At the idyllic setting on the banks of the Grand Canal, the sun beamed down gloriously as the crowds gathered at the Old Warehouse Tullamore for the Annual Sponsors Evening and the launch of the schedule of classes for 2025.

Music played and cocktails flowed as the sponsors, distinguished guests and executive members mingled at the historic venue. It was easy for all to cast a smile for the many photos as the weather played its part on the evening. Once the photography was over, we were then ushered to our seats. Our MC on the night was once again, Derek Nevin. Derek along with his wife Michelle Leaper Nevin are co-ordinators of the Canine Section, also running the K9 Training and Grooming and are world renowned breeders of Leevindane Great Danes.

Derek first introduced our new Chairperson Mr. John Keena. John gave praise to all the sponsors: “whose help we could not do without, no matter how small or large the sponsorship is, it’s what helps us keep the show running. John thanked the Minister for his presence and acknowledged his part in the Farm Safety Live Demos over the years, title Sponsors FBD and the landowners of the Butterfield Estate Anne Marie Butterfield and Stephen Mc Quade.”

John also thanked the landowners who provided the car parks and access areas to the site. In his speech he made a special mention to the owner of the Old Warehouse Mr. Shane Lowry. One of John’s memories is of meeting a young Shane Lowry in Ferbane GAA grounds, where Shane would be with his father and uncle. John concluded his speech with a list of new attractions to the show. One of our many new additions is our display cow, which was kindly sponsored by Cormac Tagging. John also highlighted in collaboration with Offaly County Council and the ESB, that we will have the Sustainable Livestock Village powered by hydrogen, which will be a first of its kind at an agricultural show. Goats, Valais Blacknose Sheep and Fleckvieh cattle are also some new additions to the show, not to mention the VEX Robotics class in the Inventions section.

The next speaker on the night was FBD Head of Sales - Midland’s and Western Region Pat Gilligan, stated that: “FBD is proud to be the title sponsor of the Tullamore Show and the National Livestock Show. It is the highlight of the FBD’s busy summer calendar and one we look forward to each year. Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show is a wonderful reflection of all that is positive within Ireland’s livestock and farming sector. FBD are proud to be involved in the Sustainable Livestock Village with the ever popular FBD Speakers corner again this year."

The Guest speaker on the night was the Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Marine, Minister Martin Heydon. The Minister thanked the show for the invitation and reminisced on the interaction he has had over the years with Tullamore Show and especially his involvement with the Farm Safety Live Demo. Minister Heydon reiterated John Keena’s praise and thanked the title sponsor FBD and all the other loyal sponsors. Minister Heydon, a farmer by trade, noted that agricultural shows such as Tullamore Show play a vital part in exhibiting farming and all that goes with it, it is a way to synchronise rural – urban communities. The Minister concluded his speech wishing Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show all the best for 2025.

The speeches concluded with Chairman John Keena and Secretary Chelsey Cox McDonald making a presentation to Minister Martin Heydon.

Tullamore Show will take place at the Butterfield Estate, Blueball on Sunday, August 10th. Visit their website for full details of online competitions at www.tullamoreshow.com.