Record-breaking turnout at Gort Show

THE 29th Gort Show, which took place on Sunday, was the biggest in its history according to organisers who claim there was up to a four-fold increase in attendance compared to previous years.
“The whole showground was full with families, couples and individuals having fun, being amazed and simply relaxing and having a great traditional summer Sunday at an agricultural show,” said the show’s organising secretary Amanda Norton.
“The grounds literally buzzed with excitement and fun. There were amazing sights such as the steam-powered traction engine brought all the way from County Cork, the model railway which came from North Mayo, the many multi-coloured craft and trade stalls and the incredible, record breaking display of flowers, vegetables, cooking, crafts and photographs in the main hall. There were dogs, rabbits and snakes, ducks, geese and champion chickens. There were horses, ponies and donkeys from all over Clare and Galway,” she added.
The show committee worked for months to organise the event and Amanda is slow to pick one overall highlight.
“The rodeo bull proved to be a real crowd puller and even champion jockey Derek O’Connor who opened the show couldn’t stay on for long. The dog show was increased to two rings this year and was its usual roaring success, with people coming from several counties to enter their dogs of all shapes and sizes, including one that had pink patches,” she recalled.
While some trophies were presented in the indoor classes to section winners, the bulk of the indoor section overall champions will be announced at a presentation evening in Sullivan’s Hotel, Gort, on Thursday August 19 at 8pm.
Already announced were the overall champion amateur photographer, which went to Sean McInerney of Scarriff, and the Minihane’s overall champion professional/amateur photographer, which went to Mary Forde Flaherty of Cregg Park, Tubber.
The young people’s overall champion which was open to anyone aged between 13 and 18 years was Shona Scrivens from Gort.
The champion young horse of the show was won by Cyril Stevens of Kilrush. The champion foal was won by Gerard Murray of Ardrahan. The champion brood mare was won by Sheelagh Barry of Inch and the champion ridden/lead rein pony of the show was won by Ciara Connolly, Roscahill, Galway. The champion pony in hand was won by Noel Nee, Ballrobuckbeg, Corrandulla.
“We are all exhausted but it was a great day. The show was brilliant and it was great to see the huge numbers in attendance. People just kept arriving all day and we even had to open more car parks. The number of craft and trade stands this year was at least double previous years as well so it was a huge success,” said Amanda.
“The show broke all records. There were lots of people there who maybe hadn’t been to shows beforehand and it was brilliant to see them coming along,” she added.
“We’ll have a little rest after all the prizes are presented and then it will be back into it for next year’s show,” Amanda concluded.