More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show tomorrow at the Charleville estate just outside the town. Seán MacConnell, Agriculture Correspondent, reports.
The event, which was revived in the 1990s, is now the State's foremost livestock show. This year visitors and exhibitors will travel from over 20 countries. More than 1,000 classes cover every aspect of farming and rural life from stock breeding to home baking.
The event is a major showcase for Irish agriculture, farming, food, culture and rural life. The best of Irish produce and the latest in business and technological innovation and inventions in the farming industry will be on display on the 150-acre site.
Entries are the best yet and the 550 trade stands are booked out. A mark of rural Ireland's affluence and the importance of the show is that a special helicopter pad has been developed for the 20 craft expected to be on site.
With 500 volunteers manning car parks and fulfilling other duties, this show will be a trial run for the other two major events scheduled for Tullamore in the coming weeks, the All Ireland Fleadh Ceoil and the National Ploughing Championships.
Special guests at the event will be the 100 Angus world breeder delegates from 20 countries. They are making the Tullamore Show a highlight of their visit to Ireland where their congress is holding its world meeting.
A flower show with a stunning array of displays includes the Royal Horticulture Society All-Ireland Garden Club of the Year competition.
There will be more than 1,000 competitors vying for €155,000 and 45 national titles. The top animals from across the State, many of which have qualified at other events, will be on show.
Special precautions are being taken because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Britain.
The official opening will be performed by Minister of State for Agriculture, Mary Wallace.