Very best of cattle will be exhibited at Sunday's Limerick Show

IF THE NIGHTS are drawing in, school is looming like a dark cloud over children’s heads and the Rose of Tralee and Dublin Horse Show is over, then it can only mean it’s time for the Limerick Show.

An estimated 15,000 will make their way to the Limerick Racecourse in Patrickswell for the Limerick Show on Sunday. 

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The show has always been synonymous with top quality cattle, which is befitting a county of Limerick’s importance in the agricultural industry.

Mike Laffan, chairman of the cattle committee, is looking forward to another great day of cattle showing. Mr Laffan, a noted pedigree breeder in his own right, said there will be 53 keenly-contested classes with the various championships on top of that.

Ones to watch out for are the All-Ireland Holstein Friesian heifer calf for calves born on or after September 1, 2024; All-Ireland Shorthorn junior heifer and All-Ireland Shorthorn senior heifer.

Cattle boxes will be hitched to jeeps in the four corners of the country on Sunday morning with Limerick Racecourse put into Google Maps. Cattle judging will commence at 11am sharp.

Mike said there will be a new ring layout this year. 

“We’ll do whatever we can to make it as spectator friendly as possible,” said Mike, who adds that health and safety will be paramount.

It has been a good year weather-wise for farming with positive beef and milk prices giving farmers a pep in their step. A big entry of cattle is expected on Sunday.

“We have very good sponsorship as well. I would like to thank all our sponsors and the hard-working cattle committee. 

“I wish everyone - exhibitors, spectators and sponsors - a very enjoyable Limerick Show,” concludes Mike, from Kilfinny, Adare.

Away from the cattle showing rings, there will be lots more on display for farmers.

Back by popular demand is the unique Tractor Safety Limerick course for young drivers. Participants learn driving skills, basic maintenance, basic first aid, have a discussion with a member of An Garda Siochana and watch videos of survivors’ stories produced by the HSA. 

The course’s aims are simple: to have young people take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others when driving and using farm machinery. 

Please email tractorsafetylimerick@gmail.com promptly to enrol and for more information.