Bantry Agricultural Show 2008 promises to be bigger and better than ever!   Spurred on by last year’s success, when the show was awarded “Show of the Year” by The Farmer’s Journal, this year the show committee are determined to improve the standard still further.

When awarding the title “Show of the Year 2007”, Susan Finnerty of the Farmers Journal said “This unique show, with visitors shuttled there by bus and ferry, ticked all the boxes for superb organisation, having a wide range of classes and an excellent catalogue, all set against the backdrop of Whiddy Island.  It’s the show that makes the long trek worthwhile – Bantry”.

This year, the same superb organisation will be evident again, and this year the ferry service from the pier to Beach will run for longer – from 11am to 7pm, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to avail of the service.   Beach has proved to be a hugely successful setting for the show, and each year owner Mrs Brigitte Wagner-Halswick, MD of ROWA Pharmaceuticals very kindly allows the airfield to be used for the day.  Already entries are being submitted to the office in the old Stella Cinema, and preparations are under way with the kind sponsorship of GW Biggs, the main sponsors of the show.   The only thing that can’t be guaranteed is sunshine, but whatever the weather the show must go on!

The programme of events will again be huge – with trade stands, an energy tent, arts and crafts, home baking to name but a few, aswell as the usual big attractions, all totalling a prize fund of €50,000, and of course full bar and catering facilities, and entertainment for the children.  This year’s musical entertainment will be provided by C & M Sound.
 
The popular fashion fest will again be a feature of the show, with fashion gurus Mary Hegarty and Martina Wiseman in charge of all things beautiful, and there will be wide array of local fashion, beauty and hair outlets waiting to showcase their wares throughout the day.

Once again, it’s a show not to be missed and the committee looks forward to seeing you for what promises to be a hugely enjoyable and entertaining day for the whole family.  Don’t miss it!

Admission: €10, children under 12 free.

Show Officers for 2008 are as follows:

President: Michael Cadogan / Vice President: John Cotter / Chairman: John Connolly / Vice Chairman: Christy Mullins / Secretary: Martina Hamilton
Asst Secretary: Eileen O’Donoghue / Treasurer: Gerard Harrington / Asst Treasurer: Nora Murphy / PRO:  Mary Hegarty

Horse Committee Chairman: Dan Coppinger / Pony Committee Chairman: Eamon Wiseman / Cattle Committee Chairman: Gordon Shannon
Sheep Committee Chairman: Niall O’Donoghue / Fashion & Beauty Chairpersons: Martina Wiseman, Mary Hegarty
Co-ordinators: Sean McGrath   Joe Wiseman   David Coakley