Revealed: Funding boost for annual Bansha Agricultural and Industrial Show

The annual Bansha Agricultural and Industrial Show has received a welcome funding boost with the announcement by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, of funding of one million euro to support 122 Agricultural Shows right across the country.

Bansha Agricultural & Industrial Show is to receive €8,525, and the grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development will support the Show committee in staging the show which is planned for Wednesday, August 23.

The show was the brainchild of Canon John Hayes, Founder of Muintir na Tíre and Parish Priest of Bansha & Kilmoyler.

The show has been a continual date on the summer calendar since 1956 and attracts a huge following from across Munster.

Minister Heather Humphreys said that she was delighted to announce a record one million euro in funding to support 122 Agricultural Shows across the length and breadth of the country.

“Our Agricultural Shows sum up all that is good about rural Ireland,” the Minister added.

“They are intrinsically linked to that sense of community that our rural towns and villages are known for.

“The shows are key dates in the summer calendar and are a central point for the agri-food industry, the farming community and our local artisan producers.

“These shows are also a fantastic family day out, where people come to catch up and enjoy a truly unique experience.

“With entries travelling from far and wide to compete, the local show has something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities and competitions.

“I am delighted to increase the overall level of funding by 40 per cent this year, which I know will really help the organisers in ensuring the shows themselves are a great success.

“I want to thank and pay tribute to the Irish Shows Association, who I was delighted to meet in recent weeks to discuss their plans for the upcoming summer season.

“This year’s €1 million allocation brings the total allocated to Agricultural Shows since 2018 to almost €3.3 million.

“The Department of Rural and Community Development will work with the Irish Shows Association to administer the Scheme for 2023,” said the Minister.

The funding has also been welcomed by the National Secretary of the Irish Shows Association, Jim Harrison.

“I really welcome this investment from Minister Humphreys and her Department, which will greatly assist in the running of our Agricultural Shows.

“Our Agricultural Shows are so important in Rural Ireland for two reasons – their economic value and their social value.

“They bring great economic benefits to our rural towns and villages and they also bring such social benefits which can never be bought.

“I again want to thank Minister Humphreys and her Department and I encourage everyone to attend their local show this summer,” said Mr. Harrison.

The Minister also paid tribute to the effort of the local show committees, volunteers and local organisations.

“These shows would not be able to operate without volunteers. This in itself is a testament to the great sense of community which remains a key feature of country life.

“This increased funding which I am announcing under Our Rural Future will help to cover some of the operational costs associated with running these shows, costs which have increased in line with inflation.

“I’m delighted to once again work with the Irish Shows Association and I look forward to visiting as many shows as I can this summer,” concluded the Minister.

Clonmel Show and North Tipperary Agricultural Show (Nenagh) will also receive funding this year.

Written by Martin Quinn