The 90th Claremorris Agricultural Show will be opened on Sunday afternoon byJames Drury, star of The Virginian television series. James, who is on his first ever trip to Ireland from Texas, will perform the official opening at 2pm. A film crew from RTE will be at the show to record the event.
Maureen Finnerty, secretary of Claremorris Show, says she has been inundated with calls from people who are coming to Claremorris to meet the legendary cowboy star. “We’ve never seen anything like the interest in his visit. The amount of calls we are getting from all over Ireland and some from England is amazing. When people ring up, they are so delighted that he is coming to this country. Many are watching it again on TG4 in recent months.
“It is giving us a huge publicity platform, and we are expecting a record crowd on Sunday. Admission to the show is just €10, and it is always a very special day for the community of Claremorris and its hinterland.” The show chairman, Paul Hanley, agreed that the arrival of James Drury in town is the chief talking point during the countdown to this year’s show day. “There has been a good build-up to this visit, and it has certainly caught the imagination of the people. More and more people have been watching the series on TG4, and it is amazing how well liked this man is as an actor. The show has always been a great social occasion for people from the town and country over the decades.” And that tradition looks set to be maintained in style this weekend. The Horse and Pony jumping will take place at the show grounds on Saturday and this gets under way at 10am.
A day full of activities
Sunday is the big day, and the committee are putting in place plans to welcome all the supporters to the showgrounds down at the racecourse. A special video of the day’s proceedings is also being made to coincide with the 90th anniversary and also of the visit of The Virginian. The committee are very grateful to all sponsors for their generous and ongoing support. The main sponsor for this year’s event is JJ Rhatigan and Co, Milltown and Tuam.
There are all the various classes for cattle, sheep, horses and ponies, which always attract major interest, and entries have been pouring in over the last few weeks. There will also be some new classes, including a fowl class. The dog show, always a major attraction, starts at 2pm.
The show will also feature a large range of classes for farm and garden, flowers, cooking and handcrafts, and also a special vintage class. For primary- and secondary-school pupils, there is a special youth section. Trade stands, pottery displays, wood turning displays, butter making, a spinning wheel, face painting, a bouncy castle, and a pets’ corner are all part of the big day.
Peter Gannon will co-ordinate some of the open-air music sessions, which will feature Gary Quinn and Thing-a-ma-Jig from County Galway, while the Coleman School of Dancing will give an exhibition during the afternoon. The Strawboys will also be making an appearance.
The penalty-kicking competition will take place at 3pm. Claremorris GAA goalie, Alvin McCallig, will be between the posts. Robert Blacoe Jewellers is once again the main sponsor for the best-dressed lady competition. The prize for the best-dressed lady at the show comes from international designer Thomas Sabo, which is exclusive to Blacoe Jewellers, Claremorris and Galway. Secretary Maureen Finnerty says the whole operation revolves around the loyalty and dedication of so many volunteers. “We have a very loyal team, many of whom undertake the same job year after year, whether it be stewarding inside or outside, collecting at the gates, or co-ordinating the results. The show day is one occasion where the community spirit of the Claremorris region can be seen at its very best.
“The organisation of the annual event requires the combined efforts and co-operation of the officers, committee, exhibitors, stewards, sponsors and judges to make it the success we have come to expect on show day.” Further details about the show can be had from Maureen Finnerty at the Permanent TSB Office, Dalton Street, Claremorris. Maureen can be reached on 094 937 1479.
