All systems go for the 67th ever Cappamore Show this weekend

NOTHING is a bridge too far for the Cappamore Show committee.

A number of years ago after heavy rain, volunteers worked through the night to put down giant mats, sourced from Tullamore Show, on the field for the ease of patrons.

So ensuring works on the Main Street of the village were completed in time for the throngs of cars, jeeps, horseboxes and trucks was literally child’s play.

Maria Rose Quaine, Louise, Alex and Rody Keating, grandchildren of Denis Keating, a founder member and first chairman of Cappamore Show in 1954, helped council staff complete the bridge works ahead of schedule last week. 

Everything is now in place for the 67th Cappamore Show which takes place in Ballyvoreen on Saturday. The buzz is building in the village as beautiful and historic cups and trophies, as well as colourful rosettes, are displayed in shop windows.

The annual event is a celebration of community and volunteerism but this year’s show will be tinged with sadness. Donnacha Ryan (Luke), aged 18, tragically passed away following a road traffic incident a year ago on Sunday, August 21, 2022.

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Earlier that fateful day he was one of many volunteers on the show field helping to set it all up. Donnacha and his family will be in the thoughts of many patrons on the day.

The vintage tractors and cars would have been a big draw for the late Donnacha.

There will be something for everybody on Saturday - 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.

It is hard to add new attractions to the already packed schedule but this year there is a Green Village, in association with St Ailbe’s Credit Union, and for the first time goat and Kerry bog pony classes.

And you could be splashing the cash by attending a special Cappamore Bingo this Thursday night, August 17 at 8pm in the community centre. Prize money of €2,720 must be won.

There is a change at the top of the committee this year with John McCarthy taking over the chairperson role from Marie Hayes who held the position for 16 years.

John is a son of the legendary show president Jimmy McCarthy who sadly passed away earlier this year, so it is in very safe hands.