Athlone Agri-Show has something for everyone this Sunday

From humble beginnings on September 13, 1951, the Athlone Agri-Show has become a vitally important fixture in the annual calendar of the town.

Over the years the event has developed to being one of the top ten Agri-Shows in the country, thanks to the generosity of its many sponsors, both local and national.

The large crowds attending the show, ensures that the sponsors receive the recognition they deserve for their generosity. The 2024 Athlone Agri-Show will be held on Sunday June 16 at a beautiful and tranquil setting on the farm of Michael O’Donohoe, Garnafailagh, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Eir Code N37 V2 52. Don’t forget, it's Father's Day on Sunday, June 16.

The show committee is at pains to stress that the event would not be possible without its loyal sponsors who invest in the show each year. People like our main sponsor Athlone Municipal District, Minister for Rural & Community Development, Kepak Group, Pipeline Ltd., Jim Derwin Equestrian, K & K Cobs, Aurivo/Homeland, Matrix Bathrooms & Heating, Flancare Warehousing & Logistic Centre Athlone, all who deserves a sincere thanks for their generosity.

The show committee has also thanked all associate sponsors for their continued support each year.

People are being encouraged to celebrate Father's Day by visiting the show and sample country life at its best in beautiful surroundings.

With classes for Cattle, Horses, Ponies, Donkeys, Sheep, Poultry, Super Dog Show, Cookery, Arts & Crafts and Photography as well as a food village, trade stands and children’s Amusements and live musical entertainment all day, there is plenty to keep everyone occupied.

When you combine all of these together, you end up with the makings of a fantastic family day out for young and not so young. The show is a community effort, organised and run by the community, for the community.

Bus Service

Rohan Transport has very kindly offered to run a free Shuttle Bus Service on the hour, from Golden Island Shopping Centre to the showfield.

Side Shows

Some of the side shows this year include a display of Alpacas, Pigmy Goats, Birds of Prey, Donkey Derby for Ladies & Gents, Best dressed Lady & Best dressed Gent, Line Dancing and Jiving to the very best of Country Music.

Rumbles Catering

Rumbles Catering will be available throughout the show grounds offering all kinds of goodies to keep everyone happy.

Bar facilities

Bar facilities on the grounds and a big TV screen for all the matches.

Horses

In the Equine section there are 107 classes across five rings, including Brood Mares & Foals Young Horses, In Hand Connemara Ponies, Irish Draughts, Ridden Ponies, Ridden Connemara Ponies, Cobs, Family Pony classes, Working Hunter & ridden Horses. 14 ISA All-Ireland Qualifiers, 5 RDS Qualifiers including Breeders Championship, Show Jumping & Eventing, Intermediate Side Saddle, Ladies Side Saddle & Racehorse to Riding Horse. Athlone Agri-Show also presents the Irish Draught Mare & Foal Breeders Championship. With three Donkey classes plus a Donkey Derby for Ladies & Gents, equine lovers will have a mighty day’s entertainment.

Cattle

Back again bigger and better with 35 classes incorporating nine pedigree breeds, Young Handlers class and a selection of Commercial classes plus a qualifier for the All Ireland Young Stockperson.

Sheep

With over 60 classes in the sheep section catering for most breeds including three All Ireland Finals for the Belgian Beltex, Irish Blue Texel Sheep Society and Dassenkop Sheep, plus the Western Regional Final Texel Championship and the Kepak Interbreed Championship.

Poultry

Sponsored by Flancare Warehousing & Logistics Athlone, the poultry section will have 31 classes of small and large breeds and two All Ireland qualifiers. Also there will be a display of the different breeds of poultry that are most common in Ireland, including Hens, Turkeys, Guinea Fowl, Ducks, Drakes, Geese & Ganders.

Egg Classes

The first 50 families visiting the Poultry Exhibition will receive a freshly laid duck egg and a freshly laid hen egg to bring home, compliments of the sponsor of the Egg classes, Oliver Flanagan, Moydrum Castle Poultry Farm, Athlone.

Another feature will be a display of eggs from the various breeds of poultry and waterfowl showing the different color of eggs that each breed lay plus advice on preparing eggs for show day.

Egg & Spoon Race

Trophies will be available for the winners of the Children’s Egg & Spoon race which is always a big attraction.

Cookery/Art & Craft/Photography

There are over 30 classes for both Junior and Seniors and it is one area of the show that is well worth a visit.

Super Dog Show

The Super Dog Show is a huge attraction each year spread across two rings with classes for both big dogs and small dogs, culminating with a champion in each section

Food Village & Crafts

The Food and Craft Village continues to grow each year, where regional artisan suppliers will showcase their latest produce and the craftspeople display their wares. This area is always thronged with people looking to see what is new to the market!

Children's Amusements

With all the fun of the fair there is something for everyone, from Water Slides, Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Guess My Weight, Buggy Rides, Burst My Balloon, Hopscotch, Hide & Seek and much, much, more.