The 141 st annual Strokestown Show was launched recently and will take place on the grounds of the Strokestown Park House this weekend, the 8 th and 9 th of September (Saturday and Sunday). This year’s show promises to be as enjoyable and entertaining as ever before with classes in both cattle and sheep on Saturday with Sunday being geared more towards a family day. Show Chairman Mr. Pat McHugh and committee colleagues were joined by the various sponsors of the event for the launch and he began by complimenting the other agricultural shows in the area for the running of their shows in light of the atrocious weather conditions experienced this summer. ‘ I would like to compliment our neighbouring shows Castlerea, Roscommon and Mohill for defying the odds and running very successful shows despite the unfavourable conditions.’ This year’s programme boasts many attractive events to keep the crowd entertained over the entire weekend. On Saturday there are countless different classes in both cattle and sheep sections. The highlight of the cattle section is the All-Ireland Angus Cattle Championships which are being held in Strokestown for 2007. There are also numerous classes in the commercial cattle section with the featured event being the All-Ireland Beef Heifer finals which is sponsored by Greenville Animal Feeds. The All-Ireland bullock final is once again sponsored by the Hanly Group. The sheep section has its usual sections and there are also classes in the goat section. There are quite a lot of classes in the horse, pony and donkey sections which take place on Sunday. There is a dog section again this year and an art and photography section for adults and children alike. The farm and garden produce is held in the marquee with flowers, fruit and vegetables and hay and pasture all on display. On Saturday night the show dance is taking place in the Percy French Hotel with music by local artist Frank Nelson and his band. Sunday is more of a family day with many novelty events taking place to capture the imaginations of the crowds. There is a ‘bonnie baby’ competition, ‘most appropriately dressed Lady’, ‘Glamorous Granny’ and ‘Little Miss and Little Master’. One of the highlights of the show is the Rose of Strokestown Show competition with the eventual winner of this event having the opportunity to go forward and possibly compete in the Rose of Tralee. Mr. McHugh paid tribute to the Westward Group who have offered the use of their grounds in Strokestown Park House for the weekend. ‘I would especially like to thank the Westward Group for affording the use of the grounds and for their continued valued support’. Mr. McHugh also thanked the sponsors of the event for their continued support and concluded by thanking the members of his committee. ‘I would like to thank all our sponsors without whose support and generosity we would not be able to hold an event of this magnitude. Finally a very special word of thanks to all our members who faithfully work so hard with such dedication each year to keep Strokestown Show as one of the top shows in Ireland’.
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