Memories of Jackie and Timmy will live on through Cappamore Show as 69th show launched

CAPPAMORE SHOW may cost €120,000 to run and bring thousands to a field on the outskirts of the village on one day in August every year but, at its heart, is family.

Show organisers have lost two members of that family in recent years - Timmy Butler and Jackie Walsh.

Prior to the commencement of the press reception on Wednesday night of last week, members of the Butler family (pictured below) and Walsh family (pictured above) families presented cups in memory of their late loved ones. 

Jackie passed away suddenly after last year’s show launch. He  was an integral part of the Horse Committee while Timmy had a passion for exotic birds and animals which he brought to the show every year.

John Hassett, Cappamore Show secretary, paid beautiful tributes to both men, sharing stories of coming home with an African goose in the boot of his car after a visit to Timmy’s farm. 

Jackie gave John a lift home after last year’s launch and they chatted into the wee small hours. Jackie passed away just days later. The cups will be a permanent reminder of their popularity locally and their contribution to Cappamore Show.

The 69th show takes place on August 16 in Ballyvoreen, Cappamore in east Limerick.

John McCarthy, Cappamore Show chairperson, welcomed one and all and stressed the importance of sponsors. “Only for our sponsors - both loyal and new ones - we wouldn’t be able to continue,” he said.

Continuing the theme, Brid Dillon, treasurer, told the large crowd in Hayes’ function room that it costs in the region of €120,000 to run the show and “showcase the very best of rural life”.

The very best of cattle, horses, ponies, horticulture, arts, crafts, baking, an array of children’s entertainments, food, cookery demonstrations, business stands, live music, dancing, bonny baby and lots more awaits attendees. 

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John Hassett, in a wide-ranging speech sprinkled with humour, history and community, said if you were to sum up Cappamore show: “It's about identity. It's about place. It's about people. It's about pride.”

He told a story about asking a neighbour if he had visited the cattle section, chaired by Sean Ryan “Luke”, son of the legendary Paddy whose loss is keenly felt. 

“He is a farmer and he said, ‘God, John, I'm looking at cattle's backsides all week. I'm not going looking at more of them. I had a great time down the field with the great music, dancing, entertainment and food. I didn't go near the cattle section. 

“Then I met a work colleague of mine who is as far removed from rural life as possible. She said to me, ‘John, did you see the backsides on the cattle at the show?!’

“People come to the show for many reasons. What I like about is that people that have never been that close to rural life can get up close to it and it's beautiful,” said John.

One and all are hoping for a dry day on August 16 and John thanked everybody involved  in making show day the success that it is.  The 2025 Cappamore Show raffle charity partner is East Limerick Red Cross.