Offaly's Joe Molloy at the helm of Ireland's largest agricultural show for another term

The Boora dairy farmer, together with all the outgoing officers, was re-elected for another term at a meeting held immediately after the Show Executive's AGM last week.

The executive committee consists of: Chairman: Joe Molloy; Vice-chairman; John Keena; Secretary: Chelsey Cox McDonald; Assistant Secretary: Conor Camon; Treasurer: Rodney Cox; Assistant Treasurer: Tom Maher; PRO; Brenda Kiernan; Assistant PRO: Stephen Connolly.

A massive income of €1.338 million was generated by the Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show in 2023, the AGM of the body's executive was told on Wednesday night last.

Auditor, Michel Kinsella of BCA Tax & Business Consultants Ltd, revealed the event recorded a surplus of €92,036, down from €115,970 in 2022.

“Overall it was a very healthy return,” said Mr Kinsella who added that the trade stands section had a very impressive year, recording the best ever Show.

Thanking executive members, office staff and volunteers for their input into the event's success, Show Chairman, Joe Molloy said two new attractions – the Sustainable Livestock Village and the Culinary Food Emporium – proved very successful.

The importance of sustainability in agriculture was stressed by guest speaker, Paul Nolan, Development Manager at Dawn Meats, who played a pivotal role in the Livestock Village along with Commercial Cattle Section chief, Michael Dolan.

“Sustainability will be at the centre of our industry for some time to come and it needs to be be demystified,” stressed Mr Nolan.

He added: “We need to bring it down to brass tacks . . . it's about being sustainable for the environment and for ourselves.”

A comprehensive overview of the show's sections was provided at the AGM in the Bridge House Hotel by executive members Callum McNamara, Connie Walton, John Egan and Stephen Connolly.

In his address at the outset of proceedings, Joe Molloy said 2023 was the first year the Department of Agriculture and Food had their own dedicated stand which was officially opened by Minister Charlie McConalogue.

He added that the Sustainable Livestock Village proved a great success and brought together a host of groups associated with agriculture together with the Department of Agriculture.

“The second completely new section was the Culinary Food Emporium which had queues into the two marquees for the various demonstrations by chefs Adrian Martin, Odlums, and Neven Maguire, Simply Better Dunnes Stores.

Mr Molloy said all the other sections attained new high standards, standards which the Show aimed to maintain in coming years.

“The entertainment was day long and people sang and danced into the evening,” said the Show chief speculating that the dancing area may have to be enlarged in coming years such was its popularity.

The Boora man recalled last December the Show Office relocated from Church St to a unit in the Axis Business Park on the Clara road in Tullamore.

He paid tribute to Show Secretary, Chelsey Cox McDonald, Kathleen Rigney and all the team in the office for their hard work during the relocation and throughout the year.

Mr Molloy extended thanks to the Butterfield Estate owners, Anne Marie Butterfield and Stephen McQuade, and all the sponsors, in particular main sponsor FBD.

He also thanked the exhibitors, surrounding landowners, trade stand exhibitors, Offaly County Council, the Gardai, the fire service, Order of Malta, the Irish Shows Association, the Farm Relief Services, the Rural Social Scheme and the thousands of spectators who had made the event a great success.

“And we cannot forget the hundreds of volunteers who each year row in and help us prepare for this great event and who help on the day,” he outlined.

He continued: “I feel I have to mention the four young lads from Killina Secondary School who helped out for weeks before the show and afterwards – they were such an asset.”

Concluding he thanked his fellow executive members for their hard work and singled out Chelsey Cox McDonald and Kathleen Rigney for their work in the office.

Mr Molloy said that this year's Show takes place on Sunday, August 11 at the Butterfield Estate, Blueball.

Auditor Michael Kinsella said the Show had a total expenditure of €1,246, 650 in 2023 with income totalling €1,338,609.

Its balance sheet showed assets totalling €1,250,326, of which capital reserves stood at €889,836.

Tributes were paid to Mr Kinsella who stepped down as Auditor with his role being filled by his colleague at BCA Tax & Business Consultants Ltd, Paul Kelly.