Tinahely Show once again draws in huge crowds 

DESPITE the weather forecast, rain was about the only thing that stayed away from Tinahely Agricultural Show last week as the event welcomed yet another huge crowd – including taoiseach Simon Harris.

“The forecast had been so bad, but would you believe it, we didn’t have a drop of rain all afternoon and the crowd was still so good, we are so, so grateful … another great show,” enthused Joe Hayden, safety officer and PRO of Tinahely Show. 

“It really, really went well. One of my jobs at the end of the evening is to walk around to all our major sponsors and trade stands and have a chat with them about how everything went and all of them felt it was the best day ever,” he added. 

Tinahely Show saw a huge number of entries across all classes, while the trade area was full. Other highlights included a food demonstration with celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio, the busy equestrian area and dancing to live music – which was in full swing for over four hours! 

"Our trade area was full, which is a lovely position to be in. When we look back on Covid times and were wondering if there would ever be a show again, but we’ve come back stronger than ever. People just want to have the real present and lived experience, to savour it all and meet people and businesses ... to be out there meeting their customers,” said Joe. 

Tinahely Agricultural Show was also delighted to welcomed taoiseach Simon Harris. “When the taoiseach arrived, it really lifted spirits. We are so grateful that he gave so generously of his time – the first taoiseach to call to us in 89 years of shows,” said Joe. There was huge praise, too, for the upwards of 400 volunteers, who supported the event with stewarding, tickets sales, site management, preparing and clearing the site.