The 103rd Claremorris Agricultural Show is set to boast a wide variety of offerings with over 270 show classes, across cattle, sheep, horses, vintage, farm and garden, cookery demonstrations, showjumping competitions, and the ever-popular dog show, when it returns on Sunday, August 6th, 2023.
Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, will perform the official opening of the show, which takes place at Claremorris Athletic Grounds, at 1 pm.
The minister will also unveil a plaque to commemorate the staging of the historic 100th show in 2018 at the venue.
It is planned to mark the 120th anniversary of the founding of the show in 2024.
Claremorris Show 2023
Speaking ahead of this year’s Claremorris Agriculture Show and Trade Fair, which is sponsored by Corrib Oil, a spokesperson for the committee told www.thatsfarming.com:
“Major plans are being put in place by the show committee and volunteers to ensure that this year’s event will be one of the most successful in its long and proud history, embracing the modern with the traditional in what is an annual family and community gathering.”
“The first Claremorris Show was held in 1904 and it has been cancelled on no less than 17 occasions for a variety of reasons including two World Wars, Foot and Mouth outbreaks and, of course, most recently, in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Incredibly, each time, despite those unexpected setbacks, it has bounced back stronger and better than ever before as demonstrated by the success of the 2022 event.”
“Work is ongoing behind the scenes to add a number of new features to this year’s programme which will be announced shortly, while upgrade work is being carried out on the livestock holding and showing area along with the adjacent approach area,” the spokesperson added.
While final plans are still to be announced, it has been confirmed that the fashion show with Mandy Maher Catwalk Agency and the cookery demonstration with celebratory TV chef, Adrian Martin, will return, while once again local singing star, David Connor, and his band will entertain the crowds from the main stage.
Meanwhile, the Mayo-based show will host the All-Ireland Junior Home Cook Championship Final on the day in association with the Irish Shows Association (ISA). All finalists will have qualified at shows throughout Ireland over the past number of months.
A review of 2022
Speaking at the launch of this year’s event, Councillor Tom Connolly paid tribute to all who contributed to “making it the most successful and best attended in its long history”.
“I wish to thank our main sponsors, locally established Corrib Oil, and That’s Farming.com for their unique contribution including financial, logistical, promotional and media support.”
“I want to thank the people of Claremorris and surrounding areas for their tremendous support year after year.”
Show Secretary Maureen Finnerty detailed many of the activities carried out prior to, during and in the aftermath of the 2022 show.
She was particularly thankful to the board and volunteers of the Irish Shows Association including Jim Harrison, the current secretary, for their ongoing support. She also thanked the members of the surrounding shows for their encouragement and wished them well in their endeavours in 2023.
Show treasurer, Michael McGrath added that “no doubt the show’s success was helped by the ideal weather conditions and it being the first real opportunity after two difficult years for people to gather and mix safely in large numbers both indoors and outdoors”.
He thanked all who contributed including sponsors of all levels, exhibitors, performers, local media, local and national political representatives, show volunteers and the general public, who attended in their thousands.
Admission is €10 with under 16s free. A free shuttle bus will operate from the town centre.
