Luckily for the patrons who attended Mullingar Agricultural Show 2017, Westmeath did not see any of the heavy downpour it was promised by the weatherman and instead escaped with a light smattering of rain towards the tale end of the day.
12,000 people made their way to Mullingar Showgrounds for what was a truly remarkably well organised and enjoyable event for all the family.
With excellent entertainment from none other Foster and Allen as well as a host of local talent, including Katie Gallagher and the one and only Celtic Blondes, the crowds were able to relax and have a bite to eat while taking in some music between taking in the countless stalls and attractions at the grounds. There was also a host of children activities including bouncy castles and slides and adorable and very friendly animals such as lambs, rabbits and even a little goat for them to pet.
Mullingar Agricultural Show PRO, Paddy Donnelly said that he and the other committee members were very pleased with the feedback they had received and that the event went off exceptionally well. “There were a lot of compliments flying around in the secretary’s office and people were saying it was a very good set up and that they were very pleased.”
“The day really held up and that was the important thing for patrons visiting. There were fantastic entries in both the sheep and sheep sections and that was very much the case for the Home Industries section. Entries in the photography, cookery and flower competitions were really up this year and there was a very good number of stands as well.”
Paddy said the committee were delighted to have Foster and Allen attend the show and the legendary duo delighted the crowds with renditions of their greatest hits. “People were really happy to get their photograph taken with them and they chatted with everyone for quite a while after they finished.”
Paddy said that as an organiser of a large event such as the Mullingar Show, it’s hard not to worry that something will go wrong but there were no incidents to report. “You can be worried that someone will have an accident when you have an events like show jumping and other animals but everything went very well. There was a fantastic crowd and there was between 10,000 and 12,000 people there.”
Family Event
The show has a long history in bringing people together and a special place in the heart of the many attendees who attend every year.
Mullingar native Ellen Robertson has been in Australia for the past 20 years but was back to enjoy the day with her family. “It is hard without having your family. I saw my family three years ago and I haven’t been home a lot. I remember coming here as a child,” she told Topic.
Gabrielle Bontempo from Long Island, New York came to event with her Grand Aunt Philomena Begglan who resides in Cavan. “I’m only 21-years-old and I was scared to come here by myself but I really wanted to meet everyone. I came here to visit Ireland and meet everyone. It’s very exciting. I love animals so it’s fun to see them all. This is the first time I have ever really seen a cow or bull up close. They are really big but they are very cute though,” she said.
Philomena said her sister moved to New York in the early sixties and made a life there for herself. “I think, I want my life here instead. It’s way better than New York,” Gabrielle said.
Paddy who joined the Show committee in 1962 said that it was important to ensure that there was something for all the family. “If you provided something new every year for the children, they are going to want to return,” he explained.
“That’s what it’s all about- having people going home happy with their day out,” Paddy concluded.
