Keepin’ it country on agri-show day with Limerick's Jimmy Buckley

Mayor John Moran pictured with St Ailbe's Credit Union representatives, sponsors of the Cappamore Show Green Village, Aisling Power, Ber O’Riordan, Katrine O’Donoghue, John O Connor and Áine Commons

placeholder image — Mayor John Moran pictured with St Ailbe's Credit Union representatives, sponsors of the Cappamore Show Green Village, Aisling Power, Ber O’Riordan, Katrine O’Donoghue, John O Connor and Áine Commons

The 70th Cappamore Show takes place on Saturday, August 15

COUNTRY music fans don’t have to travel to the The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney to see Limerick’s Jimmy Buckley and his band - they can just head to a field in Ballyvoreen on Saturday, August 15.

The 70th Cappamore Show is keepin’ it country as it welcomes the Doon man at 2pm for two hours of live music which is sure to be a big draw.

The show launch took place during the heatwave in Hayes’ function room in the village. The packed catalogue came in handy, used as fans to cool down. Another reason it was so hot was the large crowd.

Mayor John Moran, special guest, was taken aback at the number of people there.

“I was expecting a quiet affair,” he smiled. The mayor said the large attendance of committee members and sponsors spoke volumes about why the show continues to go from strength to strength.

A corner of the room was taken up by a display of dozens of dozens of cups, which will be presented on the day.

“I never knew there were so many cups available - you can see the tradition here,” said Mayor Moran.

“A real big congratulations to everybody and I am looking forward to seeing everybody in August. I will bring the dog (Henri) but he won’t be in the dog show because if he won people would think it is a fix!” said Mayor Moran, who congratulated all the sponsors, all the people who participate, and the organisers.

Pat Fogarty, show president, who has been involved with Cappamore Show since 1959, and John McCarthy, show chairperson, both thanked new and returning sponsors, saying there wouldn’t be a show without sponsors.

Continuing this theme, Brid Dillon, treasurer, said it costs €120,000 to put on Cappamore Show. Their raffle charity partner this year is Novas.

John Hassett, Cappamore Show secretary, touched on everything including the 1926 census, those who started the show and kept it going through hard times and even mentioned golf experience simulators, in his usual wide-ranging address sprinkled with history, poignancy and humour.

He joked that if women can’t find their partners on show day then the partners are likely to be practising their swing on the golf simulator. Mr Hassett, who also owns the land where the show takes place, said Cappamore Show is a celebration of community.

He paid tribute to those who started the show in “The Hungry Fifties” when most people faced economic hardship and so many emigrated. Mr Hassett remembered all those involved in Cappamore Show who have gone to their eternal rest.

To the forefront of many minds was the late Margaret Gleeson - a Cappamore Show stalwart who was the first woman to be an agricultural show chairperson. She sadly passed away in June.

Local gardai will be out in force with Inspector Gearóid Thompson saying they will be giving advice on property marking, rural crime, road safety, trespassing.

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 on Saturday, August 15.