Gort Show celebrates thirtieth year

The 30th annual Gort Show takes place this Sunday and, following record attendances in recent years, is expected to draw large numbers to the area once again.
The show begins at 11am with the horse and pony classes on the Loughrea Road before the 12.30pm start in the main showground on the Ennis Road.
The show will be officially opened at 1.30pm by well-known Gort man and champion kick-boxer, Eric Daly, and local estate agent, Ian Cahill, who has been supporter of the show since he was 13 years old, 30 years ago.
But Ian is not the only South Galway resident who has been intensely loyal to the show.
“Some people seem to be addicted to the Gort Show,” the show’s organising secretary, Amanda Anderson told The Clare Champion.
“Mother and daughter, Margaret and Patricia Carr have both entered every single show in the entire 30 years, and Patricia is only 37. Jude Fuery entered a potted plant in the 1981 show, and has entered it in every single show since including this year, 2011, the 30th show,” Ms Anderson continued.
“Ian Cahill was one of the winners in the 1981 show when he was 13 and appeared in the Connaught Tribune at the time, as did his mother for winning at the Gort Show also. He is still one of the devoted supporters of the event, by not only occasionally entering, but by supporting the show with advertising and other activities such as mowing the grass for the outdoor events every year, come rain or shine,” she outlined.
The show began in 1981 and has never cancelled, “not even when everywhere else was flooded and rained off. It was first held in Community Centre in 1985 when the paint on the centre walls was not even dry so the stewards had to be very careful that year.”
The show features all the events regulars have come to expect, with food stalls, trade and craft stands as well as a horse show, dog show, poultry show, pets categories, an indoor section, live music and entertainment as well as face painting and children’s activities.
“One unusual activity will be a working horse display by Rob Steed of Seehan, who uses his horse in his small business of tree care and countryside management services,” outlined Ms Anderson.
“We’d love to see as many people as possible come along to the show. It promises to be very enjoyable so whether it is your 30th visit or your first, come along and be part of what has made this such a successful event,” she concluded.
For more information, see the www.facebook.com/GortShow  or www.gortshow.com.