Two days of intense competition as well as plenty of entertainment will be offered at this year’s Omagh Show on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5.
Launched last week in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, a large crowd of sponsors and Show members heard about this year’s programme.
The guest speaker was Ulster Farmers’ Union President, Ian Marshall who said Omagh Show was a shining example of how agricultural events have diversified to widen their appeal and cater for the needs of everyone within the local community.
“Within the last few years there has been a radical change in the perception out there of the country shows, the local shows. A few years ago when show committees were struggling to get people through their gates and wondering how they would attract the general public back to support their shows we certainly wondered if they could survive. However a few years on everybody through hard work and dedication, through hardcore individuals on committees and organisers, shows have made a comeback. And certainly that’s vitally important to the rural fabric and structure of our local communities,” he said.
“It’s interesting because when you look at the diversity that you have got in front of you in the press release for this show there is so much in it, there is something for everyone.
“And don’t ever underestimate the importance of all the diversity of attractions. I know a lot of hardcore cattle, sheep breeders and farmers out there might think some of this stuff is a bit Mickey Mouse and it’s perhaps a waste of time and it’s only for people who don’t understand about farming.”
He said shows were a shop window for agriculture and they were all part of the most important industry in Northern Ireland.
“Don’t ever underestimate the value of agriculture and agri-food. It’s not the headline grabbing industry, it’s not IT, it’s not construction but this is the most important industry in the north and south of Ireland,” he told guests.
The Chairman of Tyrone Farming Society, Jennifer Hawkes outlined the programme of events. One of the most coveted prizes was the Champion of Champions rosette, sponsored by First Trust Bank and there is also keen competition for the Sam Robinson Cup. The Champions of Champions will be judged by Mr. D. Bailie from Lanark.
There are 10 breed sections for the beef classes and among the qualifiers will be the Linden Foods/NISA Pedigree Beef Heifer Championship 2014, Bank of Ireland/NISA Junior Bull Championship, Minsups Charolais Championship, Ivomec Super Simmental Pair of the Year, Danske Bank Limousin Show Team of the Year and Rare Breeds Cattle Derby.
There are seven new sponsors in the sheep classes and there are new classes in the home industries section
(Source – Impartial Reporter – 13/06/2014)
Jennifer Hawkes, Ian Marshall UFU, Lisa Marshall, Alan Kyle, Bertie Plooack, Ewin Cartwright, David Stewart.