Mountbellew Agricultural Show is 120 years old this year. Founded back in 1904 this magnificent achievement will be celebrated in style on Show Day on Saturday the 24th of August and will be held as usual on the grounds of the Agricultural College, Mountbellew, Co. Galway.
That year, 1904 also saw the establishment of the Franciscan Agricultural college and it is ironic that both the Agricultural college and the agricultural show are both getting bigger, stronger and more relevant in their various ways of activity to the lives of thousands of people right across the west of Ireland and beyond.
The current Committee has a variety of events planned for this show day, all overseen by Chairman Frank Collevy. "We've worked really hard to make this show something that people of all ages will remember." Despite the record attendance at last year's event, Mr. Collevy expressed his sincere welcome to those who had never been to Mountbellew Show before, feeling that many families do not realise what a fantastic day out at Mountbellew Show can be. Our performance has been meticulously crafted to be family-friendly, with special consideration paid to kids of all ages. Our goal is to offer excellent entertainment at a very reasonable price. The fee for adults is still €10, and children are free of charge.
In fact, a section of the exhibition grounds is set aside just for kids' use, where they may interact with Daisy the cow, play in the foot pool, build sandcastles, toss wellingtons, get their faces painted, and enjoy many other activities. New this year is a "Magician" and all kids enjoy free pony rides.
Under the direction of Chief Steward Tom Finnerty, the cattle division has expanded significantly in recent years. Local Supervalu owner Richard Coyle is the sponsor of the Connaught Pedigree Male Calf Competition, which has a total prize money of €1000 and a €500 first prize.
The All Ireland pair of Galway Ewe Lambs Competition is again being held at Mountbellew Show, courtesy of the Irish Shows Association and a special commentary on this popular event will be given by Chief Stewart Rita Hughes.
Mountbellew will be hosting the All-Ireland Traditional Sports Horse Foal Championship with sponsorship from Horse Sport Ireland, with qualifiers from around the country. Mountbellew Show has special All Ireland Qualifier Classes for both Irish Draught Filly Foals and Irish Draught Colt Foal Qualifiers. The winners of these will proceed to the final being held at Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show on the 22nd of September.
Pony jumping competitions will be a big feature again this year. Mountbellew Agricultural Show is affiliated to the Irish Pony Society.
The abundance of kid-friendly programs offered at this year's exhibition is a unique feature. These classes include junior craft, home produce (teenage and under 12 years old), painting and handwriting, and garden and flower area, to mention a few.
A huge effort has been expended this year into getting more entries on the dog classes and Chief Steward Mary Carr says “There are a total number of 23 classes which will facilitate most breeds of dog”. Dog entries will be taken on show day before 12 noon but entries received before the 17th of August will only cost €3 per entry but this will rise to €5 if entered on show day.
In his concluding remarks, the Chairman Frank Collevy thanked all the sponsors and supporters of the Mountbellew show. Closing date for entry is Saturday 17th August, 2024. All show details can be found on www.mountbellewagrishow.ie
The show will be officially opened by Michael Fitzmaurice TD.
