69th Bonniconlon Agricultural Show is drawing big crowds
THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has officially opened the 69th Bonniconlon Agricultural Show & Gymkhana this afternoon.
The show was last year allocated €7,000 by Minister Ring’s department 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: “This year the Bonniconlon Agricultural Show & Gymkhana celebrates its 69th year, which is a fantastic achievement. It is recognised as one of the most successful agricultural events in the country and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
"It also provides a wonderful meeting point for those who have moved away to see and experience again the cultures and traditions of rural life.
“This year’s show offers a huge amount of activities that have helped it to become a family favourite. There is live music, a children’s disco and party, dog shows, horse shows, over 200 stands and, of course, the crowning of the Rose of Bonniconlon, the “Queen of the Show”.
“I am delighted that the €7,000 I allocated for this year’s show has been put to good use. Agricultural shows like this demonstrate the best of rural life and the strength of rural communities. My portfolio as Minister for Rural and Community Development gives me the chance to engage with people around the country and to see the results of the work of local communities, both big and small.
“Partnership and community involvement is vital in all areas of life. That partnership and the community spirit is evident in the small rural towns and villages across the country.
“I am delighted that through initiatives and schemes run by my department, such as CLÁR, the Outdoor Infrastructure Recreation Scheme, the Tidy Towns Competition, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme and the new €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, that the passion and commitment of local people to make rural Ireland a place where people want to live, work and prosper can be rewarded.”