Members of Mullingar Agricultural Show Committee with Francie Gorman, president of the IFA, who opened the 2025 show, Freda Kinnarney, president of the ISA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke and president of Mulliilngar Show Joe Dolan.

Funding of €36,800 for local agricultural shows in 2026

Published: Sat 7 Mar 2026, 4:39 PM

Last updated: Sat 7 Mar 2026, 4:51 PM

Westmeath has received €36,800 of the €1 million for agricultural shows in 2026 announced by Minister Dara Calleary today.

Grants awarded range from €4,200 to €11,400 depending on their size and 126 shows nationwide benefit.

Locally, Westmeath Show Society (Mullingar), which is on Sunday July 12 next, received €10,000; Athlone Agricultural Show (Sunday June 21) received €9,200; Moate Agricultural Show (Sunday August 23) €9,200; and Midlands Connemara Show (Sunday July 26) €8,400.

Minister Calleary made the announcement today as the Irish Shows Association (ISA) launch their 2026 Yearbook at an annual event in Athlone.

He said: “I am delighted, as Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, to be supporting these agricultural shows, which are a great platform to showcase our Irish agriculture sector.

“Last year, I had the privilege of visiting a number of shows across the country and I got to see first-hand the enormous benefits that each show brings to a community.

“They also provide an opportunity for friendly competition, and I am always struck by the quality of the livestock and produce on show.

“Our agricultural shows are also a great social events, where lifelong friendships have been made and fostered.

“Today I am announcing funding of more than €1m, which will support 126 agricultural shows across the country during the 2026 show season. The funding takes the total my department has provided under the fund to more than €6.3m since 2017.”

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will work with the Irish Shows Association (ISA) to administer the 2026 fund.

The minister concluded: “There is a huge amount of work and planning required in the weeks and months leading up to these shows, and it does not happen by chance.

“I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the ISA management and regional teams, the show committees, stewards, volunteers, and sponsors. Without your support, the 200-year tradition of hosting these shows would not be possible.

“I would encourage everyone to go along and support their local shows. These events are special and attendees will see the agricultural show has something to offer everyone.”

The funding provided to each show is available in a table here.