Tributes paid to two late Tullamore Show stalwarts as on-site preparations intensify

TRIBUTE has been paid to two stalwarts of Tullamore Show, from its revival in the early 1990s, who passed away since the staging of the last Show in August 2024.

Tommy Finlay, who was chairman of the dairy section for three decades, died in October last while Christy Maye, who was probably the key person in the revival of the Show died in June.

Show Chairman, John Keena, speaking from the Show site in Blueball this week, said both men had contributed enormously to the success of the Show since its revival.

Though they had retired a number of years ago, both retained a great interest in the Show and always keenly followed on-site preparations in the lead-up to the big day, noted the Show chief.

Local Fianna Fail TD, Tony McCormack, said he wished to acknowledge "the late Christy Maye, whose passion and leadership were instrumental in shaping the Tullamore Show into the national institution it is today."

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“I think we will all be thinking of the great Christy Maye come Sunday. The show is a testament to his vision and dedication to the Midlands,” he said. “His legacy lives on in every corner of this event and in the community spirit it continues to foster.”

Deputy McCormack said that hanks to the tireless work of the committee and volunteers, the Tullamore Show has become much more than a local fair — it is a national celebration of rural life, innovation, and Irish culture.

“We are incredibly proud of the work the organising team and volunteers have done to bring us to this point,” Deputy McCormack continued. “They have shown what can be achieved when a community comes together with passion and purpose.”

"With a wide array of exhibitions, competitions, food, music, and entertainment, this year’s show promises to be a memorable day for all," he added.

“I’d encourage everyone to come out and enjoy what is always a fantastic day for families, farmers, and visitors alike. It’s a wonderful celebration of everything that makes the Offaly great,” Deputy McCormack concluded.

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Johnny Butterfield, whose family own the show site, paying tribute at the time of Christy's death said: "He couldn't understand why towns such as Ballymahon and Mullingar could have such thriving agricultural shows and a big town like Tullamore couldn't. He approached some people 'who told him he was mad' but persevered with the idea and the show is now the biggest in the country."

Local historian Michael Byrne commented: "He was a great leader in the Tullamore community without ever wanting thanks or recognition. This was best exhibited in his championing and leading the Tullamore Show since he largely founded it in 1991, inspired at the time by the Mullingar Show.

The late Tommy Finlay was also a key figure in the revival and success of Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show.

Outgoing Show Chairman, Joe Molloy, said Tommy "built up the Dairy Section of the Show to where it is today."

He said the late Ballydaly farmer "lived and died for the Show" and brought huge "energy and effort to his section".

He described Tommy as a decent, hard working man who was way ahead of his time in agricultural practices.

"Tommy was there from the start of the Show . . . he was part of the fabric of the Society as long as I can remember," said the Boora based farmer who recalled the deceased had been bestowed with Honorary Life Membership of the Show along with two other stalwarts – the late Christy Maye and George Gill – in 2022.

The deceased's reputation meant that dairy breeders from across Ireland were keen to exhibit at Tullamore Show and noted he introduced new breeds over his thirty plus years at the helm as Chairman of the Dairy Section.