Agricultural Show crowds basked in summer sun

There was a constant flow of traffic into Culleen showgrounds last Sunday for the Mullingar Agricultural Show, but the stewards on duty kept the flow moving.

Once inside, the activities were strategically spaced out to ensure comfort and ease of movement between the many attractions.

Several ice cream vans had steady queues as many stopped by for a cooling 99 or other delight. The coffee and food vans were also kept busy.

One of the first displays was the Slanemore Nursery stand with a colourful array of blooms, and directly opposite them was the Ballynacargy GAA group selling tickets for their Massey Ferguson X35 tractor draw. Brosna Art group had several fine paintings on display, opposite the exhibition of vintage farm machinery, including a 1940s Tumbling Paddy for bringing in the hay.

The sheep shearing competition attracted a large audience throughout the day, many attracted by the entertaining commentary given by MC John Bonham. His commentary on the grand final, which was nearly a photo finish affair, was like listening to the late Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh on All-Ireland final day.

Among the exhibitors was Charles Woollard from Irishtown, Ballynacargy. Charles has been coming to Mullingar Show and other agricultural shows for the past 50 years, like his parents before him. He was delighted that his filly, Blue Rose, had come first in her class and was looking forward to Moate Show next month.

The dance floor at the gig rig was full throughout the day. The main attraction was Robert Mizzell but TR Dallas also made a surprise appearance. He spotted his friends 85-year-old Paddy Bracken from Clara and Damian Scally from Tullamore, of “One for the Road” who were to play later in the bar, when the football was finished on the big screen.

The dog show was moved slightly this year so that the competitors and spectators could avail of the shade of a large beech tree. Eileen White from Ballymahon has been the show committee secretary for many years, having taken over from the late Mary Nea, and she is responsible for all the entries. She reported “unbelievable entries all over” in this year’s show.

Agnes Moore from Irishtown, Mullingar, a regular contributor of photographs to the Westmeath Examiner, has been helping in the indoor arena for over 40 years, having started under the stewardship of the late Agnes Glancy.

She outlined the various cups awarded including the Corry Cup for the best single rose, the Ann O’Sullivan Cup for the best potted plant in bloom which was won by a huge geranium, and the Ann O’Sullivan Cup for the best juvenile display which went to the Hungry Caterpillar entry, made from green peppers and a tomato for the head.

Agnes pointed out the splendid wild flower arrangements and the “bee-friendlies” category which she said, attracted a lot of entries. She remarked that the good weather has caused flowers to bloom earlier.

Agnes loves flowers and cooking and jam making, using fruit produced by her brother Jimmy Nolan of Raharney, and has won prizes at many shows around the country. However, her most precious prize is the plaque presented to her by Daniel O’Donnell at the Meenacross Show in Donegal for Photographer of the Year.

Also in the indoor arena there were fine displays of home baking, preserves, fruit and vegetables and art work. There were trade stands selling homemade jewellery, honey, preserves, and lots more.

For the younger show goers there was free face painting, a kiddies’ corner and lots of amusements. The horse and pony classes also attracted a lot of younger entries and the fancy dress class was particularly popular, and keenly contested.

As the organisers set about the task of tidying up, they will no doubt be already working on plans for next year’s show.