'We pray it's a fine day' huge Laois community agricultural show

Laois has no National Ploughing Championships this year but another farming day is ready to warmly welcome thousands of visitors.

The Clonaslee Show takes place on Sunday, September 14, with something for everyone in the pretty Slieve Bloom Mountains town.

Committee chairperson Pat Carroll spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The weather is the big thing, we pray it's a fine day," he said.

The 71st Annual Clonaslee Produce and Livestock Show has a long list of coveted prizes, ranging from farm animals and food, to art and craft.

"We always get a big crowd, it's one one two such shows in Laois, with the other in Rathdowney. We get a couple of thousand people handy each year.

"It's a huge amount of effort, we pull in people from different clubs to give a hand. We will be there every night this week getting ready, setting up the pens and the horse rings. Without all the volunteers it wouldn't be viable, so huge thanks to them," Pat said.

He explained where the event happens.

"The community hall will be taken over with horticulture, arts, crafts, baking and a tea room, with music. Then we have more live music in the field with The Buckleys. It's very important to the community, it's a long tradition, 71 years. It brings a great community vibe and spirit. There is so much for everyone to enjoy, it's really a family day. 

"The tug of war is a huge thing, there's a lot of local rivalry, we have two teams, with members from Rosenallis, Cadamastown, Killoughey. We are doing a lot more with the vintage section this year too. It's just an enjoyable, safe event," Pat Carroll said.

This year it has an extra bit of "shtyle" with a new award for dapper young agri professionals; the “Most Suitably Dressed Young Farmer” award sponsored by Galvins Menswear.

"This fun and light-hearted event gives young people the chance to showcase their individuality while embracing the spirit of rural life. Whether it’s their best pair of boots, a sharp hat, or an outfit that reflects their passion for farming, entrants are encouraged to be creative and confident," say the organisers.

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The traditional harvest show also has All Ireland Championships, a Special Bakery competition, Sustainability/Climate Action category, the Gain Dog Food All Ireland Final, Vintage section, a large poultry section, live music and family entertainment. 

Judging for entries in the Community Centre starts at 10 am; with cattle and horses at 12 noon; ponies, sheep and poultry at 12:30 pm; Vintage at 2 pm; dog shows at 2:30 pm. 

See photo gallery from the 2024 Clonaslee Show here.

Clonaslee Show was one of 120 agricultural shows that shared in €1 million in Government funding this year, with Minister Dara Colleary sending good wishes.

"As Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I am delighted to be in a position to support the Clonaslee Agricultural Show for 2025.  The efforts of committee members and local volunteers is a testament to how much this show means to the locality. I hope that it gives everyone a chance to celebrate all that is good about rural Ireland. I will be visiting a number of the shows around the country and meeting as many of you as I can"

Admission is €10 for adults, with free entry for children under 16, and free parking next to the community centre.