The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
The well-attended North Clare Show in Corofin was hailed as one of its best since its founding in the 1940s. The continued glorious weather brought out the crowds to savour a myriad of classes in the indoor and outdoor sections of the show.
Among exhibitors and spectators the intergenerational mix was evident, with tots to grandparents enjoying a relaxing show day in brilliant sunshine.
The indoor section at the GAA hall was a hive of activity in all classes. The best bale of hay class had 12 entries, reflecting the super summers weather, while the hanging baskets were in full bloom, with vivid colours on show.
The winner of the Katty O’Dell Perpetual Memorial Cup for window boxes was Mary Darmody. Winner of the Charlie Hanrahan Cup for best rose in bloom was Harold Herlihy, while Aloma McKay was the winner of the Fergus View Cup and the ICA Cup for home baking.
In the showing field, overlooking the scenic Lough Atedaun, the dog show had a huge entry, with a wide variety of breeds.
Alan Cahill, sheep steward, reported a strong entry in the section, with Ben Lucas showing the aged ram with more than two permanent teeth taking the Brendan Keane Cup for the champion of the show.
The Burke Family of Kells, Corofin, had a great day, winning four classes and showing the reserve champion.
The champion pony, winner of the 133cms showhunter class, was exhibited by Caitríona Glynn, who received the Cotter/Keane Perpetual Cup. The local pony class was again keenly contested, with a pony exhibited by Laura Morgan taking the red rosette. Deirdre Cronin was in second place, with Michelle Keane in third.
To the fore in the horse section was Sheila Barry, who exhibited the champion brood mare and won the Monreel Crystal Vase.
Noel O’Shea, Labasheeda, was presented with the Currakyle Cup for the champion horse of the show.
The jumping competitions, 19 in all, took place in the parish field over three arenas. Tom Kearney said ground conditions were excellent, with just enough give, which made for a most entertaining day for participants and spectators alike.
