, learning how to turn your animal out well, learning how to turn yourself out well, learning how to accept defeat and bite your tongue even when you know deep down that the judge is wrong. Most of all lifelong friendships are made on the show circuit.”

“But everything must change, and agriculture and Irish agriculture is and will undergo huge changes in the years ahead. Our 25% reduction in GHG emissions is a huge task and one that will require all our industry, farmers, and stakeholders to work together. Climate change is here, it’s not going away, and everybody must do their bit in achieving our 2030 climate change targets.”

Also in attendance was the Offaly Rose, Alllie Leahy from Kinnitty.

Pat Gilligan, head of sales with FBD for the Midland region, said his company had a very strong relationship with Tullamore Show.

“It represents a highlight of our association with farming,” he stressed.

Mr Gilligan said the event was the highlight of the annual calendar for many people.

He added: “The show has always been, and continues to be, a showcase for Ireland’s livestock industry and is a wonderful reflection of all that is positive within Ireland’s livestock and farming sector.”