(JJ Hurley)
Now in it tenth year, Ballygarvan will kick off its annual festival on Saturday next getting underway at 10am with a packed programme.
Top of the bill is the Dog Show, which as usual has a wide variety of categories including prizes for the best smallest, medium and large dog classes, as well as prizes for the best adult and child handler.
In addition to several novelty classes, there are also qualifying classes for several national contests, including native breed, miniatures and gun dog classes.
The beef, cattle and sheep classes have again drawn significant interest, as has the poultry and egg class.
Since last year, the show has lost one of its staunchest supporters, Garrett Forrest, and in his honour a new trophy for the best sheep on view has been added to the itinerary, joining the Ruth Good Trophy for the Best Local Lamb.
Pony showing kicks off from 10am with three rings, featuring pony driving classes
For Ann O’Mahony, who is the show's hard-working secretary, said the show is all about promoting local skills and produce and from that prospect the local arts and crafts competitions will draw the usual interest.
Entries are also welcome on the day, and that includes paintings, sketching and several photography classes with prizes for the best agricultural, funny, and black and white snaps.
What also promises to entertain the crowd is a pig agility and sheepdog displays, and will certainly draw an inquisitive audience.
No show would be complete without a vintage element, and the threshing will take the older visitors back down memory lane, including a special award for the best vintage vehicle.
The kids will have a chance to participate in the novelty sports and take a break in the free child play area.
Outside of that, younger visitors can also jump on the ‘Merrys’ as the adults join Monica and her team in the tea tent for a cuppa and to relax.
Even after all that, you can take a trip around the trade stands.
It certainly promises to be a great day.
For Ann, it is an opportunity to meet up with old friends and have that chat that you haven’t had for a while.
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