Almost a century of memories created at Limerick Show

COPIOUS amounts of sun cream was slathered on and ice creams devoured by the thousands upon thousands who attended the 94th Limerick Show in the racecourse last Sunday.

However, there was one four letter word that was on most lips in the cattle section - rain and how badly needed it is for farmers to get grass growing.

Show chairman and former IFA deputy president Richard Kennedy said at the launch two weeks ago that he wanted two fine days for Cappamore and Limerick Shows, which they got. “But we want rain after this now”, he said on Sunday.

“Hopefully we’ll get it - it’s in the forecast anyway and it’s not too late yet. We’re all feeding cows but it’s easier than feeding them in the wintertime,” said Mr Kennedy.

As he surveyed the crowds from under his wide-brimmed panama hat, he said: “I hope people enjoy themselves - all the exhibitors, the trade stands, sponsors, attendees - I just hope they all have a good day and that they remember the Limerick Show for a good day.”

Mr Kennedy has fond memories of going to the show with his family as a child and as they weren’t in a hurry home, milking cows at 9pm.

Now he and the committee are helping to make memories for children like Isabelle O’Connell, aged 6. She was as proud as punch as she strolled through the showgrounds just after 10am to enter her cupcakes in the bakery section.

Isabelle was joined by mum Rebecca, aunt Denise and cousin Geoffrey Power, aged 2, from Grange. Geoffrey is a grandson of Dickie and Catherine Power who are show stalwarts.

Another stalwart is Limerick Show president Leo Walsh.

“I’m thrilled after all the hard work to see such a crowd and to have such a fine day. The fine day makes a big difference.

“There’s a huge crowd here today, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, and that’s what it’s all about, bringing the city and county together,” said Mr Walsh, who presented the Leader Cup, which dates back to 1946, in the showjumping section.

The queue was 10 deep at one stage at the ticket hatch such was the numbers looking forward to a day out.

There was everything from the world’s smallest kitchen to medical healing bracelets to a wedding marquee.

Some of the finest livestock in the country of all breeds was on display while Limerick Show is renowned for showcasing the best of Irish horse breeding and show jumping.

The Kids Zone boasted free entertainment including amusements, magic show, pony rides, animal farm and a train to ferry them around the grounds. The Limerick Leader had a fun display which allowed youngsters – and the young at heart – to recreate lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup. Dozens upon dozens of photos taken will be treasured.

The Liam MacCarthy was there too along with the Mick Mackey Cup and Irish Press Cup won by the Limerick minor hurlers.

There was live music, a retail village, artisan food, crafts, horticulture, a hugely popular dog show, careers village, live music and dancing, a fashion show by Celia Holman Lee.

Mr Walsh said their goal is to bring the city and county together. Another man trying to do the same is Mayor John Moran.

“The Limerick Show has been going for almost 100 years – it’s an amazing record and fair play to Leo and all the committee for keeping that going,” said Mayor Moran, who sponsored ASD Ireland’s Mobile Sensory Room. He said it had 500 visitors at 2.30pm which shows the importance of it and is an indication of the really great crowds.

The mayor has fond memories of attending the show as a child and the smell of a coffee slice from the baking section is ingrained in his memory.

“I’ve told the story often about coming to the Limerick Show as a kid down at the old racecourse. I still can’t pass a coffee shop and have coffee cake without thinking of the Limerick Show.

“Leo said people seem to be enjoying themselves – they absolutely are. I’ve had people coming up to me saying it’s a great show, great weather and great crowds,” said Mayor Moran, who had his Irish Red Setter Henri by his side.

Henri didn’t take part in the dog show for fear of favouritism but one of many canines to enter was Delilah, a beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog owned by Gill Copley and Alan Naughton.

The crowds prove that Limerick Show is still absolutely ‘pawsitively’ part of the local social calendar like it has been for almost a century.

However, if it is to continue to thrive long into the future, businesswoman Helen O’Connell said they need new faces on the committee. She put the call out to people who enjoyed the show on Sunday to get involved.

“I really do think more people should offer to volunteer. It’s the same faces, getting a bit older. I think if Limerick Show is to survive, and it is a fabulous show, they really need a lot of new energy,” said Ms O’Donnell, who is a judge of the dog show and runs a corporate tent for sponsors.

“Please get in touch as it’s an opportunity for people to get involved and keep this going,” she said.