Over €70,000 in funding awarded to Clare agricultural shows for 2025
The funding announced brings the total allocated to agricultural shows to over €5.3 million, since 2018
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced an investment of over €1 million to support 123 agricultural shows right across the country, with nine Clare shows featured.
As part of the initiative, each show will receive a grant of between €4,260 and €11,410 depending on their size. This funding will support the work of each of the 123 show committees as they prepare for the upcoming show season.
The funding brings the total allocated to agricultural shows to over €5.3 million, since 2018.
Minister Calleary made the announcement as he launched the 2025 Yearbook for Irish Show’s Association at an event in the Athlone Springs Hotel on Saturday, March 8.
Speaking at the event, Minister Calleary said, “Agricultural shows are a key component of life in rural Ireland and I am delighted today to announce a further investment of €1 million to support 123 Agricultural Shows right across the country.
"Although farming practices have changed, agriculture is still the backbone of life in rural Ireland and plays a vital role in our national economy. The agricultural show as we know it has so much to offer, not just in terms of the competitive element, but also as a platform for local businesses, local farmers and for local craft and artisan food producers. The local show is also one of the best days of the year for meeting neighbours and friends."
The Clare Agriculture Shows benefitting from the investment include:
- Corofin North Clare Agricultural Show- €8,350
- County Clare Agricultural Show (Ennis)- €8,350
- Kildysart Agricultural Show- €8,350
- Mullagh Show- €6,700
- Newmarket-on-Fergus Agricultural Show- €8,350
- North West Clare Agricultural Show (Ennistymon)- €8,350
- Scariff Show Society- €8,350
- South East Clare Show (Bridgetown)- €8,350
- West Clare Show (Kilrush)- €8,350
The Department of Rural and Community Development will work with the Irish Shows Association to administer the 2025 scheme.
Minister Calleary continued, “Community events across the country like the Agricultural Shows would not be possible without the ‘Meitheal’ that is so evident in rural Ireland. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the show committees, the many dedicated volunteers and stewards, sponsors, local businesses and organisations that each do their bit to ensure their local show is such a success.
“I would strongly encourage people to attend and support their local show. I am sure they will find the show has something to offer everyone," he concluded.