New Longford Agricultural Show Chairperson JJ Farrell brings vast experience to role

The new chairperson of Longford Agricultural Show, JJ Farrell, is looking forward to his first show in the role.

However, the show is certainly nothing new to JJ, who is 30 years involved in the iconic event.

As a dairy farmer, the show is in his blood.

“Jimmy McLoughlin got me involved originally. I farm in Trillick-a-Temple,” he told the Leader.

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“Charlie Murphy was a great Chairperson for over 20 years,” he stated.

“I am fortunate to be working with a very good committee. We have some new committee members. They are bringing new blood and new ideas,” JJ added.

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JJ is proud of the deserved reputation that Longford Agricultural  Show has gained nationally. 

“The feedback I get is that our show is one of the best run in the country,” he stated.

“Personally, I like to think that it is the second best show in Ireland after the Tullamore Show!” JJ added.

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Apart from the hard working committee, JJ is keen to mention the many volunteers involved in the event.

“There are a lot of volunteers who come the day before to the site of the show. The people in the Ennybegs and Killoe area are also very supportive,” he stated.

The Longford Show is much more than just farming based. “Every year, we try to add new features to the show. We want people to say coming home from the show ‘that was a great day’s entertainment’,” he stated.

Children are free into the show and it is an excellent family day out.

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Tug o War is one of the new attractions this year and in addition, Declan Nerney will perform for the first time at the Longford Show.

“We are fortunate to have good sponsorship, including Kiernan Steel.” 

As someone with vast experience of the show, JJ is well placed to assess what has made it not just one of the longest running shows, but also one of the best regarded in Ireland.

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“You have to produce a good show in order to survive as long as the Longford show has. I have seen how much the show has grown over the years,” he commented.

“It is very hectic for us in the week before the show. But when the show is over, it is nice to feel that you have done something for Longford,” he added.

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