Showtime returns to Mountbellew

THE 111th Mountbellew Agricultural Show will take place in early September in the grounds of Mountbellew Agricultural College – this year it will appeal to a wider female audience.

It is an event that has captured the imagination of the local community and one that former TD Paul Connaughton has been deeply involved in.

While he will not be participating, the event – taking place on Saturday, September 5 – will have its first ever fashion show which will have local models participating and displaying their wares.

The fashion show, promoted by Briggs Fashions in Mountbellew, will be a highlight, particularly when well-known local amateur male and female models take to the catwalk for the first time.

There will also be a cookery demonstration in the leisure centre. Hard-working Show Secretary Dympna Naughton said that this year’s show will be most attractive to a wider female audience.

This year will see a fine range of pedigree cattle on show. Chief Steward and well-known local pedigree Limousin breeder Tom Finnerty said he hopes that owners of some of the best cattle across the most popular beef breeds in the west of Ireland will display their outstanding animals at the show.

Another new venture for the show this year is the introduction of an All-Ireland Warmblood Foal Championship with €1,000 prize fund attached.

Show Chairman Frank Collevy said Mountbellew now has a wide-ranging horse section, which also includes the ever-popular All-Ireland Traditional Irish Sporthorse Foal competition with €2,000 in prize money.

This magnificent competition is sponsored jointly by Malthouse Bar and Restaurant, Briggs Fashions and Ganley’s Hardware, all from Mountbellew.

Mountbellew Show is again honoured by the Irish Shows Association when the Osmond’s All-Ireland Pair of Galway Ewe Lamb Final will be the centrepiece of a great exhibition of sheep.