Ballinasloe Show – 174 years on road and still going strong

IT’S one of the most enduring shows in Europe having survived two world wars and five changes in currency without ever missing a year. Almost every farming family in East Galway, South Roscommon and West Offaly at some stage have had a connection with the Ballinasloe Show – this year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 28 (10am to 6pm).

Peter O Connor, director said huge credit must go to the voluntary workers who man the gates and organise all the local parking. Tom Freeman, director said he wanted to say a special thanks to the FÁS workers who looked after the showgrounds and kept it in tip-top condition.

Gerry Stronge, director, thanked the many sponsors who have contributed to keep this show on the road for the last 174 years. The show costs €20,000 to host in October alone and the Directors and the Committee are overwhelmed with the amount of businesses and people in the Ballinasloe area who have come forward with generous sponsorship. He also thanked the Galway GAA, Duggan Park Committee, Town Council, and the Garda for all their corporation over the years

 John Harney, Show Secretary said that four All-Ireland finals would be held on that day – the Connemara Mare of the Future; the Irish Draught Colt Foal Final; the Irish Draught Filly Foal Final and the All-Ireland Donkey and Foal Final, followed by the Gain Feed Colt Foal Final

All these finals bring the best stock in Ireland to Ballinasloe on this day. Also there will be classes for young horses, riding horses mares and foals, connemara ponies, show ponies and working hunter ponies as well as cattle and sheep classes.

There will also be poultry classes as well as children’s art competitions. As usual there will be huge amount of horse and cattle products on sale from various companies in the Showground that Saturday. Remember children get in free.