Barryroe Show sets the standard

BY JOHN SEXTON

FRESH from having been declared ‘Show of the Year’ for 2017, the organisers of Barryroe Show won’t be resting on their laurels and are planning a bigger and even better event for this year on Saturday, July 14th.

Speaking at the launch of Barryroe’s 62nd annual  show, David Sheehan, president of the Irish Shows Association, declared: ‘You have set a standard for others to follow.’ The launch took place at Courtmacsherry Hotel and he went on to say that, while Barryroe Show is limited for space, the meticulous way in which they accommodate every class and item is a credit to the organising ability of each and every member of the committee.

‘Shows like yours here in Barryroe play an integral role in maintaining the fabric of rural Ireland,’ added Mr Sheehan and he commended the sponsors of this and every show throughout the country, as they are the lifeblood that keeps these shows alive. 

The chairman of  Barryroe Show Society, Johnny O’Brien, gave a thorough outline of the various classes and events – from thoroughbred horses to home cooking. In both the equestrian and livestock sectors, Barryroe enjoys some outstanding participants. 

Head of Horse Sport Ireland, Patrick McCarthy of Meelin Stud, near Bandon, was in attendance at the launch. Accompanying  him were his wife Susan and daughter Jayne. We also met Billy Barry of the Barryroe Stud Farm, while also there were two well-known local horse breeders Consie Keohane and Charles Dullea. 

In charge of the finances of the Barryroe Show Society is Michael Whelton, Barreragh, while the secretarial side is in the capable hands of two charming young ladies, the McCarthy sisters, Caroline and Therese. David Sheehan felt very much at home in the company of Dominic McArdle (Barryroe) and Kitty Cotter (Dunmanway), both fellow members of the Irish Shows Association. 

While the horses and the cattle will capture the attention of a lot of people, the dog show has been growing in popularity over the years. The Ladies’ Committee of Barryroe Show makes everyone who attends the show feel very much at home. Step dancing and a children’s sports meeting conclude a very full day out for all the family, which no doubt helped Barryroe Show achieve the top rating nationally for last year.