PICTURES: AMCS Limerick Show gets royal seal of approval ahead of Sunday

AMCS LIMERICK Show celebrates its history but is constantly looking  to the future.

One of  the founders of the Limerick Show back in 1929 was Lord Dunraven and his grandson, Sir Francis Brooke, was one of the attendees at the launch of Sunday's show (pictured above flanked by David Fitzgerald and Dickie Power)

Leo Walsh, show president, welcomed Mr Brooke - who is His Majesty's representative at Ascot - at the event in the global headquarters of  AMCS in Ballysimon.

“We're delighted to have you and also as a sponsor as well,” said Mr Walsh.

Mr Brooke grew up in Limerick in a family with a long association with racing and breeding, and enjoyed a memorable success at Cheltenham in March as the joint owner of Ultima Chase winner Chianti Classico. He and wife  Katharine took over the farm in county Limerick in 2015 where they breed horses.

Mr Brooke's connection with Limerick Show is a perfect match as the day is renowned for showcasing the best of Irish horse breeding. 

This year is no exception, as one of the special features is a Festival of Irish Breeding presented by the Traditional Irish Horse Association (TIHA). This incorporates the famous Limerick Lady and Matron Championships. 

The TIHA Hunter Equitation class makes a return this year. This is aimed at encouraging a higher standard of production of traditionally-bred horses aged five and upwards.

READ MORE: My week with Celia Holman Lee: Dublin Horse Show antics!

Limerick royalty in the form of Mayor John Moran was also in attendance ahead of the day this Sunday, August 25 in Limerick Racecourse.

“I’m told for 95 years, The Limerick Show has provided a delightful day out, offering valuable insights into food production, environmental stewardship and rural life.  It is great to see visitors and competitors come from across the country.  It is remarkable that such a large scale event is organised entirely by volunteers,” said the mayor, who congratulated the show committee on their ambition to make each year’s show better than the last.

“ I hope the weather will be fine for the event after the work the organisers have put in to the show this year,” said Mr Moran, who grew up on a farm in Mungret/Patrickswell, not too far away from where the show is now held.

 Limerick Show chairperson Richard Kennedy said it was a great honour to have so many people at the launch. He wished Mr Moran every success and “your success will be our success in Limerick”.

He noted that the show is reaching its centenary and that is down to the voluntary work of so many down through the generations who give of their time so generously. 

Mr Kennedy said anybody who would like to get involved is more than welcome and looks forward to welcoming one and all this Sunday. 

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