Adverse weather fails to stop Longford crowds flocking to Granard Agricultural Show

From almost as soon as the gates opened on Saturday morning, the rain fell and in plentiful amounts as exhibitors and spectators donned their jackets, ponchos and waterproof regalia in equal measure.

It didn’t deter more than a fair share of diehard show day enthusiasts however, much to the delight of organisers.

“The weather was desperate but it went as well as it could,” said secretary Hazel McVeigh.

“I was so relieved to see the first horse trailer and when a lorry with horses arrived and I was that delighted I could have gone up and kissed them.

“The phone was ringing from early Saturday morning with questions being asked if it was going to go ahead. At the end of the day so much preparation had gone into it, it would have been heartbreaking if it didn’t go ahead.”

In an unfortunate twist, committee members were forced to temporarily postpone the annual event’s second day of showjumping due to underfoot conditions.

It’s hoped, however, to hold the event on Sunday July 30 in a bid to make up for that setback.

Granard Show President PJ Reilly said while attendee numbers were down, it paled in comparison to entries across almost every sector when compared to its corresponding event just 12 months earlier.

“It was great to see so many people still come out and travel long distances to support the show,” he said.

“I want to thank all those exhibitors who brought livestock and their produce and to all those that turned up and supported the show.”