DEPENDING on how results go over the next few weeks Limerick could be playing Cork in an All-Ireland hurling semi-final on Sunday, July 7.
It would certainly add to the banter and fun at Charleville Show on the previous weekend - Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30.
The showgrounds would be full of patrons wearing Limerick and Cork jerseys!
Many of a certain vintage will remember when the show was held across from the old Deerpark Hotel but now it has increased to an incredible 70 acres with ample off-road parking on the southside of the town.
Charleville Show is renowned for its wide variety of events and attractions to suit all ages and interests, varying from judging of cattle, horses, show jumping, sheep, horticulture, dogs, arts and crafts, cookery, numerous children’s competitions, trade stands, live music, vintage displays. health and wellbeing and lots, lots more over two days.
A man who is steeped in the show is the great Billy Biggane, chairperson. He said Charleville Show was established in 1979.
“The cost of running the show that year was £22,000, last year the show cost in excess of €250,000 to stage.
“This is an indication of the huge range of activities that go on at the show which makes it so attractive. It is a real family day out with something to interest every member of the family,” said Mr Biggane.
“Without the generous support of our sponsors, especially our major sponsors Kerry Group, it would not be possible for us to run our show at such high standards.”
Mr Biggane's late father William Biggane was chairman of the show from 1985 to 1988 and Billy was previously chairman from 1993 to 1999. He is very proud to have three of his children join the show committee - Thomas, Bridget and Katey.
Mr Biggane said he is delighted to be back as chairman.
At the show launch at the Charleville Park Hotel, he said he was very proud to announce that this year they have attracted young people on to the committee.
“They have come up with great ideas and this bears well for the future of Charleville Show,” said Mr Biggane, who looks forward to welcoming one and all to their showgrounds on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30.
He put the show's continuing success and growth down to the fact that it is community- based and that all the committee work on a voluntary basis.
Mr Biggane also highlighted the help they get from young and old the week prior to the show and on the two days of the show itself.
“We are very grateful to the local landowners for the use of their grounds for parking and to the local clubs who help us out with stewarding on both days,” said Mr Biggane.
He also wished to acknowledge Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, and Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys for their major financial support to their 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,” said Mr Biggane.
Closing date for entries is Monday, June 17. All entries are online this year. The local show season kicks off with Newcastle West Show on June 23, then Charleville, Cappamore and Limerick.
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