74th Annual Belgooly Show – June 2nd
Writes Leo McMahon
All roads lead to Ballindeenisk on Saturday, June 2nd for the 74th Belgooly & District Agricultural Show, details of which were outlined by chairperson John Stanley at a reception last week in The Huntsman, Belgooly.
Serving a district that includes Kinsale, Carrigaline, Tracton and Clontead, this is South Cork biggest country day out with lots of attractions for both rural and urban dwellers at the excellent showgrounds provided by Thomas and Laura Kiely.
‘Agricultural shows demonstrate rural life at its best to the general public. It is a joy to witness the judging of quality livestock, horses and cattle, local progeny and local produce whilst promoting primary producers in the agricultural industry who make such a valuable contribution to the Irish economy’, said John who thanked all sponsors, fellow committee members, stewards and supporters of a show which this year has a prize fund of over €10,000.
Horses
There are 19 horse classes including two qualifiers: The Irish Shows Association (ISA) and Bannow and Rathdangan Show Society Three-Year-Old Horse All lreland championship and the ISA and Bridgetown Yearling Filly championship. Belgooly is also a qualifier for the Cork County Yearling Championship, the final of which is at Carbery Show, Skibbereen on July 19th. Judging of classes begins at 11am.
In the pony section there are 19 led and ridden classes including the Confined Local Working Hunter Pony (within 19km of Belgooly).
There are six pony championships: led, ridden, working hunter, starter stakes, mini and supreme pony. Pony judging starts at 10.30am.
Cattle
The 25 dairy and beef cattle classes cover Friesian, Aberdeen Angus, Belgian Blue, Hereford, Limousin and Simmental with lots of perpetual trophies and prizes on offer.
In conjunction with the Young Members’ Association Showmanship League, there are young handler classes for aged 12 and under, 13 to 16 years and 17 to 26 years. Judging commences at 12.30pm.
Belgooly Show will also feature Mounted Pony Games, a Fun Dog Show and Mobile Pet Farm.
Domestic Classes
Be sure to take time to tour and admire the exhibits in the domestics tent which will have entries from no fewer than 56 classes for baking, eggs, embroidery, flowers, window boxes, crafts, paintings and pottery, some of which are confined to local school children and those with special needs.
New classes, said John Stanley are Savoury Tart or Quiche, Gluten-free cake and Felt Picture or Toy and in Photography ‘2018 Snow Scene’ and ‘A Corner of Our Parish’. The domestic marquee will be open for admission of exhibits at 10am and judging will be open to the public from 1.30.
In addition to traditional agricultural show classes, there are numerous family attractions and trade stands to enjoy while a must is a visit to the tea tent, the social centre on show day.
Officers of the 74th Belgooly Show are: Michael Ahern, president; Miah Ahern, Monnie Ahern, Sheila Coleman, Anne O’Regan, Sean O’Sullivan, Michael and Pat Roche, vice presidents; Rev Peter Rutherford, Fr Michael Regan and An tAthair O Murchu, patrons; John Stanley, chairperson; Michael Barry, vice chairperson; Tina Honeyman, Eileen and Gertrude Ahern, secretaries; Micheal Regan, 30 years treasurer; Martin O’Regan, PRO; Monica O’Regan, sponsorship secretary; Sheila Foott-Kelleher and Angela Foley, domestic secretaries; Mary O’Brien, dog show secretary; Betsy Ahern, catering secretary; Michael Barry, Carl Coleman, Donal O’Regan, Mary O’Regan and Pat Power, safety officers; Philip Copithorne (horses), Deirdre Kidney (ponies), Martin O’Regan (cattle), Micheal Power (parking) and Michael Barry (trade stands), chief stewards.
Entering Belgooly Village from the Cork direction, turn left at the Huntmans up the hill towards Ballyfeard and the show field is to the right just one mile from the village.
John Stanley also thanked Kathleen and Tom Keogh, assisted by Natalie Grey and Ciaran Keogh as well as Jerry Mooney on behalf of reception sponsor Heineken. He also made a strong appeal for more helpers on the day. Enquiries to Eileen Ahern 021 4770980 (after 7pm), e mail: belgoolyshow@gmail.com.
In addition to the above mentioned, the attendance at a most enjoyable press launch included Cllr Alan Coleman, long running Belgooly Mayor Ger O’Riordan and his wife Mary, Hazel Stanley, Mary Corridan, Jonathan Quinn, Sheila, Dan and Sheila Marie Kelleher; Valerie O’Regan, Diarmuid Kelleher, Peter O’Regan, Seamus Corkery, Tom Browne, Cara Browne, Michael O’Brien, Peter O’Regan, Daniel O’Regan, George and Mary O’Meara, Mary Bouse, Tossie and Rosemary Gash, Marie Buckley, Mary O’Sullivan, Louise Curran, Kathleen Geaney, Cecilia Buckley, Maura Hennessy, Joan Coughlan, Gaby O’Regan, Marian O’Sullivan and Betty O’Brien.
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