Moate Show organisers have fingers crossed for good weather
The 168th annual annual Moate Agricultural Show is to be held on Saturday, August 23 next with a host of excellent events and activities taking place over the course of the day - from All Ireland Finals to children"s entertainment and trade stalls. Organisers however have spoken of their concern that bad weather might hamper this years proceedings with the recent cancellation of Tullamore Agricultural Show fresh in their minds. 'They really were very unfortunate the last two years in a row in Tullamore,' said Moate Show Chairperson Padraig McNeill. 'We just had a few dry days before last year"s show and it was fine. Hopefully we"ll have good weather again this year.' There"s something for all ages at this year"s show with a strong focus on children"s entertainment meaning that all the family will enjoy their day out at Moate showgrounds. And, with four All Ireland Finals being held this year, organisers say they are expecting a very good attendance. The All-Ireland Filly Foal Final will take place at 2pm as well as the All-Ireland Festive Cook of the Year, the All-Ireland Cocker Spaniel Final and the All Ireland Brood Mayor and Foal. As usual, events will begin early with the judging of the exhibits and competitions for a huge variety of animals. There will also be a range of trade stands on display which are sure to provide plenty of interest. 'The trade stalls are very popular. There"s a lot going on at at this year"s show and the planning has been going very well,' added Mr McNeill. In total there will be 17 competitions of horse and show jumping and there will be plenty of free fun for the kids with all kinds of fun activities. With 300 classes taking place over the day, there is a lot of organisation involved in making the show a success each year, says Mr McNeill. 'There"s an active committee here of about thirty people and on the day there will be around sixty people helping out. We"re very lucky to have a tremendous committee here - it"s really a year-round effort. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us,' he added.