Big Plans for Claremorris Show 2023
With less than 4 weeks to go to what will be the 103rd Claremorris Agriculture Show and Trade Fair on the August Bank Holiday (Sunday 6th), major plans are being put in place by the Show Committee and volunteers to ensure that this year’s event will be one of the most successful in it’s long and proud history, embracing the modern with the traditional in what is an annual family and community gathering at the Claremorris Athletic Grounds still known locally as the “Racecourse” or indeed the “Showgrounds”.
The show boasts a wide variety of offerings with over 270 show classes including cattle, sheep, horses, vintage, farm and garden, cookery demonstrations and the ever-popular dog show. Of course, there will be showjumping competitions in the arena throughout the day. While final plans are still to be announced, it has been confirmed that the fashion show with Mandy Maher Catwalk Agency and the cookery demonstration with Celebratory TV Chef Adrian Martin will return, while once again local singing star David Connor and his band will entertain the crowds from the main stage. Indeed, last year David shot the DVD for his hit song “Where the sidewalk ends” at the show – it can be viewed on various media platforms including YouTube.
The Show schedule is now available from various outlets in the area or from Show Secretary Maureen Finnerty at the number below.
National Final
Claremorris Show are delighted to announce that it will be hosting the All-Ireland Junior Home Cook Championship Final on the day in association with the Irish Shows Association (ISA). All finalists will have qualified at shows throughout Ireland over the past number of months.
A Rich History
The first Claremorris Show was held in 1904 and it has been cancelled on no less than 17 occasions for a variety of reasons including two World Wars, Foot and Mouth outbreaks and of course most recently in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Incredibly, each time, despite those unexpected setbacks, it has bounced back stronger and better than ever before as demonstrated by the success of the 2022 event. It is planned to mark the 120th anniversary of the founding of the show in 2024.
Trade Stands
Trade stands continue to be a very popular feature of shows up and down the country and Claremorris is no exception; however, due to space restrictions, only a limited number can be accommodated at this year’s event. Currently, a variety of stand spaces are still available and prospective stand holders are urged to contact Show Secretary Maureen Finnerty at the contact number below as soon as possible.
Ministers Humphreys to Open Show
The show committee are delighted to announce that Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, will attend to officially open the Claremorris Show at 1 pm. She will also unveil a plaque to commemorate the staging of the historic 100th show in 2018 at the venue. Indeed, Minister Humphreys and her predecessor Mr. Michael Ring have been particularly supportive of shows around the country, providing much needed exchequer financial support under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy.
New Features
Work is ongoing behind the scenes to add a number of new features to this year’s programme which will be announced shortly while upgrade work is being carried out on the livestock holding and showing area along with the adjacent approach area. Likewise, the Show website www.claremorrisshow.com is undergoing an overhaul in advance of this year’s event in conjunction with the website designer Trevor Nally and new website coordinator William Enright of the Show Committee.
AGM 2023
The Claremorris Show AGM held in early June reviewed what was recognised as a most successful 2022 show.
Show Chairman Councillor Tom Connolly paid tribute to all who contributed to “making it the most successful and best attended in its long history”. He particularly thanked main sponsors, locally established Corrib Oil, and That’s Farming.com for their unique contribution including financial, logistical, promotional and media support. He also thanked the people of Claremorris and surrounding areas for their tremendous support year after year.
Show Secretary Maureen Finnerty detailed many of the activities carried out prior to, during and in the aftermath of the 2022 Show. She was particularly thankful to the board and volunteers of the Irish Shows Association including Jim Harrison, the current secretary, for their ongoing support. She also thanked the members of the surrounding shows for their encouragement and wished them well in their endeavours in 2023.
Show Treasurer Michael McGrath reflected on what was a another success story, “no doubt helped by the ideal weather conditions and it being the first real opportunity after two difficult years for people to gather and mix safely in large numbers both indoors and outdoors”. He thanked all who contributed including sponsors of all levels, exhibitors, performers, local media, local and national political representatives, show volunteers and of course the general public who attended in their thousands.
Officers
All outgoing officers we re-elected for another term:
Patron: Cormac Hanley
President: Michael Reidy
Vice President: Pat Prendergast.
Chairman: Councillor Tom Connolly
Vice Chairman: Michael McGrath
Secretary: Maureen Finnerty
Treasurer: Michael McGrath
PRO: Pauline Prendergast
Updates will be available on the show website www.claremorrisshow.com and Facebook platforms.
Contact Show Secretary Ms. Maureen Finnerty on (087) 924 1450 for all enquiries