Large Longford contingent expected to take in much anticipated 155th Strokestown Agricultural Show

Speaking at the launch in the Percy French Hotel on Thursday, August 24, Strokestown Show Chairperson John O’Beirne explained, “With the success of last year's event, we are continuing with a one-day show again this year on Saturday,

September 9 on the grounds of Strokestown Park House. As always, we extend our appreciation to the Callery Family for hosting us on what is a beautiful setting for a show.”

Mr O’Beirne added, “This year, we have put all events held over two days in previous years into one day, so we have a very full programme for spectators for just €15 gate entry fee.”

In Cattle, the eagerly anticipated 155th Annual Show will feature the following classes;
• The €6,000 Sweeney Family All-Ireland Beef Bullock Final.
• The €3,000 Greenvale Animal Feeds All-Ireland Beef Heifer Final.
• The €2,000 Sweeney Family Breeding Heifer class sponsored by the Sweeney Family (Corrigeen).
• The €12,000 Angus Finals.
• The Irish Simmental All-Ireland Finals.
• The Irish Shorthorn Premium Beef Bull Championship sponsored by Shorthorn Marketing Company Ltd - Prize Fund €1,200.

Mr O’Beirne outlined that the Strokestown Show will also feature Pedigree Charolais, Limousin & Hereford; the Breeders’ Choice and Traditional 4* or 5* Breeding Heifer sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Minister Charlie McConalogue.
There will be four All-Ireland calf classes, sponsored by Hanly’s Hardware and SPAR Supermarket with a €1,600 prize fund. Champion calf of Show €200, Reserve €100.

The Horse Show will take centre stage on the day with 17 classes including Tom Rogers Irish Draught Class Prize Fund €500. Classes for Half-bred Mare, Yearlings, Two and Three-year olds – all to be shown in hand.

The highlight of the Horse Show is the Strokestown Park Irish Draught Broodmare All-Ireland Championship with Foal at Foot. 1st Prize - €6,000; 2nd- €3,000; 3rd- €1,500; 4th €700; 5th – €500; 6th- €300. This class and the One, Two and Three-year-old Draught Fillys are sponsored by Jim Callery & Family by a handsome €17,000.

Mr O’Beirne informed the large crowd at the launch, “We have twenty Pony Classes. The Registered Connemara Pony Section is sponsored by Tony & Blaithin Stevenson by €1,000, allowing us to offer a prize fund of €200 per class.

“We have a spectacular Dog Show with 23 classes and Champion and Reserve with a prize fund of over €1,000.

“Our Sheep Section looks to be as big as ever with classes in Commercial, Suffolk, Texel, Charollais. This year we are also delighted to include a new class for Best Pedigree Ewe Lamb (any breed other than Suffolk, Texel or Charollais). To celebrate our native farming industry, we will also have our very own Roscommon sheep breed on display.”

There will be marquees for Farm & Garden Produce, Flowers, Turf, Adult & Junior Cookery, Honey, Eggs, Jam, Adult & Junior Handcrafts, Amateur Photography, and Adult & Junior Art.

‘Flavours from the Heart of Ireland’ will feature prominently again this year at Strokestown Show with Chef Edward Hayden of Virgin Media's Ireland AM, along with Adrian Gill and Daniel Willinmont. Also contributing will be Emma and Pat from Red Bank Cocktails, and Lorraine the Baking Goddess.

There will be commercial stands including machinery, with the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club also having a large display of cars and machinery that will be working on the day. “It is always lovely for the younger visitors to the Show to see how things were done 50 years ago and indeed older people can reminisce,” remarked Mr O’Beirne.

There will be amusements for younger people also.

Mr O’Beirne finished by saying, “All-in-all, the 155th Annual Strokestown Agricultural Show on the grounds of Strokestown Park House on Saturday, September 9 promises to be a jam packed day with something for everyone for an entry fee of just €15, with kids free.”