New additions to annual Ardrahan show

FINAL preparations are being put in place for Ardrahan Agricultural Show, which takes place this weekend.
This year’s show, which takes place on Sunday, sees a few changes and some new additions.
Ardrahan will once again host the All-Ireland Ridden Hunter Championship and the All-Ireland Ridden Irish Draught Championship but this year has decided not to hold brood mare or young horse classes.

According to show secretary David Devane, the decision was taken due to a lack of entries in recent years. He said most shows have problems with entries in these classes but if he feels he could get sufficient entries, they would be willing to hold them again in the future.

There is a very good selection of classes in the sheep section, including classes for Galway, Suffolk, Beltex and Crossbred.

There is a special Young Stockperson`s event in which young handlers under 16 years of age can use their skills in handling and showing their sheep. There will also be a guess-my-weight contest.

One of the events that has been gaining interest is the side saddle competitions and this year, the festival will hold a side-saddle working hunter class.

The show has held the traditional side-saddle class in the past but this working hunter class is a new idea and the show committee is hoping it will yield a good turnout.

In addition, there is a wide range of ridden horse and pony classes, with a number of new classes, such as amateur horse and rider and lead rein working hunter.

Ardrahan Show will also host the ever popular dog show, which will see the return of dog agility contests this year.

Added to this, there is a variety of family entertainment, including the bonny baby, toddler and wobbler contests and the most appropriately dressed lady.

There is a wide variety of entertainment, including mini quads, bungee jumping and a bouncy castle. There will be a wide variety of trade stands also.