Bellurgan Park awaits the many exhibitors and the general public this Sunday June 11th for the annual Dundalk Show. It promises to be an excellent day out for all the family and of course for those who show in the various classes in the hope of winning prizes and a very coveted Dundalk Show Rosette. Bellurgan Park, nestling in the beautiful surroundings of the Cooley Mountains has been described as a “hidden gem” since Dundalk Show took up residency there and has proved itself to be a very appropriate setting for an agricultural show. Since the 2022 Show, the Dundalk Show Committee has been working tirelessly to ensure that no stone is unturned in creating a day full of non-stop activity and enjoyment.
To be a Shop Window for what is produced locally, explaining the process from farm to fork, highlighting best agricultural practice and adherence to quality production is the mission statement of Dundalk Show. The show plays an important role in helping to preserve traditions handed down through generations which otherwise could be forgotten and also aims to showcase agricultural practices for all ages, bringing urban and rural life together.
Competitions and classes are a large part of Dundalk Show, catering for Adults, Children and those with Special Needs. Children can enter classes in recycling and upcycling, gardening, art and crafts, hand writing and baking while Children with Special Needs are able to enter classes in baking and art. Baking is also a class for Adults with Special Needs. Home Industries is a large section with classes for crafts, baking and preserves, crochet, knitting, woodwork, photography and art. There is a section for ICA members only which also involves the competion for ICA Guild of the County, confined to the Co. Louth ICA Federation. There will be plenty of fun in the Entertainment Marquee where the Bonny Baby, Little Farmer Boy and Girl, Most Glamorous Granny and Best Dressed competitions will be held. There will also be a Magic Show with Tommy Trickster and Floral Demonstrations in the Entertainment Marquee. All these events take place from 1pm to 4.30pm. For horticultural enthusiasts, there are classes for plants and vegetables and floral art.
The Cattle and Sheep sections attract huge interest. This year, Highland Cattle have been added to the usual cattle breeds and there are additions to the sheep classes for Roughfell and Swaledale breeds. Horse classes are many covering riding, jumping and there is big prize money in the Racehorse to Riding Horse classes. The cattle section has a special class for a Breeders Choice Traditional 4* or 5* Breeding Heifer and the sheep section will also have classes for the All Ireland Charolais Sheep Championship. A large turnout of Poultry is expected with classes for different fowl and eggs. For those who love their dogs, the Dog section is sure to be a winner.
Qualifiers feature at Dundalk Show where certain class winners gon on to take part in All Ireland Finals at other shows. This year Dundalk Show has qualifiers for the All Ireland Junior Craft Championship, the All Ireland Home Preserves Championship, the All Ireland Bread Baking Championship, All Ireland Pedigree Suckler Type Heifer Championship and the All Ireland Irish Native Breed Dog Championship. Another large part of the Dundalk Show is the amount of Trade Stands and this year is being well supported by local businesses.
As regards other entertainment, visitors can enjoy the sounds of the Ardee Brass Band, Dundalk Ukelele Band and Irish Dancing with Scoil Rince Cois Ceol. For those who really enjoy their Country Music and dancing, the one and only Johnny Brady will be on the main stage at 5pm and no doubt will have everyone eating out of his hand as he performs. Children at the Show can enjoy the Funfair and Petting Farm.
This year Dundalk Show will have a big focus on looking at and addressing issues affecting women. Entitled “A Woman’s Perspective on Agriculture and Rural Communities” this initiative will have an excellent panel of speakers giving their views. Taking place in the Big Marquee, this will be split into a number of topics,
- Take the Stress out of How to Dress: Aine Corcoran-Sybil Boutique, Niamh Gillespie-Tidings, Anita Keogh-Elysian Hair and Skin Care.
- Inside Matters-Emotional Wellbeing: Speaker from S.A.F.E, A Nutritionist, Catherine Callaghan-Irish Farmers Journal.
- What Women Want-Focus on Business and Entrepreneurship: Joanne Lavelle-Real Estate, Niamh Gillespie-Tidings, Naomh-Life Sciences/Medical Devices, Sandra Byrne-Dundalk Show Chairperson/M.D. Elite Form.
- Women in Agriculture and Agri-Food: Maria Flynn-Ballymakenny Potatoes, Concepta Quigley-Farmer, Elaine Houlihan-National President of Macra na Feirme.
- Smashing the Glass Ceiling: Senator Erin Mc Greehan, Ann-Marie Forde-Principal Scoil Naomh Colmcille, Togher, A Fire Officer and Politician.
A Grand Finale will complete this part of the Show with the winner of a Make Over competition on the Dundalk Show facebook page being revealed. Results of the Best Dressed competitions will also be announced and there will be a number of Community Group stands. Men are also welcome to attend.
Entries can now be made via the Show website https://www.dundalkshow.com while further information can be found by emailing info@dundalkshow.ie or by contacting 086-2503113. Admission is \15 per adult, children are free. Tickets for the Show are on sale online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/613400205527 or can be purchased at the gate. The Show starts at 12 noon and entry to Bellurgan Park will be from the Deerpark Road entrance. We hope you have a safe and very enjoyable day at the 2023 Dundalk Show and look forward to seeing you all!
