Connacht Spring Show 2012
All roads lead to Ballinrobe Racecourse on the 19th – 20th May for the inaugural Connacht Spring Show, which promises to be one of the best shows to be held in the West of Ireland in recent years.
Incorporating the Connacht International Sheep Shearing Championships, the Spring Show will boast a comprehensive and diverse range of exhibitions and displays, and foremost among them will be the large farm machinery show. All leading machinery dealers will be in attendance to display their wares and answer queries from interested customers. As well as the latest in farm machinery, there will be cars, 4x4s and other farm-related vehicles.
There will also be a large selection of trade stands focusing on bio-fuels, livestock supplies, veterinary supplies, landscaping and grass care products. There will be shows for cattle and sheep, sheepdog trials, a food and craft village and a fashion show.“This event will encompass all aspects of farming and rural life,” said one of the organisers Paddy Rock. “It will bring everyone who is connected in any way with farming and rural Ireland to the same venue, so it is very much a one-stop-shop for farmers. There has been nothing like this before in the West of Ireland and we have already received a huge amount of interest from across the region.”
One of the highlights of the weekend will undoubtedly be the The Connacht and International Sheep Shearing Championships. Here you can see shearers of all ages compete in their various grades for the titles that are on offer. Some of these will have travelled from New Zealand and Australia and throughout the British Isles with one thing in mind to have the opportunity to compete on the same platform with world record holder Ivan Scott.
The second of these highlights will undoubtedly will be Guinness World Record Hand Shearing Challenge where 100 hand shearers will assemble and attempt to secure their place in history and we want you to be a part of this.
“We’re calling on all hand shearers – male and female – to join us at the racecourse on Sunday 20th May at 2pm.We want the youngest and the oldest shearers to take part in what will be a little piece of history.”
All proceeds from the event will go towards the Western Care Association and sponsorship cards are available from Joe Brett at Western Care on 087-2338570. Registration for record attempt will take place at the Western Care marquee from 12 noon to 1-30pm.
The Spring Show will also contain lots of novelty events, including a High Nelly Bike Run which will leave Marrey Bike Shop at 12 noon arriving at the racecourse at 12-30pm and if you would like to register your High Nelly for the run you can contact Anthony Mc Cormack on on 087-2865073, this event is sure to attract lots of interest! There’s also a Connacht tug-of-war competition with teams competing from all over the province. A variety of events will be available for children.
The dog show will be of particular interest to dog lovers everywhere as it boasts 27 classes with 1st 2nd & 3rd in all classes and all breeds will be catered for. This a perfect opportunity for you to get your dogs ready for the IKC Shows with good size rings which are all on grass .
The cattle show which is a new event to be added to the show has a top prize of €1,000 for the best commerical beef heifer and is sponsored by Connacht Gold and with a variety of 23 classes to choose from this top prize will be hard fought for.
The Fashion Show which will take place at 3pm and will offer those with an eye for fashion an opportunity to view some of the current styles available in Carrig Donn, D Biggins,Leenane Wool Centre & Eddie Murphy Menswear.
The Best of the West food Emporium will feature all well known artisan food producers in the region and will give those visiting it an opportunity to taste the first offering of the season, of the now famed, Connemara Hill Lamb which will be cooked and presented by well known celeberity chef, Derry Clarke.
The Connacht Spring Show promises to be an unforgettable weekend with lots more events to be announced in the coming weeks.
For further information on Trade Stands Contact
Paddy @087-2439760 or Peter @087-2038294
For information on Machinery stands:
Contact Ken on 087- 2889381
To book a stand in the Food Emporium contact
Paddy on 087-9337712
