Yesterday’s (Sunday, September 3rd, 2023), 71st annual Ballinrobe Agricultural Show, Co Mayo, served as a timely tribute to the late PJ Timlin, his legacy, and his contributions to the agricultural community.
Before cattle proceedings got underway at noon yesterday, participants in the Ballinrobe Young Stockperson of the Year (C31) and YISA Competition (Pedigree Simmental – C18) classes gathered across two rings, to pay tribute to the late PJ Timlin.
Martin Regan, a renowned agricultural show commentator in the region, began proceedings, once young stockhandlers entered into the ring.
Regan began by saying: “We have lost a very very good friend and a man who oversaw proceedings in this show field for as long as I can remember.”
“PJ held various roles in the show, from secretary to treasurer and everything that goes with it. When he used to ask people to bring cattle to this show, I do not think anyone ever said no.”
“That is the kind of man that he was. He started his showing career, showing Shorthorns, as they were his first love.”
“Eventually, we convinced him to join our Simmentals, which we did with dignity, grace and pride in both breeds of cattle and not alone that, but all cattle breeds.”
“For as long as I can remember coming to Ballinrobe Show, PJ was on the mic. He knew everybody, had a word for everybody and there was never anything but a welcome and a smile when you came to this field and any other that he was in.”
“He was a friend to many and helped all. His words of wisdom will ring in everyone’s ears for a lot of years to come. He was always joking, and I think his first love of everything was children.”
“When he saw kids in the ring, he always said our future. That is why it is poignant today that the young people are standing here in the ring in honour of PJ.”
Martin continued by saying that his name would live on with everybody.
“I would like to extend our condolences to all the family. I know others have lost loved ones in the last year, so again, our condolences to everyone, but I think the Feeneys and PJ Timlin are in our prayers and thoughts. Thank you very much,” he concluded.
Captain
A spokesperson for Ballinrobe Agricultural Show, ahead of its 2023 event, said:
“In 2023, our cattle section will undergo a significant change as we mourn the absence of the invaluable, ‘captain’, PJ Timlin.”
“PJ was a true expert in this section, possessing an unmatched knowledge that made all our jobs much easier.”
“He had an uncanny ability to predict entrants and their respective classes, and even with the transition to our new online system, we knew we could rely on his guidance over the phone.”
“However, it is with great sadness that we inform you of PJ’s peaceful passing on July 30th, 2023. He will be deeply missed, not only at this year’s show but in all shows to come.”
“Yet, we firmly believe that his spirit will be present on every show day, guiding us as we navigate the cattle section.”
“We know that this show will be a fitting tribute to PJ and a celebration of the vibrant cattle section that he loved so dearly,” the spokesperson concluded.
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