Glenamaddy District Ploughing and Agricultural Show looks set to top last year’s wonderful success with an exciting range of attractions, competitions, and activities for all visitors. A dedicated committee and team of volunteers, and generous sponsorship from local businesses mean the 2016 event will rival many more established farm shows around the country.
The show, which will be held on Sunday October 2 in the Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre and 30 acres of surrounding lands, will once again play host to a top class ploughing match, an indoor pedigree and commercial cattle show, an extensive trade show, a dog show, music and dancers, along with a vintage show, threshing display, a working forge, tractor pulling, ladies’ tug-o-war, sheep display and a free play zone for children. Outdoors, the ploughing championship, an official National Ploughing Association event, while indoors, the cattle show, will be the feature events on the day.
The show was revived in 2014 and became the first ploughing show in Glenamaddy in 60 years. The area had been known historically for its well-attended ploughing events in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, but it wasn’t until recent years that an energetic group of volunteers came together to reform the Glenamaddy District Ploughing Club. The revived event is now an official qualifier on the NPA annual calendar, and the organisers have ambitions to make it one of the biggest events in the country. A new website www.glenamaddyshow.com was launched this year with all photos from previous shows and latest information on the upcoming show.
Gerry Feeney, chairman of Glenamaddy District Ploughing and Agricultural Show, said that the event had the potential to become a key date on the rural calendar. “We’re delighted to have access to one of the most ideal venues in Ireland – indeed, the Equestrian Centre here is the largest indoor arena in the west of Ireland. A dedicated committee and group of volunteers from Glenamaddy and surrounding area have been working diligently to put this top class show together and it’s great to see such a wonderful annual event emerging from that work.”
Gerry added that the show has again received wonderful support from Glenamaddy brothers Luke and Brian Comer, who have come on board as main sponsor for the last two years. “Luke and Brian Comer’s generous sponsorship donation toward the staging of this event is greatly appreciated by all involved, and I would similarly like to express our gratitude to Billy Comer for his very generous patronage also. Indeed, I would also like to pay tribute to the many businesses and families across the area who have so generously provided additional sponsorship and support to the event. We truly appreciate their support.”
The Glenamaddy District Ploughing and Agricultural Show takes place on Sunday, 2nd October. The showgrounds provide for ample parking, which is well attended by a team of stewards. It certainly promises to be a great day’s entertainment.
