YOU know the summer has really arrived when the Charleville Show is on the horizon.
The award-winning two day event was launched in the Charleville Park Hotel on Friday. The show will take place just up the road in the showgrounds on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25.
A love for the Charleville Show is passed down through the generations and this is reflected through its committee and chairman Billy Biggane.
Mr Biggane has been involved in the show since it started in 1979 and is very proud to have three of his children join the show committee this year - Thomas, Bridget and Katey.
His late father - William Biggane - was chairman from 1985 to 1988 and Billyhimself chaired the show from 1993 to 1999
“I am delighted to be back as chairman this year,” said Billy at the launch, as he welcomed the new young volunteers onto the committee who have come up with great ideas.
The number of sections is increasing from year to year and it now covers 70 acres with ample parking to accommodate all the visitors.
Charleville Show is renowned for its wide variety of events and attractions to suit all ages and interests.
“That is something we are so proud of with numerous interesting events to be seen, varying from judging of cattle, horses, sheep, horticulture, dogs, arts and crafts, cookery and numerous children’s competitions.
“It is a real family day out with something to interest every member of the family,” said Mr Biggane.
An example of how the Charleville Show has grown in the last 40 odd years is exemplified by the fact it cost €22,000 to run in 1979 and in 2022 it was in excess of €250,000..
Mr Biggane thanked Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Minister of State Heather Humphries “for their major financial support to our agricultural Show and acknowledging the great work put in by all shows on a voluntary basis for many years”.
“Over the next four years, the minister has announced that €250,000 will be invested in the grassroots showing sector with the rolling out of a brand-new class aimed at showcasing the best of beef breeding heifers and Charleville, who have a very strong beef section, will benefit greatly from this.
“We are looking forward to seeing the best beef stock from our catchment area on display on Saturday, June 24.
“We also thank Kerry Group for supporting our dairy classes where the best dairy cattle in Ireland can be seen,” said Mr Biggane, who is looking forward to new additions this year - a farm advisory clinic on Saturday and a health and wellbeing advisory clinic - on top of the already packed schedule.
The closing date for entries is Friday, June 9. See charlevilleshow.com for full information and details.
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