Connacht Show to be the biggest rural event in the province

THE annual Connacht Spring Show takes place on Sunday, May 15, at Ballinrobe Racecourse with a packed line-up of events from sheep shearing to a search for Cinderella.

One of the highlights of the shearing events will be the appearance of world record holder, Ivan Scott, who recently sheared a sheep in 37.9 seconds.

The event also hopes to set a new Irish record for the number of sheep being hand-sheared at the one time – the record currently stands at 154, but 200 is the target on Sunday week.

Three fashion shows will be staged on the day by the Catwalk Model Agency while there will be a contest to find ‘Connacht’s Cinderella’.

Another big attraction should be the Best of the West Food Emporium where there will be a ‘Ready-Steady Cook Off’ with chefs from Ashford Castle and Ashford Lodge facing up to each other.

The Connacht Spring Show – sponsored by JJ Burke Car Sales, Ballinrobe – will also have a whole host of other attractions including a sheep show, a chainsaw woodcarving display from Coillte and the High Nelly road show, featuring a series of vintage bikes.

A whole series of children’s attractions are also lined up while the Connacht Tug-o-War and the sixth annual provincial dog show, will also get a lot of attention.

Show organiser, Paddy Rock, said that the event would endeavour to cover all aspects of farming and rural life and should have something for everyone.

“It will bring everyone who is connected in any way with farming and rural Ireland to a one-stop-shop for farmers and their families at the wonderful venue that is Ballinrobe Racecourse,” said Paddy Rock.

The show will be officially opened by new IFA President, Joe Healy, who said that the event was a real boost to morale for the farming community and rural dwellers across the West of Ireland.

This year’s show will also focus strongly on the theme of farm safety with contributions from the Health and Safety Authority, the Farm Relief Service, the Road Safety Authority, IFA, Teagasc, the Gardaí, the Fire Service and the Order of Malta.