Countdown to 66th Bandon Show on Sunday

NOW in its 66th year the Bandon Agricultural Show Society will take place this year on Sunday, May 20th, at the Showgrounds in Castle Bernard.

Speaking at the press reception to announce details of this year’s show in the Munster Arms Hotel last Thursday, chairperson Anne Crowley said the event has gone from strength to strength over the last 66 years, which she said is due in no part  to the very hard work of the committee and the help of their sponsors.

‘I’m very lucky to have a strong committee behind me, a  small one but a very hardworking committee. The show does not fall into place and we try every year to improve the show and keep up the standards each year,’ said Anne 

‘We are actually the only show in West Cork outside of Cork Show to run showjumping and it’s a big undertaking, but thank God it’s successful.’

Guest speaker at the launch, Barry Mulcahy, MD of MSD Brinny, said that 66 years of Bandon Show is an amazing achievement and congratulated the team. ‘We hope we in MSD Brinny too can reach our 66th anniversary and look to Bandon Show as an inspiration,’ said Barry. Following the speeches, a minute’s silence was held for the late Hughie O’Donovan who was a committee member and also for Michael O’Sullivan, who was a regular exhibitor at Bandon Agricultural Show.

This year’s show will be officially opened by Ballinascarthy native Denis Keohane, who is chairman of the National Ploughing Association, and it promises to be an exceptional day out for all the family. 

Bandon Show is renowned for the quality of its young horses, ridden horse and brood mares attracting entries from across the country. The feature event of the showjumping competition will be the Connolly Red Mills Grand Prix where a substantial prize fund will be on offer. 

The exceptional quality of cattle on show and the poultry sections continues to improve too and the dog show always draws big crowds.

There will also be a large variety of free entertainment  with Finbarr Dennehy and his flying accordion taking centre stage in the afternoon as well as Ger’s Mobile Pet Farm and the model farm display.

New to the show – and sure to be a hit this year – will the latest craze, Bubble Soccer.

As always, there will be full bar and catering facilities and there will be an array of trade, craft and food stands offering the latest in supplier innovation and technology.

• See www.bandonshow.com for more information.