It was confirmed at the launch of the 155th Strokestown Agricultural Show at the Percy French Hotel on Thursday last that the event will take place on Saturday, September 9th this year on the grounds of Strokestown Park House.
Addressing last Thursday night’s launch, Chairperson John O’Beirne said spectators will be treated to a packed programme of events once again this year.
“With the success of last year’s show, we are continuing with a one-day show again this year on Saturday, September 9th on the grounds of Strokestown Park House. As always, we extend our appreciation to the Callery family for hosting us on what is a beautiful setting for a show,” he said.
“This year, we have put all events held over two days in previous years into one day, so we have a very full programme for spectators for just €15 gate entry fee. Kids under the age of fifteen go free”.
Among the highlights at this year’s show will be the €6,000 Sweeney family All-Ireland Beef Bullock Final and the €12,000 Angus finals in the cattle section as well as the €17,000 Draught Filly classes in the horse section.
The show also boasts a top class Dog Show and a huge sheep section as well as classes for farm and garden produce, flowers, turf, cookery, handcrafts, photography and much more.
‘Flavours from the heart of Ireland’ also returns to the show this year with a number of cookery demonstrations and food stalls on the show grounds throughout the day. This year’s highlights include Edward Hayden of Ireland AM fame, Adrian Gill and Daniel Willimont, Red Bank Cocktails and Lorraine ‘the Baking Goddess’.
The ever-popular Dog Show also returns with 23 classes and Champion and Reserve of the Show and a prize fund of over €1,000.
“There will be commercial stands also and joining us again this year is the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club with cars and machinery that will be working on the day. It’s lovely for the younger visitors to see how things were done 50 years ago and indeed older people can come along and reminisce,” Mr O’Beirne said.
“Speaking of the younger people, there is free admission for those under the age of 15 and there will be plenty of amusements for them on site once again. All in all, a full day with something for everyone for an entry fee of just €15”.
Mr O’Beirne thanked the hard-working Strokestown Agricultural Show committee as well as the event’s many generous sponsors including Jim Callery and family, the Sweeney family, Greenvale Animal Feeds, Hanly’s Hardware and Spar, and Tony and Blaithin Stevenson. He also highlighted the financial support of the Irish Shows Association, Minister Heather Humphreys and the Department of Agriculture.
“Our committee has grown over the years and it was lovely to see so many young people taking their place in the committee photograph earlier on this evening,” Mr O’Beirne said.
“Some of can maybe start moving on now and letting the youth take over and maybe then our show will last another 150 years!”
