Two day Granard show attracts national interest
Ever since the days of Eddie Macken Granard has been synonymous with showjumping.
When the Horse Jumping and Horse & Ridden Classes returned to the annual Granard Agricultural Show programme the response was remarkable as Hazel McVeigh, Show Secretary, explained.
“We haven't had the show jumping as part of the Agricultural Show for a number of years,” Hazel told the Leader, “when the new committee was drawing up our programme for the weekend we decided to include it to see how it was received.
“The highlight was the six bar competition. We couldn't believe the response we got. The numbers in attendance on the second day of the show were extraordinary.”
The second day of the show is dedicated to showjumping: “The sponsorship we have received means we are able to maintain that,” Hazel explained.
The two day show has a packed programme including Arts & Crafts; Vegetables, Fruit & Flowers; and of course the Cattle Classes. Granard's central location draws visitors from far and wide to the Show.
“Thankfully we have a good catchment area. We get people from Northern Ireland, Sligo, Leitrim, the West of Ireland and even from Dublin. They are exhibitors, competitors and people who just want to see what the show has to offer. We are very lucky,” Hazel said.
The committee uses social media to raise awareness about what the show has to offer: “Our Facebook page has everything on it.
“We have almost 5,000 followers. People who may not have heard about Granard Show a few years ago have access to information on what we are about. It really gets at what we are doing.”
Hazel says community support is vital for the life of the Show: “Granard is a great little town. It has the historic reputation as a market town. The mart attracts people from far and wide. The show is another branch on that tree. We are a small hard working committee. People realise the huge effort that is put into the organising of the show and they support that.”
“We rely on the community a lot. We rely on the people who act as volunteers and stewards who give up their time. They are the backbone of any show. If you don't have people willing to give their time it leaves you in a tight position.”
Day one will see competition in the Cow and Calf Class with a prize fund of €2,000, while the Irish Draft Mare Class has a prize of €500.
There is also great interest in the Young Handlers in the Sheep and pony section and the young stock-person in cattle: “We have been inundated with sponsorship from businesses. We also have many people giving sponsorship to ensure the show goes ahead. It's not always the big money, it's the person who gives €5 or €10 that ensures the viability of the show into the future.”
Hazel concluded by saying: “It is a fantastic day out. All we are praying for now is the good weather.”