Mountbellew works up to Show No. 107

AS it progresses well into its second century, Mountbellew Agricultural Show organisers credit its longevity and continued success with a winning combination of marrying tradition with innovation and providing a great family day out. Preparations are well underway this week for the 2011 Mountbellew Agricultural Show, which will be held in the grounds of the Agricultural College, Mountbellew, on Saturday, September 10. [private] The show itself is now 107 years in existence and in that period of time has seen the 1916 Uprising, the War of Independence, the establishment of the new State, the Economic War of the 1930s and vast tranches of emigration in the 1950s and 1980s and. unfortunately, again at this present time. However, one fundamental principle has not changed, the competitive nature of exhibitors in the myriad of classes that make up the modern agricultural show is, if anything, more intense than it ever has been as through the concept of open public display, people aspire to produce better quality livestock, better floral arrangements, better photo exhibitions and better groomed dogs, to mention but a few. Excellence That desire for excellence will again be on display at Mountbellew Show on September 10 and Chairman of the Show, Frank Collevy, says that everything will be in tip-top shape on the day as a result of the army of volunteers who are busy putting together the plans to make this year's event a memorable one. New Deputy, Paul Connaughton will perform the official opening of the show at 12 noon on Saturday, 10th September. The horse section is one of the biggest of any show in the West of Ireland and this year another judging ring is being added to accommodate the increased entries to this section. Great interest will be displayed in the Galway Region Irish Draught Mare and Foal competition, with a prize fund of €1,350. The competition will include winners from Clarinbridge, Corrandulla, Athenry, Ardrahan, Loughrea, Claregalway and Oughterard. The pony section is bigger than ever with many opportunities for children to show off their ponies in the ring. Show Secretary Dympna Naughton says that entries are coming in at an unprecedented rate if the weather is kind in the run-up to the Show, all records will be broken. The Secretary said all entries must be received by September 3 as no late entries will be accepted. A new class this year is the Oldcastle All-Ireland Amateur Painting Competition, where exhibitors will compete to fight their corner as the All-Ireland final in Oldcastle, Co Meath, on Sunday, September 25. There are no fewer than 20 different classes for dogs this year and the dog section is always a family-friendly affair where toddlers, their parents and grandparents can spend quality time with their canine friends. 'We want to make this a family day out at little cost, there is something for everybody,' concluded Frank. [/private]