Monty’s Pass, the legendary winner of the 2003 Grand National at Aintree, will be among the attractions at the 48th Oughterard Agricultural Show, which takes place this weekend.
All week the grounds at Corribdale have been bustling with activity as the chief stewards, volunteers, and many helpers set up courses, rings, pens, tents, stalls, stages, and offices so that all is in place for the show.
This year sees a record number of entries for the ninth Connemara Pony Performance Championships, which will begin at 9am sharp on Saturday. The number of entries received reflects both the growing interest in the performing Connemara pony and the success of these championships over the past nine years. During the course of the day winners from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales will emerge in the various working, hunter, and ridden classes before going forward to the final where the supreme champion will be selected and awarded the Michael Dillon Perpetual Trophy. There are also two derbys which take place over an interesting and a challenging course.
Sunday’s Power’s Quarry International Performance Registered Connemara Pony Championship has a record entry of more than 30 ponies. Competition will also be strong as far as sheep, cattle, and ponies are concerned.
A wide variety of activities and demonstrations is being put in place to ensure that there will be something special to satisfy the interest of visitors of all age groups.
Novice sheepdogs from the west will compete for the Christy Butler Memorial Cup, and attractions over the weekend include a tractor being completely assembled in less than 10 minutes and sheep being shorn by methods old and new. Donkeys will be carefully groomed for selection of the best male, female, and foal, while others will be competing in the donkey derby. Dogs, cats, and other pets can be entered on the day and Galway Dog Club will set up a dog agility course which should be of interest to all.
The domestic arts section of the show, taking place in the community centre, is not to be missed. The exhibition will include a wide array of produce from the farm and garden as well as fruit, flowers, flower arrangements, bread, cakes, tarts, jams, sandwiches, desserts, biscuits, and butter together with homecrafts, artwork, and photographs.
On the field there will also be a selection of stalls selling all kinds of items ranging from food to crafts while, in addition to music, song, and dance, there will be the usual Bonny Baby and Little Miss and Little Master Oughterard competitions.
Admission to the grounds on Saturday is free and the show guarantees a great day out.
