South Mayo community prepares for one of its annual highlights

The 74th Ballinrobe Agricultural Show was officially launched in O’Malley’s Bar, Ballinrobe, and this year’s event promises to be another special occasion for the town.

As is the norm at this time of year, the show committee is working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place and that the Ballinrobe show is once again up there with the best in the country.

It promises to be a great occasion, with plenty of events for all the family.

Ballinrobe Agricultural Show takes place at Ballinrobe Racecourse on Sunday, September 6.

Classes include horses, ponies, dressage, showjumping, cattle, sheep, dogs, fowl, farm and garden, turf, flowers, cookery, home-craft, tug of war, art and children’s section, photography, writing competition (the Maura Varley memorial short story competition for both adults and children), and trade stands.

Its indoor section is spectacular and includes culinary delights, farm produce, handcrafts, flowers, herbs, cookery, jam and much more.

Ballinrobe Agricultural Show committee member and show sponsor Eugene O’Malley said they have an excellent facility to stage the ever-popular event.

“Ballinrobe Racecourse is a fabulous setting, and I would say that we probably have one of the best facilities for an agricultural show in the country.

"Those attending also have a great view from the stand as they can see the various ponies and cattle classes. There are also quite a number of trade stalls this year.

“It is hard to believe that this will be our 14th year having the show take place at the racecourse and there have been some great memories over that time.

"I remember the first year we held the show there and the racecourse looked an awful big arena, but thankfully the show has grown into the venue, and it has afforded us the opportunity to hold extra events.

“Next year is our 75th anniversary and we will have plenty of extra events for that special milestone - and the planning for that will commence a few weeks after this year’s show has concluded.”

The show committee do a trojan amount of work each year. Anne O’Malley has been the show’s secretary for 13 years and is a prime example of the committee’s dedication and commitment.

Eugene also had special praise for the community effort and the way that the people of Ballinrobe get behind the show every year.

“The help we receive from the Ballinrobe community every year is terrific, and we have so many volunteers who turn up on the day and help with car parking and stewarding. Those volunteers might be only here for two hours, or three hours, but they all play very important roles in the running of the event.

“There is something for everybody on the day and it is a great family occasion. Over the last couple of years, we have introduced the jiving and waltzing competition, which is sponsored by Dancing at The Crossroads, Cong, (Marilyn and Paddy McTigue) and that will take place at 2 p.m.

“This year, we will also have traditional music from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Alan Murphy’s Academy of Irish Dance will also be performing on the day in the marquee.”

Ballinrobe Show chairperson Lyndon McGrath highlighted the important role of the sponsors.

“We had a brilliant show last year and around 7,000 people attended that event. We have one of the best facilities in the country for our show and we are grateful for the support of Ballinrobe Racecourse manager John Flannelly.

“I would also like to thank all of our sponsors as our show wouldn’t take place without sponsorship. The amount of work that our committee put in behind the scenes is unbelievable.”

On the day of the show launch, Ballinrobe native Rebecca McGrath, of Ballyjennings Stables, who is Lyndon’s niece, secured a top 3 podium spot at the Dressage Ireland Youth National Championship held in Northern Ireland.

Rebecca also made her junior international debut for Ireland last June at the Wellington Dressage Show in the UK.

Lyndon said he was proud of her efforts and that this is a boost for showjumping in Ballinrobe.

“The showjumping event at the show has been steadily improving and increasing year on year and that has really taken off. Our show classes and Connemara ponies are terrific, and we have a very big catchment area in Ballinrobe.

“Today, we received the news that Rebecaa McGrath, who is my niece, finished in third spot in the Dressage Ireland Youth National Championship. Hopefully that will be a boost to all those new to showjumping.”

Lyndon added that there have been great family connections involved in the show down through the years.

“There are great family connections with the event and that baton has been passed on over the years.”

Ballinrobe Racecourse manager John Flannelly said: “We are delighted to be able to host the show at the racecourse and it will be the 14th year that the show has been held there.

Ballinrobe Agricultural Show at the racecourse has progressed to being one of the busiest days of the year for the town, and that includes the horse racing.

On average, over 6,000 people attend the show each year, and it is a great day for Ballinrobe and for all of the people who put the work into the event.

“We hope Ballinrobe Agricultural Show goes from strength to strength and there is plenty of room for their expansion at Ballinrobe Racecourse.”