Bansha Agricultural Show returned with a blast on Wednesday, August 24th, and what a day it proved to be for the parish and the adjoining communities, writes Martin Quinn.
The day had everything; beautiful sunshine, huge attendance, wonderful exhibits and stalls, carnival atmosphere, music and song and a welcoming air of friendship throughout the showgrounds.
There is a story associated with Bansha Show that the late Canon John Hayes, who established the show in 1956, promised that after his death that the show would always enjoy a fine day.
Well, fact or fable, it certainly came to pass as Bansha enjoyed glorious sunshine for the return of the show two years post-pandemic.
Exceeded expectations
From mid-morning, the crowds started to arrive into the showgrounds in the village, and by late afternoon, the attendance figures had far exceeded expectations.
It was obvious that two years without the show ensured that it returned with greater numbers, and it was wonderful to see so many people coming together, renewing acquaintances and friendships.
There was a great atmosphere on the day, and the standard in classes throughout the field and in the marquee was excellent.
The display of flowers, crafts, produce and art in the marquee was a sight to behold, and the stalls and displays throughout the grounds added immensely to the occasion.
Dogs and fancy dress
Dogs of all shapes, sizes and colours were in the dog show. The bonniest of babies were on view in the baby show, and the fancy dress competition brought some very imaginative entries.
There were very healthy entries across classes in cattle, horses, ponies and sheep, and jumping brought great excitement in the various horse and pony jumping competitions, as did the ‘One Man and his Dog’ in the sheepdog trials.
Tom Hayes from Kildimo, Co. Limerick, won the Champion of the Show in the Cattle Section. Tom, who is 90 years young, is a nephew of Canon John Hayes, founder of Muintir na Tíre.
He has been coming to the show since it was established. No doubt that the late Canon would be very proud of his nephew and his success with the champion of the show 2022.
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