Longford Show is ‘a celebration of our heritage and culture’

The electric atmosphere of last year's County Longford Agricultural Show will be recreated in Ennybegs as one of Ireland's oldest gatherings of its type pitches up at a new location.
On Sunday, July 2, 2023 the lands of Gerry Hagan at Treanlawn, Killoe, will see throngs of people amass for the social, cultural and entertainment gathering.

“It presents many challenges,” show Secretary Bernie Whyte told the Leader at the formal launch of the event on Thursday in the Longford Arms Hotel, “we're delighted to have so many of our sponsors back on board.”

Longford Agriculture Show has a rich tradition: “It's 119 years in existence. It's one of the best shows in Ireland out of the 132 nationwide shows. We have a very far reaching appeal. Our exhibitors come from Fermanagh, Donegal, Galway and as well as our surrounding counties.

“The main body of exhibitors come from within the county itself. That's what the show is for, it's primarily for local exhibitors, local traders, local crafters and for our own community. We love to see our prize fund of €40,000 going back into our own community,” Bernie said.

This year boasts a packed programme. The live stage will see performances from Stuart Moyles, Brid O’Shaughnessy, Caillín Joe, Seamus Farrell, and dancing with All Ireland National Jiving Championship Qualifier, Ger Butler.
Other entertainments include a falconry exhibition, cookery demonstration, a magician, treasure hunt, colouring competition, and the trade stands.

Bernie explained the popularity: “It's a national show, a national event. People love to be associated with it. Longford Agriculture Show is recognised as a great family fun day out. It's very well laid out. It's good value for money at €10 for adults, and children are free. It really is a celebration of our heritage and our culture.”

The showjumping competitions, where jumpers contest for well known trophies like the Longford Arms Cup and the Frank Kilkenny Cup, are always a big draw, thrilling the crowds.
The new venue was the site of Longford Ploughing in 2010. That venture saw over 6,000 people attend, and the Longford Agricultural Show are hoping for an equally successful day.

The site owner, Gerry Hagan, explained how he got involved: “The Show were looking for a site close to Longford town. I hosted the County Longford Ploughing Championships 13 years ago. When the Show Society approached me I said 'why not?', It's great for the Longford and Killoe communities. It will bring a great crowd, there will be an extraordinary buzz and hopefully this fine weather will continue.”

Gerry said the appeal of the Show is growing: “It's like a mini national ploughing. Agriculture and farming are very fashionable at the moment, it's a delight to see so many young people interested and involved in farming. Agriculture is a very wide-ranging business, an awful lot of young people have an interest in it. The Longford Agricultural Show has something to offer everybody, people from diverse backgrounds from urban and rural areas.”

Last year's event attracted huge crowds, all eager to attend after a two year hiatus: “It's a testament to the committee; Bernie Whyte, Charlie Murphy, JJ Farrell and all involved who put in a huge amount of work to ensure this very special event happens every year. It's a very special day, a farming day and a fun day for all,” Gerry concluded.

Chairman Charlie Murphy says the committee hope to emulate the excitement of last year's show: “It was a very special day, there was a real 'feel good factor' about it. The country was coming back to life after Covid. We provided an excellent town and country show for them.

“This year the diversity is huge. We have numerous classes, including the cattle, sheep and horse classes. There are a huge amount of trade stands. We are delighted to welcome a new main sponsor, a new landowner and we are really looking forward to a special day out.”

Longford Agricultural show will take place on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Treanlawn, Killoe.