Major Leitrim Agri Show set to return for its 64th year

From the show ring to the cookery marquee, the Ballinamore Agricultural Show returns for its 64th staging on Tuesday, August 11th, bringing together farming, craftsmanship, competition and community spirit at Creamer’s Field on the Golf Links Road.

For more than six decades, the Ballinamore Agricultural Show has been a highlight of the local calendar, providing a place where farming families, exhibitors, competitors and visitors come together to celebrate rural life in Leitrim.

Recognised as one of the leading agricultural shows in the region, the event consistently attracts exhibitors from across the area and offers a showcase of the skills, traditions and dedication that continue to shape rural Ireland.

The show officially begins at 9.00am, with a wide range of events and competitions taking place throughout the day.

The show ring remains at the heart of the event, with judging of numerous animal classes among the highlights. Judging inside the marquee begins at 11.00am, focusing on horse and cattle categories.

Equine enthusiasts can look forward to an extensive horse section featuring classes for mares, foals, young horses and donkeys, while the pony section, affiliated with the Irish Pony Society, includes in-hand and riding classes for all age groups.

Cattle classes will feature commercial beef, pedigree Angus, Hereford, Limousin, Charolais and Simmental breeds, each with their own championships and trophies.

Young handlers are also encouraged through dedicated stockperson classes.

The sheep section and Dog Championship are among the afternoon highlights, with judging taking place at 1.30pm. The Dog Show, featuring pedigree and novelty classes including Fancy Dress and Obedience, continues to attract interest from competitors and visitors alike.

Away from the livestock, the Home Industries, Cookery, Farm and Garden, and Photography competitions provide an opportunity to showcase the creativity and skills of the community.

The Cookery and Home Industries marquees will feature homemade breads, cakes, preserves, crafts, patchwork quilts and hand-knitted garments.

Younger participants can take part in the Junior Section, with decorated cakes, crafts and garden dioramas among the competitions.

Fashion enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to take part in competitions between 2.00pm and 3.00pm, including Glamorous Granny, Best Dressed Lady, Best Mother and Daughter Lookalike and Miss Fashionista.

Traditional skills will take centre stage with the Tossing the Sheaf competition, where participants use a pitchfork to launch a bundle of straw or rushes over a horizontal bar that is raised until only one contender remains.

Closing the day’s festivities at 4.00pm is the Driving for Style and Appearance competition, showcasing the elegance of horse-drawn carriages.

Alongside the competitions, trade stands and stalls will add to the atmosphere, offering entertainment and shopping opportunities for visitors throughout the day.

While the event has evolved over its 64 years, its purpose remains unchanged — to celebrate agriculture, encourage community involvement and provide a meeting place for people of all ages.

The Ballinamore Agricultural Show committee extends heartfelt thanks to the local business community and sponsors whose continued support helps make the event possible.

As the countdown continues, the 64th Ballinamore Agricultural Show promises another opportunity to celebrate the traditions, talents and community spirit that have kept this much-loved event thriving for generations.