Talk rife next year's Longford Agricultural Show could stay in Killoe
The gates on Longford's Agricultural Show may have been shut and livestock returned to their conventional surrounds, yet eyes are already being turned in the direction of next year's equivalent.
Given the incredible success of last Sunday's showcase on the lands of Gerry Hagan at Treanlawn, Killoe, talk is already starting of the agricultural extravaganza returning to the same venue in 12 months time.
“That is to be decided but if we are invited back we will come,” insisted long time Show committee member Tom Bannon.
Those remarks were indicative of a day and occasion that ticked every conceivable box for organisers and patrons alike.
Show Secretary Bernie Whyte left little to interpretation when asked about Killoe rolling out the agricultural red carpet once more in a year's time.
“It has really surpassed expectations,” she said.
“With the help of God and all that is holy and with Ger Hagan and Rose and family we would love to be back next year.”
As for the man at the centre of those yearnings, he said the prospect was one that certainly appealed to him.
“Thanks for asking me that question,” he told the Leader, somewhat tongue in cheek.
“I would definitely consider it again, it’s a very special event and is probably the number one event in the county. It draws huge crowds as you can see, it’s all about communities coming together and enjoying the day.”
An element of that draw was arguably exacerbated when comical talk emerged at how the County Show might rebranded the 'County Hagricultural Show'.
For the most part this was an occasion which could not have gone any better.
Crowd levels exceeded expecations, entries from ponies to cattle and horses superseded last year.
The task now facing committee members when the dust settles on the events of last Sunday afternoon is how best to eclipse, never mind emulate Longford's 2023 showcase in barely 12 months time.