Tanaiste wants young Offaly people to have same opportunities as those in cities

AGRICULTURE keeps the country going, in good times and in bad times, and must be backed fully at all times by the Government.

The words of Tanaiste Simon Harris when he officially opened the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show on Sunday afternoon last.

The Tanaiste also hit out at those politicians who made a career "out of talking down rural Ireland".

"Looking out here today we can see that rural Ireland is thriving," he said to applause from the attendance at the opening.

In a brief but passionate address, Deputy Harris promised the Government would back farmers on the nitrates derogation and the Mercursor deal.

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Show Chairman, John Keena thanked all the volunteers and Show Society members who had ensured the event was a success, in particular Show Secretary Chelsey Cox McDonald.

FBD Head of Sales, Midlands and East, Pat Gilligan recalled the company's seven year involvement with the Show and he encouraged all to view the classes in the FBD National Livestock Show.

The President of the Irish Shows Association, Freda Kinnarney – former Show Secretary – emphasised the vital roles shows play in farming and rural communities.

"Since I've taken on the role of ISA President I have seen a lot of shows around the country and I'm convinced that they are hugely important to community," she added.

Before the tape was cut to declare the Show open the event was blessed by Rev. Yvonne Hutchinson, Rector, and Fr Michael Whittaker PP.

Among the dignitaries present on stage for the official opening event were Deputies Carol Nolan, Tony McCormack, John Clendennen and Willie Aird, Barry Cowen MEP, Cllr Sean O'Brien, Leas Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, Cllr Neil Feighery, Cllr Ollie Bryant, Cllr Hughie Egan, Pat Walsh, Chairman, Offaly IFA and Francie Gorman, National President IFA.

The diginitaries were led to the stand by Johnny Butterfield and the St Brigid's Pipe Band, Mountbolus, while all were welcomed to the formalities by Master of Ceremonies, Show Secretary, Chelsey Cox McDonald.

A warm welcome was also extended at the outset of formalities by Show Chairman, John Keena who singled out title sponsors FBD.

"Without them we would be struggling big time," admitted the Ferbane based farmer.

He thanked the site owners, Annemarie and Stephen McQuaide and extended sympathy to the latter on the recent death of his uncle.

Mr Keena also thanked adjoining landowners for the provision of car park spaces and also the local residents of the area for their understanding..

The show chief also extended his gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers who ensured the event was a success and the fire service, Gardai and Offaly County Council for their assistance.

"They (volunteers) are the unsung heroes in my eyes. I've been here for the past three weeks and I have seen the site transformed from a greenfield site."

He added that there was a number of additions to the show including the powering of the Sustainable Livestock Village by green energy thanks to Offaly Co. Council..

Mr Keena revealed that the event was hosting the All-Ireland pig finals while there was also new classes for goats. The sheep section had recorded its highest ever number of entries.

He thanked all the competitors, exhibitors and sponsors as well as the thousands of ordinary members of the public who journeyed to the show.

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FBD's Pat Gilligan said as the only Irish owned insurance company they were delighted to be part of the show's success over the past seven years

Thanking John Keenan, Chelsey Cox McDonald and all the committee, he said "it's a massive effort to create a day like this."

He stressed the importance of sustainability in the livestock sector and praised those young people who were continuing the traditions of previous generations.

Freda Kinnarney noted that 60 per cent of rural dwellers were now at least two generations removed from agriculture and the show provided a rich source of community to them as well as the farming community.

She praised local businesses for their support and also the Departments of Agriculture and Rural and Community for their grant aid.

Tanaiste Simon Harris said he was conscious of people "like me" turning up on show day when so much work went on in the background in the weeks leading up to the event.

Mr Harris said the funding provided to agricultural shows was among one of the best decisions taken by the Government.

Stressing it was the Government's job to support farming and regional development, the Tanaiste said he wanted young people growing up in Offaly to have the same opportunities as those in the big cities.