Vibrant Tullow Show celebrates 75th anniversary

FOR many people in Co Carlow and beyond, the third Sunday in August is always marked on the calendar because it’s traditionally the day that the annual Tullow agricultural show takes place.

The event is situated in the beautiful grounds of Coppenagh farm, just outside Tullow town, and attracts visitors from near and far, young and old.

From pony trials to livestock competitions, from arts and crafts to artisan and homemade food, from live music to jiving competitions, the show literally had something to suit all interests and tastes.

This was the 75th show since it was first established in 1946, so it was a special occasion to be marked, with tánaiste Simon Harris doing the official opening on a beautiful summer’s day.

Huge crowds attended the many competitions and soaked up the atmosphere while looking at the showjumping, eating chips and ice cream while watching the jiving competitions or simply walking around admiring the exhibits in the many tents and marquees.

“It was great. This was our 75th year, so we had the tánaiste here. Michael English played live for the dancing competitions and Alisdair Fingleton played before him. The day before when we were setting up, it was really hot, but Sunday was cooler, so it was perfect,” said Brian Hawkins, PRO of Tullow agricultural show.

He continued: “It was great to have so much variety. The entertainment is a big part of it now and really adds to the show. There’s so much history attached to the show. 

"Some of our committee members’ families have been part of it since the beginning. It’s a lovely connection to the past and to the land. We’re very grateful to the Stanley and O’Toole families, whose land the show is on. The show is stronger than ever.”

More photos in Tuesday newspaper (26 August)