Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has confirmed post-pandemic funding to the tune of EUR 700,000 to support upcoming agricultural shows. The support is possible through the government’s Our Rural Future policy. And funds will be administered by the Irish Shows’ Association (ISA), which runs more than 130 affiliated agricultural shows every summer and into autumn.
In her keynote address at the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show Sponsors Night on 25 May, Humphreys said: “For over two-and a-half years, we lost something that really sums up everything that is good about rural Ireland. “As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I know that our shows are intrinsically linked to that sense of community that rural Ireland is all about.”
“I believe it is of vital importance to our rural communities that we support the efforts of the show committees and the work of their volunteers. “I hope that this funding will help put the shows on a firmer financial footing and provide vital support to the committees.”
Catherine Gallagher, national president of the ISA, responded: “There is no doubt costs have increased this year. It’s great to have this support and we are also grateful for the support the department gave us through the pandemic.”
This year LSL Auctions will be broadcasting live to local and international audiences at The Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show 2022 on the second Sunday in August, namely Sunday, 14 August 2022.