05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ireland's longest running agriculture show returns to Wexford after last year's setback
There have been a number of blips over the last few years between Covid and the show being cancelled last year as it was postponed and then a new date couldn't be secured. However, this year, Gorey Agricultural Show is back and better than ever, with the 163rd show set to be held in Ashton, Ballycanew.
Entries are open and flying in, from horse and pony showings, as well as cattle, sheep and goats. Indications so far are that sheep numbers will exceed previous years, with many different breeds, including Perth Scotch Sheep and Polled Dorset.
The cattle classes are in the same field as the sheep and there are Hereford classes, which are sponsored by ABP Slaney. There are also some new classes in the cattle section this year such as 'the All Ireland Pedigree Suckler Type Heifer, open to all breeds'.
There will be mare, foal and young horse classes, as well as race horse to riding class for horses that have retired from racing. In the pony rings, some changes have been introduced to the Working Hunter and the Performance Hunter classes, to make them more inclusive.
The Pets Corner and Dog Show are hugely popular. As the Department of Agriculture have lifted all sanctions on poultry, this section will be going ahead.
The Craft Tent caters for adults and children. A scarecrow competition will be run again this year, sponsored by Clone Agricultural Consultants, as it was very popular in 2023. Children will be catered for in the amusement park and there will be face painting at the Craft Tent.
Vintage demonstrations, food stalls and lots of trade stands as well as live entertainment with Alastair Fingleton and Seamus Long will also take place on the day.
Adult entry costs €10, students €5, and children aged 12 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult. Car parking is free at the show and dogs are very welcome, but must be on leads. People are being asked to respect the show grounds and to dispose of waste in the bins provided, as the site must be left as it was found.
Tírlán have agreed to remain as the main sponsor of the 2025 Gorey Agricultural Show. Tírlán is a huge employer both directly and indirectly in Ireland and Gorey Agricultural Show are very proud to be associated with them.
