Upbeat note at Tullamore Show annual meeting

Entries in classes were up, the trade area was at capacity (extra space having been allocated), and the showground was a hive of activity from daybreak, the AGM of the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show heard.

The executive committee and members gathered at the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, on January 7 for a meeting at which reports were heard from all sections and the overall sentiment was that the show was a success, despite rising costs.

John Keena, chairperson, thanked all involved in the preparation and delivery of the show. The 2025 show saw the addition of a hydrogen power unit in the livestock field, a first for an outdoor event, which was sponsored by ESB and Offaly County Council.

“The success of the show is down to the site owners, landowners, local services, the media, various heads of section, sponsors, stewards, volunteers and all who worked tirelessly to bring the show to its fruition, resulting in record attendance figures,” said John.

“It cements our status as the largest one-day lifestyle event. There is no doubt that weather played its part also!”

Guest speaker Seamus Boland, president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), spoke fondly of the Tullamore Show and the vision members had in 1991 and in the intervening years to be the National Livestock Show.

He reflected on the importance of stakeholders in rural communities and how they interact with each other, sand said the Tullamore Show was a perfect example of that.

Seamus mentioned his Macra na Feirme days with the Tullamore Show chairperson and how he encouraged John Keena to join Macra na Feirme many moons ago. He also outlined his concerns for the future of the family farm, mentioning how large corporations buying parcels of land are making it difficult for the local farmers to expand.

There was a vote of sympathy for those who passed away since the last AGM, in particular one of the founding members, Christy Maye.

This year’s show is on August 9, and ticket and trade stand prices remain at 2025 rates. Trade applications close on May 1.