Claremorris Agricultural Show marks 100-year milestone

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has this afternoon officially opened the 100th Claremorris Agricultural Show.

The show was last year allocated €7,000 by Minister Ring as part of an €812,000 allocation to the Irish Show’s Association to support the running costs of Shows around the country.

He said: “It is an honour to officially open the 100th Claremorris Agriculture Show. The longevity of the show is testament to the great community effort by local people over many generations. The people of Claremorris have every right to be proud of their show.

“On the 100th occasion of the Claremorris Show, we are reminded of how events like this are such an integral part of community life in rural areas. They are a wonderful celebration of local heritage and a showcase for all that is good about rural Ireland.

“It’s also very encouraging to see the benefits of the €7,000 in funding which I allocated for the show late last year. In total, I provided €812,000 for shows around the country through the Irish Shows Association, of which shows in Mayo received €56,000.

“It is hard not to be impressed by the level of community participation and support involved in these events. I want to commend the organising committee and the long established network of local volunteers. I know they have made a great effort to make ensure the 100th show is particularly special.

“It is great to witness the realisation of the funding and to see it providing such a boost to the agricultural shows that are such an integral part of our rural culture.”