THE Clare County Show went ahead last Sunday, in superb weather conditions with temperatures running as high as 25 degrees. The crowd exceeded expectations with up to 3,000 people on the grounds at peak time. “It was an outstanding success and possibly the best show we have had for the past 20 years,” show chairman, Joe Lillis, commented. “Our show jumping figures had 400 entries and the programme finished at 8pm. Our cattle entries were 60% up on 2018, as were our horse showing entries, while miniature horses and donkey showing were in good supply. Trade stands and machinery filled one section of the grounds. Our dog show was very entertaining and entries exceeded 100. The arts, crafts and horticulture sections doubled in entries from last year while the highlight of our indoor section was the small animal pet farm,” Mr Lillis added. The winner of the Champion Young Horse of the Show (De Valera Cup) was Cyril Stevens, Cranny and …
Read More »Sheaf throwing a feature at Clare County Show
All-Ireland sheaf-throwing champion, Michael O’Brien will face stiff competition at the 110th annual Clare County Show this Sunday. Talented sheaf-throwers such as Paddy Dooley from Tullamore and Paddy Delaney from Laois, will be hoping to knock the Tulla man off his stride at the Showgrounds, Ennis. Doubling as a curtain-raiser for the All-Ireland Sheaf-Throwing Championships in a few weeks, spectators will also get the opportunity to see experienced throwers from Offaly, Mayo, Limerick and Galway. High standards in competition is nothing new for the County Show, which has a number of All-Ireland qualifiers that attract entries from the four corners of the country. Show public relations officer Mary Stafford credits the enthusiasm and endeavour of committee members for ensuring that its appeal remains as strong as ever, 110 years later. “Clare was the first county to have an indoor riding school and there are still a number of indoor riding schools in the county. There is a great tradition and …
Read More »Clare County Show countdown
The countdown is for the landmark 110th County Clare Agricultural Show, set for Sunday, July 6 at Ennis Showgrounds. Always one of the top shows in the country – the prizemoney is an added bonus – the organisers are looking forward to welcoming the top breeders and owners of horses and cattle. There will also be several classes for sheep and donkeys. The Brood Mare All-Ireland Championship qualifier has a prizefund of €1,500, while the All-Ireland Yearling Colt or Gelding Championship carries a €2,500 pot. The prestigious De Valera Cup will be awarded to the champion young horse. On the showjumping side, spectators will be entertained by big name riders on the show circuit, while the pony-jumping will also attract considerable attention. The showgrounds indoor facility will house a huge array of home produce, fresh vegetables and flowers, as well as trade stands. The carriage driving class is always a big hit, as is the dog show and agility course. For …
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