The Mountbellew Agricultural Show – one of the highlights of the Galway summer calendar – will take place on Saturday, August 23, on the grounds of the Agricultural College.

And there’ll be something to suit everyone at this year’s busy and vibrant show – whether it’s livestock competitions, fashion, local food and crafts or family entertainment.

The show which was founded in 1904 has been held annually ever since with the notable exception of a few horrible wet years, an outbreak of foot and mouth disease and of course, the dreaded period of Covid 19, when the country was completely closed down.

The very active Show Committee have planned a magnificent array of events which will appeal to the general public and many new features have been included this year.

Mr. Frank Collevey, Chairman, said that the Committee are hopeful that the show will attract people who have never attended an agricultural show before and there will be something of interest for all people from all walks of life.

Phil Keating, Chief Steward of the Kiddies Corner said there was a particular emphasis on catering for children of all ages and the kiddies corner is filled with games of every description.  Daisy the Cow and for the first time ever a magic and puppet show will keep the kids occupied.

Chief sheep Steward Rita Hughes said there was a huge entry of sheep this year and the All-Ireland Final of the Ewe Lamb Competition will be a centrepiece of attraction.

A magnificent display of Pedigree Continental Cattle with entries coming from all over the West of Ireland will compete for the many rosettes on offer.

The horse and pony section is a great crowd pleaser and there will be a battle royale for the All-Ireland Traditional Sport Horse, with a prize fund of €2,500 earmarked for this event.

Show Secretary Dympna Naughton said that a special fashion show will make its reappearance at the show after an absence of a number of years.

Committee Member Sean O’Neill said that he and his staff of Mountbellew CE scheme will be helping out in everyway they can to lend a helping hand to the committee who are working round the clock to have the showgrounds spic and span for show day.

In his closing remarks, Frank Collevey said that extra free parking is being made available and the entry fee is still €10 per person, which hasn’t changed in the past 10 years, with all children still able to come along free.

“We want to provide excellent entertainment at low cost for hard-pressed families,” he said.

Entries close on Saturday 16th of August. Guest of Honour will be Mr. Pete Roach TD, and the official opening will take place at 1pm.

All information, including entries, can be found on the website at https://www.mountbellewagrishow.ie/

Pictured: SHOWTIME: The Mountbellew Agricultural Show takes place Saturday week, August 23, in the Agricultural College. Pictured in front of the iconic ‘Bobbyjo’ statue ahead of the event are the organisers and sponsors. [Front, left to right]: Richard Coyle (Supervalu), Martin Shaughnessy, Frank Collevey (Chairman), Paul Donnellan (West Midlands Credit Union), Mary Smith, Pauline Gavin,  and Brian Hogan (Arrabawn). [Back, left to right]: Carmel Connolly (Briggs Drapers and St. Ann’s Guest House), Paul Connaughton Snr, Ann Meehan, Ciaran Bracken, Paddy Collins, Dympna Naughton (Show Secretary), Matt Lohan, Rita Hughes, Gavin O’Sullivan (The Malthouse).