Four local shows share in almost €40K

Funding announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys.

Four local agricultural shows have shared in alsmost €40,000 in funding from the government.

Arva, Castleblayney, Tydavnet, and Virginia Shows are amongst 122 Agricultural Shows to benefit from the funding worth €1m allocated by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.

The record single investment in agricultural shows represents a 40% on last year’s allocation.

Locally, Virginia Show received the largest allocation worth €10,700, while Castleblayney Show, Tydavnet Show and Arva Show each received €9,205.

The Department will work with the Irish Shows Association to administer the Scheme for 2023.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “Our Agricultural Shows sum up all that is good about rural Ireland. They are intrinsically linked to that sense of community that our rural towns and villages are known for. The shows are key dates in the summer calendar and are a central point for the agri-food industry, the farming community and our local artisan producers.”

Welcoming the funding today, National Secretary of the Irish Shows Association, Jim Harrison, said: “Our Agricultural Shows are so important in Rural Ireland for two reasons – their economic value and their social value.

“They bring great economic benefits to our rural towns and villages. And they also bring such social benefits – which can never be bought. ”

Minister Humphreys concluded: “I appreciate that without the effort of the local show committees, volunteers and local organisations, these shows would not be able to operate.

“This in itself is a testament to the great sense of community which remains a key feature of country life.”