One of the biggest-ever turnouts in the cattle section made this year’s Mullingar Agricultural Show a standout success, and organisers have praised both the numbers and the quality of livestock on display.

Speaking after the event, cattle steward and long-time committee member Joe Henson described 2025 as “one of our best years for cattle entries”.

“The entries were absolutely huge – so much so we almost hadn’t space enough to tie the number of cattle we had,” he said. “And the quality was just exceptional, especially in the Limousin classes. At one stage there were eight Limousin heifers in the ring, and they would take the sight out of your eyes.”

Mr Henson attributed the rise in entries to the strength of the cattle trade, with beef prices currently at a high. “That has a lot to do with it,” he said.

“Commercial and pedigree cattle showing ties in directly with the beef trade, and prices are strong at the moment.”

Another notable trend is the growing number of young people getting involved in the show circuit. “There’s a lot of younger exhibitors coming into commercial cattle showing in particular,” Mr Henson said. “We also saw new entrants this year – and also people who might previously have shown a pedigree animal now entering both pedigree and commercial classes.”

Substantial prize money in the commercial classes helped boost competition, but Mr Henson said the enthusiasm among exhibitors was also clearly visible in the atmosphere on the day. “I was in and out of the garden all day, but around 11am when judging got under way, the place was full of cattle and full of people. It was a great spectacle.”

Sheep entries

It wasn’t just the cattle drawing attention at this year’s show. Sheep entries were also up dramatically, to the point where organisers had to extend the area used for sheep showing. “The sheep was phenomenal, to be honest,” Mr Henson said. “We had to expand the section just to accommodate them all.”

Equestrian

Horse entries also saw a significant rise compared to last year, with strong participation in both showing and jumping classes.

“We had to bring in an extra set of jumps,” said Mr Henson. “There’s clearly growing interest locally, helped by the presence of riding schools like the Colleen Riding School at the showgrounds, and the general growth of equestrian activity in the region.”

He said many local families now have ponies for children and are involved in riding lessons and local competitions, which is feeding into the popularity and prestige of the show.

Family-friendly day out

While agricultural classes remain central to the show, organisers continue to invest in family-friendly facilities, including a supervised play area introduced last year for children aged one to four. That feature proved hugely popular once again, with children playing right up to 8.30pm on show day, and all for free.

“The only requirement is that parents supervise their kids,” Mr Henson said. “It’s a big attraction, and it’s part of making the show a day out for everyone.”

Reflecting on the evolving role of agricultural shows, Mr Henson said balancing tradition with modern expectations is key. “You still have your showing of cattle and sheep, shearing and so on, but there has to be a strong social side now too. People come for the spectacle, for the community, and to enjoy themselves.”

In addition to the agricultural classes, the entertainment programme and trade village offered something for all ages. Country music star Robert Mizzell headlined the gig rig, and Camillus Egerton performed earlier in the day as a support act.