Full coverage of the show in this week’s paper – 20/09/24

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This impressive machine, weighing approximately 20 tonnes, was manufactured by Aveling & Porter, England and was used by Dublin County Council from the 1930s to the 1950s. It is owned by Gerry Bratton from Killoe, Co Longford. Mr Bratton spent the years between 2006 and 2014 restoring it to its original condition. Also on show will be the water cart that accompanied the steam engine to supply water for the boiler. It is 150 years old.

The steam engine will be transported on a specially modified carrier to Church Street, where it will be carefully unloaded and driven through the town to the grounds of Strokestown Park House.

The engine is powered by a coal-burning furnace that heats water to produce steam, which then drives the pistons.

The steam engine will be on display at the vintage exhibit throughout the day. In addition to the steam engine, the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club will showcase a variety of tractors, cars, and machinery.

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Strokestown Show has evolved significantly over the years. This Food and Drinks Fair aspect of the day began in 2016 with 19 exhibitors on that occasion. This year, the fair will be hosted beneath a 150 foot-long marquee and has now grown to almost 50 exhibitors.

Chairperson of Strokestown Show, John O’Beirne, thanked the sub-committee, led by Strokestown local culinary legend Margaret Jordan, at the recent launch of the Strokestown Show, which was held in the Percy French Hotel.

“The popularity and success of the event, which is entering its 7th year, wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the entire committee, and it has been a fantastic attraction”.

The fair will include cookery demonstrations from a variety of celebrity chefs, including Brian McDermott, a celebrated culinary figure from Donegal, best known for his presentations on RTÉ’s The Afternoon Show. He is renowned for his dedication to promoting local Irish cuisine. Known as ‘The No Salt Chef,’ McDermott has made a name for himself by focusing on heart-healthy cooking, particularly after his own health scare prompted him to remove salt from his diet.

Daniel Willimont, Executive Chef at the acclaimed North Roscommon hotel, Kilronan Castle, will be returning to Strokestown for this year’s food fair, and the organisers are delighted that he is doing so.

After the success of winning Best Product in 2018, Kieron Moran from Moran’s Mega Jam will take to the stage once again in Strokestown to speak about the art of making some of the finest jams in Ireland.

Another well-known face around Strokestown, Adrian Gill, will also showcase some of his famous recipes on the Food Fair stage this year.

Lorraine Aspill from Daisy Cottage (Farm) Crafts will also return this year to demonstrate how to make brown bread, as well as some other favourites.

At the launch of the show, Mr O’Beirne also thanked Timea Kovacs of Healthy Bake Ltd, as well as Vinny Meldrum and Lisa Vocella of Vocella’s Restaurant in Longford, for agreeing to showcase some of their specialities at this year’s fair.

In addition to a wide range of food exhibitors, there will be a number of local and national drink exhibitors (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) showcasing their wares. Mr O’Beirne quipped that this year will feature a poitín exhibitor, noting with a smile that it was the “legal” sort of poitín.

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According to the Strokestown Show Committee Facebook page, there will be a €500 prize for the best jiving skills on display, so the committee are appealing to music and dancing fans to get their dancing shoes on and take to the dance floor.

Adding to the already exceptional musical entertainment, this year’s show will again host the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club. The club will be present on the day with a wide array of vintage cars, tractors and machinery. The highlight of the Vintage Club showcase this year is set to be a working steamroller which is likely to be particularly interesting for younger attendees.

Speaking at the recent launch in the Percy French Hotel, Show Chairperson John O’Beirne thanked all current and past committee members, paying particular tribute to former members Sean Beirne and Mary Caldwell.

Noting the importance of “moving with the times”, Mr O’Beirne thanked all committee members both new and not so new for their Trojan work in organising what he says is “one of the best shows in the country”.

“Without our committee, sponsors, exhibitors, stewards, and attendees, the show wouldn’t have survived for the last 156 years”.

According to Mr O’Beirne, the annual Strokestown Show has grown significantly over recent years with a great diversity of attractions that ensures there’s something for everyone.

“Moving and changing with the times is key to the survival of the show and the large, hard-working and extremely dedicated committee are to thank for their innovative ideas and drive”.

He added: “All our sponsors have to be thanked for their support… every year all we have to do is pick up the phone and they have always come through with sponsorship in good times and in bad”.

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A major highlight of the event will be the All-Ireland Beef Bullock Final, generously sponsored to the value of €6,000 by the Sweeney family from Corrigeen.

Speaking at the show’s recent launch, Chairperson John O’Beirne extended heartfelt thanks to the Sweeney family for their continued support and sponsorship in recent years. The Sweeney family is also sponsoring the All-Ireland Breeding Heifer Class with an additional €2,000 in prize-money.

In addition, the Greenvale Animal Feeds All-Ireland Beef Heifer Final will be a key attraction, with prize-money of €3,000. The Angus Society, long-time supporters of the Strokestown Show, will again be hosting their All-Ireland Finals at the event, offering a substantial prize fund of €13,000.

This year, the Irish Simmental Society has chosen Strokestown Show to host all of their All-Ireland Finals, further enhancing the prestige of the event. Another key competition will be the Irish Shorthorn Premium Beef Bull Championship, sponsored by the Shorthorn Marketing Company Limited, with a prize fund of €1,200.

The show will also feature the €17,000 Irish Draught Classes, and the €12,000 Strokestown Park Irish Draught Broodmare All-Ireland Championship, and the €5,000 Registered Irish Draught classes, sponsored by the Callery family.

Mr O’Beirne also noted that the show will feature a wide variety of pedigree cattle, including Charolais, Limousin, Hereford, Shorthorn, and Simmental breeds. The National Simmental Calf Finals will be among the most anticipated events of the day.

Additionally, the show will present the Breeders’ Choice Award and a section for traditional four-star and five-star breeding heifers, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue.

This year’s show will also include four All-Ireland Calf Classes, sponsored by Hanly’s Hardware and Eurospar Supermarket, with a total prize fund of €1,600. The Champion Calf of the Show will receive €200, while the Reserve Champion will be awarded €100.

Mr O’Beirne expressed his gratitude for the continued support of the Hanly family, who are well-known business and community figures in Strokestown.

Former Fine Gael county councillor and former Chairperson and Secretary of the Show, Sean Beirne was in attendance on the night and received a round of applause from the crowd.

The cattle section at this year’s Strokestown Show is set to be a remarkable showcase of some of Ireland’s finest livestock, with competitions and prizes that are sure to draw significant interest from exhibitors and spectators alike.

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One of top shows in country

The 156th annual Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show will take place on Saturday, 14th of September, at the picturesque grounds of Strokestown Park House. This year’s show promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a total prize fund of €80,000 and an expected attendance exceeding 5,000 visitors.

During the recent official launch of the show, Chairperson John O’Beirne addressed a large gathering of sponsors, supporters, stewards, committee members, and exhibitors.

Among the attendees were representatives from several pedigree cattle societies, including the Shorthorn, Limousin, Hereford, Simmental, and Charolais societies. A particular highlight will be the National Simmental Calf Finals, which are sure to draw significant interest. As has been the case in recent years, Strokestown will host a number of All-Ireland finals in the cattle classes, including the Angus Finals with a prize fund of €13,000.

Mr O’Beirne expressed his gratitude to all sponsors and exhibitors, extending special thanks to the Callery family, the custodians of Strokestown Park House, for once again providing a beautiful setting for one of “Ireland’s best agricultural events”.

In addition to the traditional cattle and equine competitions, the show offers an array of attractions designed to entertain the entire family. The popular dog show, featuring 23 classes and a prize fund of €1,000, is set to return. The sheep section, another key element of the show, will be larger than ever, with classes for Commercial, Suffolk, Texel, and Charolais breeds, alongside four dedicated classes for the native Roscommon breeds.

This year, the show will again feature a wide range of artisan displays under marquees, showcasing farm and garden produce, flowers, turf, cookery, honey, eggs, jam, handicrafts, amateur photography, and art. A highlight of recent years, the food fair – entitled ‘Flavours from the Heart of Ireland’ – will also return, promising to be bigger and better than ever, thanks to the efforts of Margaret Jordan and the show’s extended committee.

Attendees can look forward to cookery demonstrations from an impressive line-up of chefs, including Brian McDermott of RTÉ’s The Afternoon Show and Daniel Willimont (Executive Chef at Kilronan Castle). See separate item for more details.

The show will also feature commercial stands with machinery and local business exhibits, alongside the ever-popular display from the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club, which will include cars, tractors, and a working steamroller – a delightful attraction for younger visitors. Amusements for children will be available, including free face-painting and hair-braiding, although a small charge will apply to some activities, reflecting the costs involved.

Live music will add to the festivities, with a dance floor available for those wishing to enjoy the day’s entertainment provided by many returning acts. It has recently been announced that country music legend Robert Mizzell will headline the event, much to the excitement of his many fans.

All in all, the Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show 2024 promises to be a day filled with fun and entertainment for all ages. With an entry fee of just €15 per adult (€25 for couples) and free admission for children, it is an event not to be missed.

Mr O’Beirne concluded by expressing his sincere thanks to all supporters over the years, particularly their main sponsors, including the Callery, Hanly, and Sweeney families, among many others.

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Final preparations are being made for the return (after the Covid-19 ‘break’) of the famous Strokestown Agricultural Show. The 154th running of the family-friendly event will take place this Saturday, 10th of September in the grounds of Strokestown Park House.

There will be a wide range of animal classes including the All-Ireland Beef Bullock Final, which is sponsored by the Sweeney family and boasts €6,000 in prize money.  The €2,000 Greenvale Animal Feeds All-Ireland Beef Heifer Final and the €2,000 Sweeney family Breeding Heifer class are also among the highlights.

At the recent show launch, committee chairperson John O’Beirne highlighted the breeders’ associations involved in the show, and in particular the €12,000 Angus finals. The Irish Simmental All-Ireland finals, and the Irish Shorthorn Premium Beef Bull Championship (sponsored by the Shorthorn Marketing Company) will also be popular attractions on the day. There are an abundance of cattle classes.

The show will also feature a Horse Show with 17 classes, highlight of which will be the Strokestown Park Irish Draught Broodmore All-Ireland Championship with Foal at Foot with a first prize of €5,000. There are also 20 Pony classes, a Dog Show, sheep section and much more besides.

Saturday’s show will also feature the welcome return of the hugely successful food fair ‘Flavours from the Heart of Ireland’.

Among the headliners this year is celebrity chef Shane Smith of TV3 and RTÉ fame. Daniel Willmont of Kilronan Castle and Ciaran Moran and Adrian Gill will also be showcasing their skills and there will be a number of food stands from all across Ireland present.

There will be marquees for farm and garden produce, flowers, turf, adult and junior cookery, honey, eggs, jam, adult and junior handcrafts, amateur photography and adult and junior art.

Also present this year will be the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club, who will exhibit cars and machinery. Their highlight will be a threshing machine which will be threshing corn throughout the day.

This year’s Strokestown Show will also have amusements for children as well as live music.

Entry is just €10 again this year. Children will be admitted free on the day.

The show grounds will open at 8 am on Saturday, September 10th and all exhibits must be in by 10 am before judging commences at 10.30 am. Further details about this year’s event are available on 086-4066616 or 086-1079495 (Secretary).

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