A capacity crowd filled the hall at the ancient site of Navan Fort in Armagh for the launch of the 2016 Armagh County Show which will be held on Saturday 11th June in the beautiful surroundings of Gosford Forest Park at Markethill.
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Darryn Causby, welcomed the Show Committee and their guests and wished the organisers continued success with this flagship event in the Armagh area. Chairman, Stephen Hamilton, extended a warm welcome to all attending with a special mention for the members of other Show Committees and for the special guests Barclay Bell President of the Farmers Union, and Ivor Ferguson Deputy President UFU. The Chairman concluded his remarks with special thanks to all the sponsors, both present and absent, who generously contribute to the continued success of the event.
General Secretary, Mrs Flo McCall, then gave a brief outline of some of the prestigious championships being held at this year’s Show including, the NI Irish Beltex Sheep Breeders Club National Show 2016, The Ulster Dorset Sheep Championships, and the inclusion of new classes in both dairy, beef and sheep sections. In addition, the status and scope of the equestrian section continues to grow with the allocation of 12 Irish Shows Association qualifiers for All-Ireland Championships and important qualifiers for the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show in July, namely: The Breeders’ Championship, The Ladies’ and Intermediate Side-Saddle Championship and the Invitational Qualifier for the winner of the Open Race to Riding Horse Class. The long-established and mutually beneficial association with Tydavnet Show will also continue with the running of joint equine competitions for brood mares, first-ridden ponies and working hunters.
New attractions to our show this year include: Radio Ulster with Anne Marie McAleese broadcasting from 8am. The Mothers Union have volunteered their services as part of their charity outreach programme facilitating our new ‘mums’ marquee for feeding and changing babies. After the success of the last year Adult ‘Cook off’ we are moving forward with a “Schools Cookery competition” again highlighting the talent of young people in local schools, all within a bigger and more spacious Food Village Area. The Young Farmers Clubs will be in the forefront with demonstrations and competitions of Sheep Shearing in the main arena with Ritchie Remo entertaining the crowd. The Dog Show will be under new management in 2016, with our local deputy dog warden Sarah and Emma McCall taking control and we wish them well with the task. Our fashion show is a popular attraction and this is something we plan to build on this year with Lila’s providing the style. Best dressed Lady and Gent now also a firm favourite. And finally a beautiful hand painted map has been produced to complement our show and guide our visitors around the stunning Gosford Park, finally look out Gosford Park may well be morphing into Jurassic Park on the 11th June as we welcome a dinosaur to stroll through the park and entertain young and old.
After the success of our Park and Ride facility we are building capacity with extra tractors and trailers to transport the crowds into the forest, an adventure ride enjoyed by young and old. Park and Ride fields lie on the outskirts of the forest park. Stewards are available to direct you throughout the process. Gates open for our show at 9.00am. Everyone is very welcome on Saturday 11th June at Gosford Forest Park.
Further details about this year’s Armagh County Show can be obtained from the Secretary at: 028 3752 2333 or email: info@armaghshow.com. Details can also be viewed on the website at: www.armaghshow.com and you can follow us on facebook and twitter.