PICTURES: Long reins instead of heavy rain at Newcastle West Show

NEWCASTLE West Show moved to its new location in Shanagarry just outside the town on the Killarney Road in 2022.

It collided with the All-Ireland final in the first year, last summer it had to be cancelled due to the amount of surface water after monsoon rain but it was third time lucky on Sunday with the nicest day of the year.

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The crowds turned up in their droves for a huge range of attractions. They included the traditional agricultural show staples of cattle and horse showing, show jumping and always popular dog show, combined with new attractions like Ger's mobile pet farm, junior tractor run, Little Rosebuds Pamper Parlour, a hula hoop interactive disco, as well as hair braiding, glitter tattoos, face gems, and nail painting.

Mums and dads could enjoy a big musical line-up, organised by Emmet Scanlon. However, the one thing that everybody enjoyed was the warm temperatures and sunny weather.

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Claire Geary, of the organising committee, said it was an amazing day. “Even when the whole thing was over, the music had stopped and all the attractions were packed up, people still lingered and enjoyed the evening sunshine.

"This was only our second year here. We had done a little bit of rejigging, moved things around and it worked really well. People were happy. And the weather then was the icing on the cake,” said Claire, who loved seeing the children taking part in the junior tractor run in their little John Deeres and Massey Fergusons.

On behalf of the committee, Ms Geary thanked everybody who attended, exhibitors local businesses, and sponsors.

“Our sponsors were so good to us last year in allowing us to keep their money and carry it forward to this year, some even gave us sponsorship again for this year, all of which gave us a great start. And of course a few new sponsors came on board this year. Without the support of sponsors and the public on the day, we couldn't run the show,” said Claire. A lot of voluntary work went into organising the show.

“It's great then on the day to see it going well and people enjoying it - that's the reward for us,” said Claire.

Thoughts are already turning to 2025 and they hope their show date remains in June as opposed to their regular date in July.
It is subject to the Irish Shows Association but after the success of this year's event it is hoped it will remain in June and be the firs event in the local show calendar.

Charleville Show is on this weekend followed by Cappamore Show and Limerick Show in August.