Dundalk Show-Gates ready to open

The final week of preparation is almost at an end and the gates to Bellurgan Park will then open on Sunday June 9th to welcome everyone to the 2024 Dundalk Agricultural Show.

A great day of entertainment awaits all who attend. The Dundalk Show has been a major attraction since the late 1800's, providing the essential link between urban and rural communities and providing a "Shop Window " for all that is produced locally from the land.

There are many competitions which make up a large part of the show where exhibitors get to show their skills across a number of disciplines. Trade Stands also form a large part of the show and many trade exhibitors are keen to display and demonstrate latest developments in their particular field.

Livestock Classes are a major attraction with well groomed cattle, sheep, horses and ponies on display with their owners competing for a financial prize and a much coveted Dundalk Show Rosette.

This year the Sheep Section will be a major event, boasting a number of All Ireland Finals run in conjunction with National Sheep Breeders Associations. There will be a huge focus on the "Zurich Farm Insurance and The National Sheep Breeders Crossbred All Ireland Final" and "Zurich Farm Insurance and The National Sheep Breeders Crossbred All Ireland Young Stock/Showperson Under 20 Years of Age.

There are also All Ireland Finals in Texel, Charolais, Suffolk, Cheviot and the National Stock Care All Ireland Mule Championship. There are usual classes for Vendeen, Bluefaced Leicester, Rouge, Lanark Type Blackface Mountain, Swaledale, Roughfell, Perth Type Blackface Mountain, the North East Lleyn Championship and Young Handlers.

Cattle are a popular attraction and this section is always competitive. Pedigree breeds such as Limousin, Simmental, Charolais, Belgian Blue, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford are catered for. There are Commercial Classes, Highland Cattle, Breeding and Butchers Heifers and Young Handlers get to display their showing skills.

The Cattle Section has two Qualifier events, The All Ireland Pedigree Suckler Type Heifer Championship and The All Ireland Senior Young Stockperson Championship 2024. Those who qualify will go on to represent Dundalk Show at the Clonmany and Tullow Shows respectively. The Grand Finale of the Cattle section is usually around 3.30pm when all the Breed Champions enter the ring for the Supreme Championship of the Show and JH Quinn Cup.

Equine lovers have their large section of the Show with Classes covering Clear Round Jumping, Riding Horses, Race Horse to Riding Horse, Young Horse, Connemara Ponies, Pony Open and Novice Riding, Riding School/First Year Showing and the Overall Horse of Show Championship. There are two Horse Qualifiers, The Yearling Filly All Ireland Qualifier(final at Bridgetown Show) and The Connemara Three Year Old Filly All Ireland Qualifier(final at Ballinasloe Show).

For those who like their feathered friends, the Poultry section has plenty to offer catering for Large Hard and Soft Feather Males and Females, Bantams, Waterfowl, Rare Breeds, Young Handlers and Eggs. There is also a class confined to the Louth Poultry Club.

Man's Best Friend is a popular attraction with younger visitors and there are Classes for Large, Small and Medium Pedigree, Rescue and Family Dogs. Gun/Working Dogs, Puppies, Veteran, Best Traditional and Groomed Dogs have Classes and not forgetting "Dog the Judge would most like to take home". The Dog Section also has a Qualifier: the All Ireland Irish Native Breed Dog Championship (final at Ballinasloe Show).

It is always seen as important to Dundalk Show members that Children have the chance to shine and there are classes for Art and Crafts, Gardening, Baking and Writing. This year the Children's Section includes a qualifier: The All Ireland Junior Craft Championship(final at Arva Show).

Where would we be without LEGO? The show is delighted to have a number of LEGO Classes to see what creative minds are out there.

The Home Industries Section which takes place in the big marquee covers Crafts, Baking and Preserves, Crochet, Knitting, Woodwork, Photography, Art and 2 Qualifiers: The All Ireland Home Preserves Championship (final at Arva Show) and the All Ireland Bread Baking Championship (final at Castleblayney Show).

The Horticulture section covers Plants and Vegetables and Floral Art. There is a special section confined to Louth ICA members and the Guild of the County Class where each Louth ICA Guild presents seven Different Items that represent their memories of 70 years at An-Grianan "The Sunny Place".

There will be plenty of entertainment for children, a Food Village and some surprises along the way. Music has always been a part of the Show and this year entertainment will be provided by the Ardee Concert Band, the Dundalk Ukulele Strummers and everyone will up dancing and jiving when the one and only Johnny Brady takes to the stage at 4pm. Macra na Feirme will also hold a Knockout competition.

There are many things to consider when organising an event like the Dundalk Show. Keeping Bellurgan Park clean and tidy is a big job and special thanks goes to Ecological Waste who provide the bins. Public conveniences are essential, Louth County Council who gives permission for the Show to happen and of course there are many sponsors whose support is invaluable.

All members of Dundalk Show Society Ltd are volunteers and they rely on the help of other volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the Show. From entering the show grounds, to parking and leaving at the end of the day, volunteers are present everywhere to ensure safe entry and exit from the Show. Gardai ensure there is correct traffic management.

Entries in the Children, Home Industries and Horticulture sections must be brought to the show grounds on Saturday June 8th before 12 noon as these will be judged during that afternoon.

The gates open to the public at 9am on Sunday morning. Early Bird tickets are available on the Dundalk Show website www.dundalkshow.com Admission on the day is €15 and children under 16 go free but must be accompanied by an adult.

On entering the Show, please heed the direction of stewards who will direct you to the parking areas. The members of Dundalk Show Society say they look forward to seeing you all and hope you have a very pleasant day.