Bootcamp to knock show into shape

The judges of the hugely popular RTÉ television series ICA Bootcamp will open this year’s Gort Show and will hold a mini-bootcamp at the South Galway event.
Organisers of this year’s show promise something for everyone with the largest variety of events to date. The show takes place on Sunday and boasts more than 250 competitive classes in the various sections.
The indoor exhibits will be on display in the community centre with the poultry on show in a special marquee on the grounds. The horse, pony, donkey and dog classes will be judged on the adjoining grounds of Gort Community School.
Entries for horse/pony classes will be taken from 10am while entries for the dog show will be taken from 11.30am. Entrance for light horseboxes will be via Circular Road while heavier boxes and lorries must park on the road.
To facilitate exhibitors, non-perishable indoor exhibits can be put in place on Saturday evening between 6pm and 9pm and all indoor exhibits must be in place for judging by 10.30am on Sunday.
There will be an opportunity to meet the stars of the popular ICA Bootcamp series. The ladies, Joephine Helly from Tullira, Ardrahan, Marie McGuirk of Drogheda and Imelda Byrne of Leighlinbridge, Carlow will officially open the show at 1.30pm.
A special attraction at Sunday’s show will be a Model Farm and Machinery Display on the stage of the community centre. Die-cast model cars, tractors and machinery as well as farmyard and other scenes known as Dioramas have become very popular in recent years. This will be the first show of its kind to be held in Gort and promises to attract a lot of attention. While it is not possible to hold a vintage display due to space restrictions, Martin Conneely from Annaghdown will put his Famine Pot on display.
The Dog and String Theatre from Boston, Tubber will provide a free puppet show for children and the Bonnie Baby Show will be held at 2pm.
The most appropriately dressed gent and lady at the show will receive prizes and these events have already attracted a lot of enquiries.
Students of Gort Community School will have their woodwork on display and Athenry Archery Club will put on a special exhibition. The Show Company will be proud to have the county hurling cup on display and it will be possible to see the big hurling match on television screens.
Guaire Catering will provide catering at the community centre and on the horse show field. Organisers expect a large crowd at this year’s show.