It’s all systems go for the Ossory Show which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23.
The show will be staged over two days at Coolfin Cross, Rathdowney.
Traditional harvesting organiser Noel Bailey said they are hoping for good weather. “I’m not just down on one knee, I’m down on two. And I’m facing Mecca, just in case,” he said.
He added that not only will the Child of Prague be left out to ward off the rain, but “we are polishing it too!”
There is much to entertain at the show, but undoubtedly one of the highlights will be Richie Kavanagh.
“We are getting the stage ready for Richie, complete with Morris Minor, a Honda 50 and a Lanz Tractor. He can be a little bit crude but if you don’t like it, you can walk away.
“I wouldn’t get Andrew Lloyd Webber to play at an agricultural show, and if you don’t like Richie’s entertainment then maybe you should stay at home – or join the priesthood,” John Joked.
However, John added Richie is always a great source of entertainment and his Aon Focail Eile number gives children a chance to veer on the rude side, without going too far.
While there will be much light entertainment to enjoy over the two days, organising such an event is a serious business. And the Ossory Show must be doing something right as this is their 119th year.
Detail
Such is the attention to detail, that after working hard to make sure everything was ready, John was heading off to Clara in Offaly to pick up specially made jute sacks. “I’m going to Clara to get sacks with Ossory Show printed on them.
This to ensure a fully authentic experience at the old-time harvest event.
In a new departure, the show organisers entered into a partnership with a local landowner and have sown eight acres of winter barley.
The crop will be harvested on show day by 12 pre-1960 Bagger combine harvesters of various makes. Hence the need for traditional jute bags for the event.
“We are then going to load it up onto a 1940s lorry and bring it to the old mill in Donaghmore. We want people to relive their childhood traditions,” he said.
The show will also feature a binder pulled by two horses and an array of machinery from “traditional Ireland” – John prefers this term to vintage, which he doesn’t believe is accurate.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
He promises the donkey derby will be “pure craic” and the dog show should prove as popular as ever.
There are too many classes to mention, but the livestock section is again the mainstay of the show.
There is everything expected from a show including bakery, cookery, arts and crafts and entertainment.
Horticulture
John also urged everyone to pay a visit to the shed where horticulture and cookery will be on display.
“Inside it is special. We have lots of flowers and vegetables and much to see,” he said.
Volunteer Samantha Kelly was equally enthusiastic. “There is so much to see at the show and something for all the family,” she said.
With Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck set to make an appearance, and staple events such as face-painting and bouncy castles, she said all the family should be entertained.
“We have been running for over a hundred years now, so we must be doing something right,” she said.
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