Rain fails to dampen spirits at the show
By Anna Powell
The North Tipperary Agricultural Show took place in Nenagh on the August Bank Holiday Monday. Despite showers of rain throughout the day, the event received great support from the community of Nenagh and surrounding areas.
Attendees of the event had the chance to compete in various competitions such as in the categories of horse, cattle, sheep, ponies, dogs, poultry, home industries and horticultural exhibits. Tipperary Rose, Tara Brady from Ballina was present at the event with the job of judging three different age groups for the best dressed competition.
Although targeted at the agricultural community, there was something for all backgrounds and age groups on the day. Children were able to have great fun in a special play zone, pet some bunnies and other animals at the petting zoo stand and have their face painted. Teenagers and adults alike seemed to thoroughly enjoy the live music entertainment which was present throughout the day, along with the various stands and food trucks which were showcased throughout the event.
“Today is the annual North Tipperary Agricultural Show. It’s attended by people from a lot of different sectors; agriculture, people showing cattle, sheep, horses, people that are involved with trade stands. It’s an opportunity to show their goods and bring what they do to the wider public. We have every sort of trade stand from people selling food to people selling arts and crafts,” commented show Chairperson, Catherine Lee during the event.
FARM EXERCISES
Niamh Egan from Physiofit Nenagh ran a ‘Farming Fit Exercise’ demo on Arrabawn’s trailer stage at lunchtime. This demo aimed to address the most common farming related injuries through movement and exercise.
A big hit on the day was renowned wood-carver Paradzai Havatitye who was carving wood sculptures with a chainsaw live for the duration of the event. “Generally I just look at a piece of timber and make something, so it’s all just probably in the head. Sometimes I look at the timber and the timber talks to me and I answer with the chainsaw,” commented Paradzai light-heartedly about his craft. Each sculpture was auctioned off to the highest bidder, with proceeds from the auction going to Nenagh Day Care Centre, Lough Derg Sub Aqua Club’s search and recovery service, and the cost of materials.
Members of the public also seemed to take a big interest in the wide variety of motor vehicles that were on display at the show. This year’s event had an extra focus on air cooled vehicles. “We have a huge classic car section because the North Tipp Show combines with Nenagh classic car club and this is where they have their annual show,” commented Catherine Lee.