Funding boost for Leitrim agricultural shows ahead of summer season
Three Leitrim agricultural shows will receive funding as part of a €1 million national investment supporting 126 events across the country.
Three Leitrim agricultural shows are set to receive funding as part of an investment of over €1 million to support 126 agricultural shows across the country.
Grants awarded range from €4,200 to €11,400 depending on their size. In Leitrim, Ballinamore Agricultural Show, which will take place on Tuesday, August 11, received €8,400.
The same amount was also awarded to Manorhamilton Agricultural Show on Saturday, July 25, and €8,400 was also awarded to Mohill Agricultural Show, taking place on Sunday, August 16.
A total of €22,600 has been awarded to Leitrim shows. Funding has also been delivered to shows in Sligo, including Beltra Agricultural Show (€5,900), Enniscrone Agricultural Show (€8,400), North Sligo Agricultural Show (€8,400) and Sligo County Agricultural Show (€8,400).
The funding is set to support the work of each of the show committees as they prepare for the upcoming season this summer.
Minister of State Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding locally. “I’m delighted to see funding of €68,500 for agricultural shows in the two counties. We know the importance of these shows for bringing the community together,” he said.
“I would encourage everyone to attend their local agricultural show and see the competitions, music, cattle and dog shows, and the showcasing of all the local produce that is made here,” Minister Feighan added.
He followed by commending the organisers of the shows for their work, noting the huge amount of planning done in the lead-up to the events.
“I look forward to attending many of the agricultural shows this summer to see the hard work first hand,” he concluded.
The announcement of the investment was made by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and the funding is administered by the Irish Shows Association (ISA), the officially recognised body representing Irish agricultural shows on the island of Ireland.