Minister has fond memories of Tullamore Show
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Mary Dunphy, FBD, Pat Gilligan, FBD, Minister Martin Heydon, Emer O’Byrne, FBD, and Amanda Brennan, FBD. Jeff Harvey Mobile +353868928350Image 2 of 3
Chelsey Cox McDonald, show secretary, Pat Gilligan, FBD, Emer O’Byrne, FBD, and Mary Dunphy, FBD. Jeff Harvey Mobile +353868928350Image 3 of 3
Ursula Kelly, Cormac Tagging, and Chelsey Cox McDonald, show secretary. Jeff Harvey Mobile +353868928350The Old Warehouse Tullamore hosed the annual sponsors evening and the launch of the schedule of classes for the 2025 Tullamore Show.
MC on the night was, Derek Nevin, who, with his wife Michelle Leaper Nevin, coordinated the Canine Section, and also runs K9 Training and Grooming. They are world renowned breeders of Leevindane Great Danes.
Derek introduced the new chairperson John Keena, who in his remarks, praised the sponsors, “whose help we could not do without, no matter how small or large the sponsorship is, it’s what helps us keep the show running”.
John thanked Minister Heydon for his presence and acknowledged his part in the farm safety live demos over the years, title Sponsors FBD and the landowners of the Butterfield Estate Anne Marie Butterfield and Stephen McQuade.
John also thanked the landowners who provided the car parks and access areas to the site, and made a special mention to the owner of the Old Warehouse Shane Lowry. One of John’s memories is of meeting a young Shane Lowry in Ferbane GAA grounds, where he would be with his father and uncle.
John concluded his speech with a list of new attractions to the show, including a display cow, sponsored by Cormac Tagging. John also highlighted that in collaboration with Offaly County Council and the ESB, the Sustainable Livestock Village will be powered by hydrogen, a first at an agricultural show.
Goats, Valais Blacknose Sheep and Fleckvieh cattle are also some new additions to the show, including the VEX Robotics class in the Inventions section.
Pat Gilligan FBD head of sales, midlands and western region, said: “FBD is proud to be the title sponsor of the Tullamore Show and the National Livestock Show. It is the highlight of FBD’s busy summer calendar and one we look forward to each year. Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show is a wonderful reflection of all that is positive in Ireland’s livestock and farming sector. FBD are proud to be involved in the Sustainable Livestock Village with the ever popular FBD Speakers corner again this year.”
Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Marine, Minister Martin Heydon, as guest speaker, thanked the show for the invitation and reminisced on the interaction he has had over the years with Tullamore Show, especially his involvement with the Farm Safety Live Demo.
Minister Heydon reiterated John Keena’s praise and thanked the title sponsor FBD and all the other loyal sponsors. Minister Heydon, a farmer by trade, noted that agricultural shows such as Tullamore Show play a vital part in exhibiting farming and all that goes with it – it is a way to synchronise rural, urban communities, he said.
The minister concluded his speech wishing Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show all the best for 2025.
The speeches concluded with chairman John Keena and secretary Chelsey Cox McDonald making a presentation to Minister Heydon.