Pause in bad weather makes a memorable Mullingar Show

It's become something of a cliché to discuss the weather and Mullingar Agricultural Show in the one breath, but thankfully this year one could do so in a positive sense, as weekend rain held off for the morning and afternoon festive proceedings at Westmeath Show Society's grounds at Culleen, Mullingar.The FBD-sponsored event - one of the province's most popular annual shows - coaxed thousands of people out of their shelter, as dry conditions prevailed in an otherwise rain-soaked weekend.Officially opened by the President of the Irish Farmers' Association, John Bryan, this Mullingar institution took up the entire sphere of the showgrounds, and show spokesperson Paddy Donnelly reckons that everything - be it entries, visitors or attractions - was an improvement on the 2009 show."We got a lot of good vibes from some of the visitors, who came as far away as Donegal to Roscommon," Paddy told the Westmeath Examiner."A lot of remarks were passed on the quality of the cattle, and one or two even said that in terms of quality, the cattle at Mullingar Show were as good as those you'd find in Tullamore."Judging in the horse classes began at 10am on Sunday morning, followed by the cattle, sheep and indoor classes.In the mid-afternoon, the crowds of visitors began to increase in scale, as they sampled the essence of rural Mullingar, with the dulcet tones of Dec Byrne and his band in the background.To the rear of the main agricultural and horticultural displays and contests, the dog, pony and horse shows attracted plenty of public attention.Vintage displays, army displays, exotic animals, trade and machinery stands, and some quality local produce in the Mullingar Show Food Village also raised some eyebrows, and opened many wallets.In the afternoon, gundog, Westmeath Hunt, dog agility and sheep shearing displays took place, with children entertained by bouncing castles, face painting and horse and carriage rides.The Westmeath Show Society Chairman, Christopher Dolan, said that he is delighted to see the Show "continue to thrive in these difficult economic times"."Running a show today requires very high capital expenditure and the continued backing of all our sponsors and the businesses of Mullingar and the surrounding counties is greatly appreciated," he said.Mr. Dolan acknowledged all patrons, sponsors, exhibitors, trade stands and volunteers, the Order of Malta and FÁS for their contribution to making the day run so smoothly.Top winnersAs ever, the cattle classes were the centre of attention, foremost among them the 'Beef to the Heel' Championships for bullocks and heifers; the latter won by Sean O'Brien of Burnfoot, Co. Donegal, and the former by the Carnaross trio of Tom, Ollie and Jason Stanley.Other winners of prominent trophies in all classes included (selection):Young Horse Champion - James Murphy, Lisheenabrone, Swinford, Co. Mayo.First National Building Society Perpetual Cup for the best non-thorougghbred Foal - Michael Dooner, Glasson, Athlone, Co. WestmeathJames Casey Plant Hire Cup for best Brood Mare - Michael Dooner, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.Best Foal By Tim Carey's Stallions - Tom Moone, Clonbulogue, Co. Offaly, - Sire - 'Golden Lauriet' and Eugene Doyle, Clonmore, Moate, Co. Westmeath - Sire 'Star Kingdon'Ridden Hunter Champion - Mullingar Auto's Cup - Gerry Keena, LakeView, Moate, Co. Westmeath.The Con Crowley Perpetual Shield and nomination from Tim Carey for Champion Brood Mare -Michael Dooner, Glasson, Athlone.Champion Shorthorn - Noel Dowd, Loughglass, Creggs, Co. Galway.Champion Simmental - Garrett Behan, Cloneygowan, Ballyfin, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.Champion Hereford (The Mullingar Livestock Agency Cup) - Trevor and Edward Dudley, Kilsunny House, Dovea, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.Champion Limousin - Raymond Crawford, Drumully, Clones, Co. Monaghan.Champion Angus - O & A McFadden & Armstrong, Gibbonstown, Navan.Champion Charolais - Thomas Farrell, Cornadrung, Aughnacliffe, Co. Longford.Champion Dairy Cow - John Kelly, Rahanine, Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath.Supreme Champion Fowl - Susan Sheridan, Crowenstown, Delvin, Co. Westmeath.Ponies - Fitzpatrick Cup - Ann Gorman, Enniscoffey, Gaybrook, Mullingar; Special Needs Cup - Irene Doonan, Raheenmore, Mullingar.Arts & Crafts/Horticulture - The Ann O'Sullivan Cup for Best Pot Plant - Eamon McCormack, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.The Corry Cup for Best Rose - Geraldine Rabbitte, Curraghmore, Mullingar.The late Mrs. Agnes Glancy's Memorial Tray for best Tea Tray - Mrs. Betty Benning, Bailieboro, Co. Cavan.A full list of results will appear in a future edition of this newspaper.