‘Everyone pulls together’ for Granard Agricultural Show
Granard Agricultural Show is approaching three quarters of a century of the gathering that celebrates the links between urban and rural communities.
Horse and pony classes, cattle classes, sheep and goats, a dog show, best dressed lady and gentleman are part of the traditional features of the annual event, but there are a number of recent additions to the programme.
The packed line up of events has something for everyone including the exhibition hall, trade stands, kids entertainment, sheep shearing and archery.
“It's a big asset to the town,” the Cathaoirleach of Granard Municipal District, Turlough McGovern, said, “There's so much happening on Saturday and Sunday.
“The cattle and the trade stands on the first day, and the showjumping on the second day brings life to the town and of course brings in business.”
Cllr McGovern commended the Show's longevity: “It's 72 years in existence. That is a long time for any group to keep going. It's been going from strength to strength in the last few years.”
“There was an injection of young blood a couple of years ago. New blood brings new ideas. Their input was vital. The support of the volunteers is also essential. Everyone pulls together for the Show,” he said.
The Granard MD Cathaoirleach says there has been a refocus on the contribution of events like the annual Show: “It brings people together from far and wide.
“It's a very social gathering. People didn't realise that so much before the pandemic. I think we are now all more conscious of the importance of coming together now.”
Cllr McGovern says the benefits of the Show are many: “It brings people into the town.
“When they are in they can see all the work that has taken place in Granard.
“We have the new walkway opened, Knights and Conquest is going from strength to strength. We are opening as many doors as we can and letting people from outside our community know exactly what is going on.”
Granard Agricultural Show will open its gates at 8.30am on Show morning, Saturday, July 15.