The village of Mountbellew is gearing up to celebrate the 106th anniversary of its agricultural show, which will take place on Saturday September 11 in the grounds of the Franciscan College. Several new attractions have been added to the vast array of classes, ranging from children’s paintings to floral arrangements to the All-Ireland Horse and Sheep competitions.
Mountbellew Show has as its centrepiece a remarkable display of horses and ponies from around the country. “Mountbellew Show will attract traditional Irish sport horse foals (colts and fillies ) from 27 nominating agricultural shows stretching from Ballymena in Co Antrim to Bonniconlon in Co Mayo, to Enniscorthy in Co Wexford, to compete in this All-Ireland Championship,” said show chairman Frank Colleavy. “We feel honoured also that the Osmonds Eco Fleece All-Ireland Galway Ewe Lamb Competition will feature at our show again this year.”
A new addition to the show this year is a day-long demonstration of clothes colour co-ordination and grooming for the ladies. Show secretary Dympna Naughton said this new addition should prove interesting for women of all ages who would like to obtain some professional coaching on dress presentation and grooming .
Mountbellew Show breaks new ground also this year with the introduction of a goat class, which will be judged after the sheep classes are completed. Assistant show secretary Clare Cheetham said that there has been a huge effort this year to make show day a cost effective day out for all the family. “We have bouncing castles, face painting, competitions, and a host of other free side shows that should keep the toddler happy for a few hours at least,” she added.
According to chairman Frank Colleavy Mountbellew Show has a record entry already of dogs, and up to 400 dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds are expected to do battle for the prestigious Champion Dog of the Show title. “We want to make Mountbellew Show attractive, informative, and enjoyable, and in these hard economic times our admission charges will reflect this policy,” Mr Colleavy said.
Admission is only €10 per adult and free for young children. Spacious free car parks in close proximity to the show ground should ensure that the massive attendance will gain access easily. Entries for all classes close on Saturday September 4 and no entries will be accepted on the day.
